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JGD108

Marriage certificate : certified or copy?

By JGD108 in Adjustment of Status from Work, Student, & Tourist Visas

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JGD108 Explorer

JGD108   8

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

Reading the guide on this site for AOS (i130guide2) and also other posts, it seems that you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate (and possibly from the place where it was issued in the first place).

But reading the official I-130 instructions, it says : "A copy of your marriage certificate".

A copy is enough then (scan) ?

Thanks :)

N-400, Application for Naturalization

03/20/2016 [Day -2] - Early filing date (GC + 3 years)
03/22/2016 [Day 0] - Submitted package to Arizona lockbox via USPS 2-day

03/29/2016 [Day 7] - Check cashed

04/01/2016 [Day 10] - NOA letter received (Priority date 03/24)
04/09/2016 [Day 18] - Fingerprints letter received (Apt date 04/21)
04/11/2016 [Day 20] - Successful early biometrics walk-in at San Marcos, CA
05/18/2016 [Day 57] - InLine status (no SMS or emails ..)
-- Rescheduled interview
07/13/2016 [Day 113] - Interview Letter
08/15/2016 [Day 146] - Interview
09/22/2016 [Day 184] - Oath Ceremony
10/11/2016 - Passport Delivered!!

Adjustment of Status : Green Card via Spouse from TN Status

02/20/2013 [Day -2] - Medical Examination - $150
02/22/2013 [Day 0] - Mailed AOS package (I-130, I-131, I-485, I-765, I-693, I-864) to Chicago Lockbox via USPS Priority Mail
02/25/2013 [Day 3] - AOS Package delivered to USCIS Chicago at 10:30pm
03/06/2013 [Day 12] - Received 4 NOA1 notifications via E-mail around midnight
03/07/2013 [Day 13] - Checks cashed
03/11/2013 [Day 17] - Received hard copies of NOAs for I-130, I-131, I-485 and I-765
03/11/2013 [Day 17] - Received Biometrics Appointment Letter - Scheduled for 03/28
03/12/2013 [Day 18] - Successful early biometrics walk-in at San Marcos, CA
03/21/2013 [Day 27] - RFE for I-130 (electronic notice)
03/25/2013 [Day 31] - Received RFE in the mail.
04/14/2013 [Day 51] - Response to the RFE
04/17/2013 [Day 54] - RFE received by USCIS at 4:08 PM
04/18/2013 [Day 55] - RFE Response Review notification received by SMS/Email at 9:14AM (PST)
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - EAD: Name was updated at 1:15PM
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - AP: Approval notification at 2:15PM
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - AOS: Testing and Interview notification at 3:30PM
05/10/2013 [Day 77] - EAD: Card sent for production at 4:45AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - EAD: Card mailed at 9:00AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - AOS: Interview notification for June 18th at 8:31AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - AOS: Interview notice received in the mail
05/15/2013 [Day 82] - EAD+AP: Received Card in the mail at 11AM
06/18/2013 [Day 116] - AOS Interview in San Diego
06/18/2013 [Day 116] - Notification on USCIS website - AOS Approved and registered
06/21/2013 [Day 119] - GC sent for production
06/24/2013 [Day 122] - GC sent via USPS
06/26/2013 [Day 124] - GC DELIVERED at 10:45AM!

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JGD108 Explorer

JGD108   8

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

I only sent a copy, not even a color copy...

:)

Did it have the county stamp?

Yes it is the high res color scan of the original certificate made at the wedding day from the town hall.

N-400, Application for Naturalization

03/20/2016 [Day -2] - Early filing date (GC + 3 years)
03/22/2016 [Day 0] - Submitted package to Arizona lockbox via USPS 2-day

03/29/2016 [Day 7] - Check cashed

04/01/2016 [Day 10] - NOA letter received (Priority date 03/24)
04/09/2016 [Day 18] - Fingerprints letter received (Apt date 04/21)
04/11/2016 [Day 20] - Successful early biometrics walk-in at San Marcos, CA
05/18/2016 [Day 57] - InLine status (no SMS or emails ..)
-- Rescheduled interview
07/13/2016 [Day 113] - Interview Letter
08/15/2016 [Day 146] - Interview
09/22/2016 [Day 184] - Oath Ceremony
10/11/2016 - Passport Delivered!!

Adjustment of Status : Green Card via Spouse from TN Status

02/20/2013 [Day -2] - Medical Examination - $150
02/22/2013 [Day 0] - Mailed AOS package (I-130, I-131, I-485, I-765, I-693, I-864) to Chicago Lockbox via USPS Priority Mail
02/25/2013 [Day 3] - AOS Package delivered to USCIS Chicago at 10:30pm
03/06/2013 [Day 12] - Received 4 NOA1 notifications via E-mail around midnight
03/07/2013 [Day 13] - Checks cashed
03/11/2013 [Day 17] - Received hard copies of NOAs for I-130, I-131, I-485 and I-765
03/11/2013 [Day 17] - Received Biometrics Appointment Letter - Scheduled for 03/28
03/12/2013 [Day 18] - Successful early biometrics walk-in at San Marcos, CA
03/21/2013 [Day 27] - RFE for I-130 (electronic notice)
03/25/2013 [Day 31] - Received RFE in the mail.
04/14/2013 [Day 51] - Response to the RFE
04/17/2013 [Day 54] - RFE received by USCIS at 4:08 PM
04/18/2013 [Day 55] - RFE Response Review notification received by SMS/Email at 9:14AM (PST)
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - EAD: Name was updated at 1:15PM
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - AP: Approval notification at 2:15PM
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - AOS: Testing and Interview notification at 3:30PM
05/10/2013 [Day 77] - EAD: Card sent for production at 4:45AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - EAD: Card mailed at 9:00AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - AOS: Interview notification for June 18th at 8:31AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - AOS: Interview notice received in the mail
05/15/2013 [Day 82] - EAD+AP: Received Card in the mail at 11AM
06/18/2013 [Day 116] - AOS Interview in San Diego
06/18/2013 [Day 116] - Notification on USCIS website - AOS Approved and registered
06/21/2013 [Day 119] - GC sent for production
06/24/2013 [Day 122] - GC sent via USPS
06/26/2013 [Day 124] - GC DELIVERED at 10:45AM!

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Mariana2012 Collaborator

Mariana2012   89

Posted
Filed: Country: Romania
 Timeline
Posted

My lawyer used a copy of the certified marriage certificate in the file

Adjusting from B1/B2

Exactly 3 months from the day we got married till the day I had both SSN and GREENCARD in hand !

Day 1 01/22/2013 AOS package sent

Day 8 01/28/2013 NOA 1 received

Day 15 02/04/2013Biometrics appt letter for 2/25/2013

Day 16 02/05/2013 Succesful walk in biometrics 20 days early

Day 25 02/14/2013 USCIS status changed to Testing and Interview ready for interview scheduling

Day 31 02/20/2013 Email notification that my interview is scheduled for March 21st

Day 57 03/19/2013 EAD/AP card ordered

Day 59 03/21/2013 Interview at 10.30 am Seattle Approved

Day 67 03/29/ 2013 Greencard Arrived . Applied for SSN

Day 68 03/30/2013 EAD arrived

Day 74 04/03/2013 SSN card arrived

Eligible for ROC December 21st 2014

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little_dreamer Explorer

little_dreamer   11

Posted
Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Morocco
 Timeline
Posted

We just sent off a normal copy...nothing special and it was fine, she just asked to see a the original at the interview.

Our love began in 2010....our Journey in 2012 (January) and now we are at peace until 2014!

Timeline (kinda-- Im not putting exact dates- just months~)

--January 2012-- Sent our I-485 and I-130 packet off :)

--February 2012-- Touch-- Need more evidence.

--February 2012-- Sent more evidence.

--March 2012-- Biometrics and Doctors App (around the same time)

--June 2012-- (BIG PROBLEM) Immigration sent us a 'DENIAL' letter due to not having a sponsor (I thought we didnt need one)

--June 2012-- we hired a lawyer and got a sponsor, got the I-290B Motion to Appeal or Reopen had everything sent off by the end of July 2012.

--October 2012-- OUR APPEAL WAS APPROVED (breath easy, we didn't have to wait too long)

--October 2012-- Work permit sent-- got SSN

--November 26th, 2012-- AOS interview-- Got sent out told to get a translator and new interview date would be sent. :(

--January 8th, 2013-- Second interview...went well but no idea if we were approved or denied....VERY STRESSFUL!!

--January 15th, 2013-- APPPPPPRRRROOOOVVVEEEED!!!!!! (checked on USCIS web site)

--January 18th, 2013-- Card Production Ordered....welcome letter (hard copy) in the mail!!! :)

--January 24th, 2013--CARD IN HAND!!! DONE!!!!!

on-beach-at-sunset.jpg

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hayam Community Regular

hayam   8

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Morocco
 Timeline
Posted

It depends on the peson reviewing your Documents because I know most people were asked for the original copy & they will return it at the Inteview. For me I sent all the original documents because I didn't want to get RFE's & now waiting for Interview. Good luck

Vermont Service Center

Marriage : 2012-12-05 In Morocco

2012-04-12: I-130 Sent

2012-04-16: USCIS Received

2012-04-16: I-130 NOA1

2012-11-28: I-130 Approved (226 days)

2012-12-05: NVC Received

2012-12-12: E-mailed Completed DS-3032

2012-12-17: Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill

2012-12-17: Pay I-864 Bill

2012-12-19: Send Completed I-864

2012-12-20: NVC Accepted DS-3032

2012-12-24: NVC Received I-864 Package

2012-12-21: Received IV Bill

2012-12-21: Pay IV Bill

2012-12-27: IV Packet Sent (UPS Express Mail)

2012-12-28: NVC Received IV Packet

2013-01-08: AOS Package accepted

2013-01-10: IV Accepted

2013-01-10: Case Completed at NVC

2013-01-31: Received Instruction Package

2013-03-07: Interview Date

2013-03-07: Visa Approved

2013-03-11: Visa Received

2013-04-01: US Entry

2013-xx-xx: SSN Received

2013-xx-xx: Green Card Received

event.png

event.png

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deborabr Enthusiast

deborabr   16

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Timeline
Posted (edited)

I also only sent a copy but on the interview she asked to see the original.

Also they say on the instructions:

Copies: Unless specifically required that original document be filed with an application or petition, a legible photocopy may be submitted. Original documents submitted when not required may remain a part of the record, and will not automatically be returned to you.

Edited by deborabr
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JGD108 Explorer

JGD108   8

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Thanks everybody for your quick feedback!! Loving this forum

It depends on the peson reviewing your Documents because I know most people were asked for the original copy & they will return it at the Inteview. For me I sent all the original documents because I didn't want to get RFE's & now waiting for Interview. Good luck

Was under the impression anything you send to USCIS will not be returned to you, hence they don't ask for originals (other than maybe at the interview)

N-400, Application for Naturalization

03/20/2016 [Day -2] - Early filing date (GC + 3 years)
03/22/2016 [Day 0] - Submitted package to Arizona lockbox via USPS 2-day

03/29/2016 [Day 7] - Check cashed

04/01/2016 [Day 10] - NOA letter received (Priority date 03/24)
04/09/2016 [Day 18] - Fingerprints letter received (Apt date 04/21)
04/11/2016 [Day 20] - Successful early biometrics walk-in at San Marcos, CA
05/18/2016 [Day 57] - InLine status (no SMS or emails ..)
-- Rescheduled interview
07/13/2016 [Day 113] - Interview Letter
08/15/2016 [Day 146] - Interview
09/22/2016 [Day 184] - Oath Ceremony
10/11/2016 - Passport Delivered!!

Adjustment of Status : Green Card via Spouse from TN Status

02/20/2013 [Day -2] - Medical Examination - $150
02/22/2013 [Day 0] - Mailed AOS package (I-130, I-131, I-485, I-765, I-693, I-864) to Chicago Lockbox via USPS Priority Mail
02/25/2013 [Day 3] - AOS Package delivered to USCIS Chicago at 10:30pm
03/06/2013 [Day 12] - Received 4 NOA1 notifications via E-mail around midnight
03/07/2013 [Day 13] - Checks cashed
03/11/2013 [Day 17] - Received hard copies of NOAs for I-130, I-131, I-485 and I-765
03/11/2013 [Day 17] - Received Biometrics Appointment Letter - Scheduled for 03/28
03/12/2013 [Day 18] - Successful early biometrics walk-in at San Marcos, CA
03/21/2013 [Day 27] - RFE for I-130 (electronic notice)
03/25/2013 [Day 31] - Received RFE in the mail.
04/14/2013 [Day 51] - Response to the RFE
04/17/2013 [Day 54] - RFE received by USCIS at 4:08 PM
04/18/2013 [Day 55] - RFE Response Review notification received by SMS/Email at 9:14AM (PST)
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - EAD: Name was updated at 1:15PM
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - AP: Approval notification at 2:15PM
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - AOS: Testing and Interview notification at 3:30PM
05/10/2013 [Day 77] - EAD: Card sent for production at 4:45AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - EAD: Card mailed at 9:00AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - AOS: Interview notification for June 18th at 8:31AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - AOS: Interview notice received in the mail
05/15/2013 [Day 82] - EAD+AP: Received Card in the mail at 11AM
06/18/2013 [Day 116] - AOS Interview in San Diego
06/18/2013 [Day 116] - Notification on USCIS website - AOS Approved and registered
06/21/2013 [Day 119] - GC sent for production
06/24/2013 [Day 122] - GC sent via USPS
06/26/2013 [Day 124] - GC DELIVERED at 10:45AM!

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JGD108 Explorer

JGD108   8

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Just make sure you have the original on you at the interview. You'll be fine, don't worry.

Yes will bring the original.

Speaking of returning originals, do they return the pictures we send them to prove our bona-fide marriage?

In Canada for my spouse they returned the pictures when she got her PR (good so we can use them now again for my GC !)

N-400, Application for Naturalization

03/20/2016 [Day -2] - Early filing date (GC + 3 years)
03/22/2016 [Day 0] - Submitted package to Arizona lockbox via USPS 2-day

03/29/2016 [Day 7] - Check cashed

04/01/2016 [Day 10] - NOA letter received (Priority date 03/24)
04/09/2016 [Day 18] - Fingerprints letter received (Apt date 04/21)
04/11/2016 [Day 20] - Successful early biometrics walk-in at San Marcos, CA
05/18/2016 [Day 57] - InLine status (no SMS or emails ..)
-- Rescheduled interview
07/13/2016 [Day 113] - Interview Letter
08/15/2016 [Day 146] - Interview
09/22/2016 [Day 184] - Oath Ceremony
10/11/2016 - Passport Delivered!!

Adjustment of Status : Green Card via Spouse from TN Status

02/20/2013 [Day -2] - Medical Examination - $150
02/22/2013 [Day 0] - Mailed AOS package (I-130, I-131, I-485, I-765, I-693, I-864) to Chicago Lockbox via USPS Priority Mail
02/25/2013 [Day 3] - AOS Package delivered to USCIS Chicago at 10:30pm
03/06/2013 [Day 12] - Received 4 NOA1 notifications via E-mail around midnight
03/07/2013 [Day 13] - Checks cashed
03/11/2013 [Day 17] - Received hard copies of NOAs for I-130, I-131, I-485 and I-765
03/11/2013 [Day 17] - Received Biometrics Appointment Letter - Scheduled for 03/28
03/12/2013 [Day 18] - Successful early biometrics walk-in at San Marcos, CA
03/21/2013 [Day 27] - RFE for I-130 (electronic notice)
03/25/2013 [Day 31] - Received RFE in the mail.
04/14/2013 [Day 51] - Response to the RFE
04/17/2013 [Day 54] - RFE received by USCIS at 4:08 PM
04/18/2013 [Day 55] - RFE Response Review notification received by SMS/Email at 9:14AM (PST)
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - EAD: Name was updated at 1:15PM
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - AP: Approval notification at 2:15PM
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - AOS: Testing and Interview notification at 3:30PM
05/10/2013 [Day 77] - EAD: Card sent for production at 4:45AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - EAD: Card mailed at 9:00AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - AOS: Interview notification for June 18th at 8:31AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - AOS: Interview notice received in the mail
05/15/2013 [Day 82] - EAD+AP: Received Card in the mail at 11AM
06/18/2013 [Day 116] - AOS Interview in San Diego
06/18/2013 [Day 116] - Notification on USCIS website - AOS Approved and registered
06/21/2013 [Day 119] - GC sent for production
06/24/2013 [Day 122] - GC sent via USPS
06/26/2013 [Day 124] - GC DELIVERED at 10:45AM!

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SAT Grand Master

SAT   9,609

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Malaysia
 Timeline
Posted

Yes will bring the original.

Speaking of returning originals, do they return the pictures we send them to prove our bona-fide marriage?

In Canada for my spouse they returned the pictures when she got her PR (good so we can use them now again for my GC !)

They did not return our pictures. And during Tiff's AOS interview, the IO took a few more pictures from us...I think they actually have a cork board in their lounge and pin up some pictures there too...

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JGD108 Explorer

JGD108   8

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

They did not return our pictures. And during Tiff's AOS interview, the IO took a few more pictures from us...I think they actually have a cork board in their lounge and pin up some pictures there too...

Speaking about pictures.. just got this thought.

We have been married over 2 years. I'm planning to show joint lease, car insurance, medical insurance etc

And of course wedding album during interview..

But do we really have to show pics of us meeting before wedding, with friends, etc ?

I understand most of the AOS family based are when the couple just got married so bona-fide is important, but after 2 years.. isn't it bona-fide as is! :)

Just a thought :)

N-400, Application for Naturalization

03/20/2016 [Day -2] - Early filing date (GC + 3 years)
03/22/2016 [Day 0] - Submitted package to Arizona lockbox via USPS 2-day

03/29/2016 [Day 7] - Check cashed

04/01/2016 [Day 10] - NOA letter received (Priority date 03/24)
04/09/2016 [Day 18] - Fingerprints letter received (Apt date 04/21)
04/11/2016 [Day 20] - Successful early biometrics walk-in at San Marcos, CA
05/18/2016 [Day 57] - InLine status (no SMS or emails ..)
-- Rescheduled interview
07/13/2016 [Day 113] - Interview Letter
08/15/2016 [Day 146] - Interview
09/22/2016 [Day 184] - Oath Ceremony
10/11/2016 - Passport Delivered!!

Adjustment of Status : Green Card via Spouse from TN Status

02/20/2013 [Day -2] - Medical Examination - $150
02/22/2013 [Day 0] - Mailed AOS package (I-130, I-131, I-485, I-765, I-693, I-864) to Chicago Lockbox via USPS Priority Mail
02/25/2013 [Day 3] - AOS Package delivered to USCIS Chicago at 10:30pm
03/06/2013 [Day 12] - Received 4 NOA1 notifications via E-mail around midnight
03/07/2013 [Day 13] - Checks cashed
03/11/2013 [Day 17] - Received hard copies of NOAs for I-130, I-131, I-485 and I-765
03/11/2013 [Day 17] - Received Biometrics Appointment Letter - Scheduled for 03/28
03/12/2013 [Day 18] - Successful early biometrics walk-in at San Marcos, CA
03/21/2013 [Day 27] - RFE for I-130 (electronic notice)
03/25/2013 [Day 31] - Received RFE in the mail.
04/14/2013 [Day 51] - Response to the RFE
04/17/2013 [Day 54] - RFE received by USCIS at 4:08 PM
04/18/2013 [Day 55] - RFE Response Review notification received by SMS/Email at 9:14AM (PST)
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - EAD: Name was updated at 1:15PM
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - AP: Approval notification at 2:15PM
05/07/2013 [Day 74] - AOS: Testing and Interview notification at 3:30PM
05/10/2013 [Day 77] - EAD: Card sent for production at 4:45AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - EAD: Card mailed at 9:00AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - AOS: Interview notification for June 18th at 8:31AM
05/13/2013 [Day 80] - AOS: Interview notice received in the mail
05/15/2013 [Day 82] - EAD+AP: Received Card in the mail at 11AM
06/18/2013 [Day 116] - AOS Interview in San Diego
06/18/2013 [Day 116] - Notification on USCIS website - AOS Approved and registered
06/21/2013 [Day 119] - GC sent for production
06/24/2013 [Day 122] - GC sent via USPS
06/26/2013 [Day 124] - GC DELIVERED at 10:45AM!

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deborabr Enthusiast

deborabr   16

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Timeline
Posted

No just few pictures of both of you, if you have pics with some family members that would be nice too. We made a photo album online and brought with us and she made copies of some of the pages but that is not required you can only bring a few pictures showing you both in different places travelling or whatever just showing you've been together for a while.

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