AOS interview: USC's foreign birth certificate

[telltail 0]

Hi everyone,

Our AOS interview is scheduled for next month and I was wondering about the documents to bring.

So, I am a beneficiary, and I submitted my foreign birth certificate with translation when I sent out the applications(I-130, I-485..etc).

However, my husband, a USC and a petitioner, only submitted a copy of his passport.

We didn't get any RFE and got scheduled for the interview so I think our application was fine.

However, on the NOA for interview I received in mail, they said

"If your eligibility is based on your marriage, in addition to your spouse coming to the interview with you, bring

-Your spouse's birth certificate AND your spouse's evidence of US citizenship..."

1. He was born in France so his birth certificate is from France and in French. So won't be able to use as an evidence for his US citizenship. (He has dual citizenship)

In this case, is his birth certificate really necessary? I am confused now.

2. In addition, does translation of foreign documents need to be done by certified translators?

I did my BC and got certified from my embassy in US.

However, French consulate said they won't certify unless the translation has done by a certified translator.

(He called to ask if he can do it by himself and get certification. They asked him back whether he is a certified translator or not, he said no, and they said then their answer is no as well.... Attitude!!)

Is it normal? I did mine in case, but certification from the embassy or consulate necessary?

I've been searching on the web but everybody has different opinions so was wondering anyone here knows or had a similar situation as ours..

Any word would help.

Thanks!!

[Terry J 50]

Hi there,

Certification is not required from any embassy/consulate with regard to translation.

If you or someone you know is capable of translating the birth certificate 100%, the person will just attest to the fact they certify that the translation is accurate and sign it and attach the translation document to the french birth certificate. The person does NOT need to be a certified translator.

[seth2013 39]

If they ask for the birth certificate, I would bring it. If for some reason they needed it and you didn't bring it with you, that would delay approval. Of course bring his passport as well.

[didopage 337]

My USC husband was not born in the US either but we did bring his BC anyway. I don't think we had to show it but:

Better bring all the docs (and even more) than not enough. Have him translate his BC himself and include a note saying he is competent in English and French and that the translation is accurate. I'm not the USC but that's what I did for my AOS. The translation needs to be certified, but it doesn't have to be done by a professional. Here's 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

It takes some time and it may be useless but you will feel more prepared and less nervous before the interview...

Edited April 23, 2014 by didopage

[telltail 0]

Thank you so much guys!

I will have him translate his BC and bring it in case like you said.

My interview is in 2 weeks and I hope everything will work out.

I think I have prepared everything but can't help feeling nervous..

[didopage 337]

Thank you so much guys!

I will have him translate his BC and bring it in case like you said.

My interview is in 2 weeks and I hope everything will work out.

I think I have prepared everything but can't help feeling nervous..

If you have all the documents from the checklist and even more, you should be all good to go! Also, read the reviews on VJ from your USCIS office: www.visajourney.com/reviews It helps to know what to expect (I remember reading them and getting some tips to where to park, how cellphones were forbidden, where we were supposed to put the appointment in a box when we arrived at the office....) You will feel over prepared and less nervous.