AOS from K1: Certified or regular copy of Birth Certificate?

[KVM 6]

I'm putting all the papers and forms together to file for AOS (I'm a K1 visa holder).

I'm translating my Birth Certificate myself (from Spain), since I'm competent in both languages:

-> Do I need to attach a certified copy of the birth certificate, or will just a regular photocopy of the certified copy do?

Thanx!

[Villanelle 4,122]

First regarding translations- see page 2 of the instructions. While I understand you are fluent, are you a certified translator?

As for the copies. For a birth certificate, you can submit a plain old photocopy- see page 3. (top left, general statement) top right number 2 Birth Certificate

[KVM 6]

First regarding translations- see page 2 of the instructions. While I understand you are fluent, are you a certified translator?

As for the copies. For a birth certificate, you can submit a plain old photocopy- see page 3. (top left, general statement) top right number 2 Birth Certificate

I guess a photocopy will do then. Thank you for that. Concerning the translation, I'm afraid I disagree with you.

I quote from the I-485 instructions:

"(...) a full English translation which the translator has certified as accurate, and by the translator's certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language to English'' ('Translations'. Instructions: page 2)

To my understanding this does mean that translator has to be certified, but he or she has to certify that the translation is accurate because he or she is competent in both languages.

From the USCIS website:

Please submit certified translations for all foreign language documents. The translator must certify that s/he is competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.

The certification format should include the certifier's name, signature, address, and date of certification. A suggested format is:

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________

Date Typed Name

Address

[Villanelle 4,122]

Lol, well then you are a certified translator!! Add it to your resume.

Good luck on your journey and a speedy AOS.

[KVM 6]

I already hold both a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in English and Linguistics. No need to do that.

Btw, the USCIS doesn't require this certification to be notarized.

[Galilea 1]

I also did the BC translation myself, but, in theory, it needs to be certified (following the format you already posted above) but someone other than the applying parties. So neither you or your husband. We asked a friend who is also fluent in both languages to check the document and my translation and she was happy to sign it. I would comply with this step. We followed all the rules and still got an RFE because of the BC, just saying. By the way, as they've told you, a photocopy should be OK.

[KVM 6]

Well, thanx for confirming I can use a regular photocopy.

About the translation, I've been reading a checking on the USCIS website, and it does not state that the translation has to be made by a third party.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextchannel=fe529c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextoid=ff053d146a7ee010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD

There are plenty of threads from people who have translated their own documents and had no issues. I also found out that, in many cases, the trouble comes at the K1 Visa stage, when it's up to the Embassy. Apparently, for AOS, I should be fine if I translate the BC myself, as long as I certify I'm fluent in both languages.

Nevertheless, all advice is welcome! Why did you get a RFE about the BC? DId they tell you what was wrong with it?

Edited January 20, 2013 by Mrs.Him

[KVM 6]

I've just read the thread where you talk about the RFE you got. Before leaving Spain, I made sure I got the long/complete version of my BC, so I'm not worried about that

[Galilea 1]

I've just read the thread where you talk about the RFE you got. Before leaving Spain, I made sure I got the long/complete version of my BC, so I'm not worried about that

Glad someone can benefit from the advice in my RFE thread! Mucha suerte!