I-130 forms

[bruins 14]

Hi all - what evidence should I attach with the I-130 package and should they be originals or certified copies? Also, should I do translations for required documents or everything I send with the I-130 package?

Thanks!

[stevie b 141]

check the guides at the top tabs it is all there

originals do NOT go to uscis they go to nvc

translations, for sure.. notarized not needed, just a signed affidavit that they are accurate

[Chris & Trinh 15]

Hi all - what evidence should I attach with the I-130 package and should they be originals or certified copies? Also, should I do translations for required documents or everything I send with the I-130 package?

Thanks!

Do NOT send originals. Most times you wont get them back, or they could even be lost. Make photo copies of most documents. Birth Certificates, marriage certificate should be certified copies. Anything not in English be sure to get translated and stamped and sent BOTH the translated copy along with the copy of the original document. Make sure all dates you put on the forms match the documentation.

As far as evidence...anything that supports the documents and your relationship. It is best to front load the application for Vietnam. Meaning to add as much evidence as you can at the beginning on the process. A timeline of your relationship would be good to send as well as taking one to your interview. A few photos that can match the time line....before marriage, engagement, vacations, wedding, family pics together, anything like that. Copies of chat records, shared bills/accounts or money transfers would be good.

Edited July 2, 2013 by Chris & Trinh

[bruins 14]

Thank you very much for your response. Do the evidence (hotel receipts, jewelry for wedding receipts, airline stubs, etc.) need to be translated to English as well because that would be alot of stuff to translate

[stevie b 141]

Thank you very much for your response. Do the evidence (hotel receipts, jewelry for wedding receipts, airline stubs, etc.) need to be translated to English as well because that would be alot of stuff to translate

if you want something to be considered... translate it

attention to details will eliminate future barriers

[Chris & Trinh 15]

if you want something to be considered... translate it

attention to details will eliminate future barriers

Exactly.....translate EVERYTHING!! It is better to take the time to do it right at the beginning then get and RFE or denied. Believe me I got an RFE for an incorrect date. They are picky about every detail. If you are submitting anything to be concidered it MUST be in English.

[bruins 14]

Thanks, I'll do that. Another question, do I need to have a signed affidavit for every document translated or one at 'the top o the pile'?

[Ryan H 3,834]

Thank you very much for your response. Do the evidence (hotel receipts, jewelry for wedding receipts, airline stubs, etc.) need to be translated to English as well because that would be alot of stuff to translate

There is no requirement to translate such evidence and previous posts that imply such evidence would be disregarded and/or an RFE being issued for not having translated relationship evidence are grossly incorrect.

I never translated relationship evidence and had no issues. Instructions regarding translations are very clear (and nowhere in the instructions is a requierment to translate relationship evidence such as the examples that you give above).

Still, if you want to take the time to translate all your relationship evidence, you can do so but it is nothing more than needless busywork on your part.

[Chris & Trinh 15]

There is no requirement to translate such evidence and previous posts that imply such evidence would be disregarded and/or an RFE being issued for not having translated relationship evidence are grossly incorrect.

I never translated relationship evidence and had no issues. Instructions regarding translations are very clear (and nowhere in the instructions is a requierment to translate relationship evidence such as the examples that you give above).

Still, if you want to take the time to translate all your relationship evidence, you can do so but it is nothing more than needless busywork on your part.

Yes Ryan H. is correct. DON'T tanslate anything. Then come back to us and tell us if you got an RFE.

I just received an RFE and it clearly states on the letter that any and ALL documents sent to the USCIS that are in a language other than English MUST be translated. I can scan the letter and post it if you would like.

Remember, it is better safe than sorry. Why not take the little extra time and effort to do things correctly to insure the best chance of not having any trouble. Could you send everything untranslated and they accept it??? Well according to Ryan you can. Would I try it?? Heck no!

[Ryan H 3,834]

I can scan the letter and post it if you would like.

Don't bother, I know what such letters look like (from what others have posted in the past). The "documents" being referred to are official documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc. It is NOT referring to chat transcripts, letters, hotel receipts, store receipts, etc.

As I said in my previous post, if you or anyone else want to engage in pointless busywork, that's your choice. But for the benefit of others who may be reading this, I stand by my statement that such translations are not required and not necessary. Finally, having already been through this process (successfully I might add), I know what is necessary and what isn't.

Edited July 3, 2013 by Ryan H

[Chris & Trinh 15]

Don't bother, I know what such letters look like (from what others have posted in the past). The "documents" being referred to are official documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc. It is NOT referring to chat transcripts, letters, hotel receipts, store receipts, etc.

As I said in my previous post, if you or anyone else want to engage in pointless busywork, that's your choice. But for the benefit of others who may be reading this, I stand by my statement that such translations are not required and not necessary. Finally, having already been through this process (successfully I might add), I know what is necessary and what isn't.

Okay let me know if you change your mind about scanning the letter. In the mean time, I would LOVE to see a link to the "very clear" translation instructions. Every link and mention of translating on the USCIS website and filing instructions all seem to say about the same thing:

All documents submitted in support of an application or petition must include complete translation into English. In addition, there must be a certification from the translator indicating that the translation is complete and accurate and attesting to his or her competence as a translator. See 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) .

Please Note: Everything Must Be Translated into English

Whatever you send to USCIS must either be written in English, or, if it is in a language other than English, you must also send an English translation.

• The translation must be full and complete.
• The translator must say, in writing,
  • That he or she is fluent in both English and in the language on the document being translated, and
  • That he or she is competent to translate the foreign language into English.

All foreign language documents must be submitted with a corresponding English translation. This English translation must be certified by a translator who is competent to translate and who must verify in writing that “the translation is true and accurate to the best of the translator’s abilities.

NOWHERE did I read.... "Only the OFFICIAL documents must be translated."

NOWHERE did i read.... "Only the " marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc must be translated"

EVERYWHERE I did read.... "ALL documents submitted must be translated"

So let's see this link to the "very clear" translation instructions you have

Also just because YOU were successful does not mean EVERYONE will be by following your advice. Every case is different, ever officer reviewing the case is different, all documents are different. I think it is WISE to follow the "clear" instructions kindly provided by the USCIS to follow so someone will not have issues. Maybe I am just crazy for doing things the correct way.

Edited July 3, 2013 by Chris & Trinh

[bruins 14]

Thanks everyone for the answers. I know for sure I have to translate marriage certificate, birth certificate and other official documents, but I'm referring to chat logs, store receipts, etc.

[bruins 14]

I'm just curious because if we're translating everything, that's over 10k pages of chat logs I'd have to translate

[Chris & Trinh 15]

Thanks everyone for the answers. I know for sure I have to translate marriage certificate, birth certificate and other official documents, but I'm referring to chat logs, store receipts, etc.

Really I doubt they would need to be translated. However, they could request that they are since that is their clear instructions. That is all I am saying. There is a chance that it could happen. However, as the expert has stated, there is no need to do it. So you are probably fine.

[Chris & Trinh 15]

I'm just curious because if we're translating everything, that's over 10k pages of chat logs I'd have to translate

I hope that you are not sending in 10k pages of chat logs translated or not translated...LOL

Just send a select few that has a date stamp if possible. Beginning of relationship, special occassions, discussions about meeting, getting engaged, married etc.... and of course all that say " Anh yeu em"