i-485 RFE for Russian birth certificate.. Confused!

[naniani711 0]

Hi everyone!!

Finally, after 2 weeks of waiting I received my RFE letter.. I had imagined the worst and I was pretty happy to see it was for my birth certificate.. BUT NOW I'm really confused on what they want from me!

So.. a little background..

I was born in Russia so my BC is in Russian. I provided copies of it AND a translation done by my mom that included the text recommended (certified translation).

My actual letter says:

- "You have submitted an English translation of a foreign birth certificate: please submit a copy of the applicant foreign birth certificate issues by the appropriate civil authority."

Here's the problem.. I submitted everything already! As far as I know, this is the only BC I have and it's all official.. My mom gave it to me and it was all she had and she doesn't recall any other documents.

so does it seem like

a. they lost it/ missed it

b. the translation wasn't right (but the wording here doesn't sound like that's the problem?)

c. the BC wasn't what they wanted (I was googling about this RFE and some countries have different versions of BC. Is there any way I can check what is fine for a russian BC? I have nobody to ask and NO clue how to get another document from Russia at this point so fingers crossed that's not the case)

If they simply missed it, I'm nervous to just resubmit everything the same way since it can lead to denial of my application...

Please, if anyone has any ideas or went through something similar PLEASE PLEASe help

*** I SHOULD ADD: I photocopied front/back of my BC (it's like a little booklet) myself.. the copy wasn't some official copy.. is that maybe an issue??**

Edited April 20, 2015 by naniani711

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

It seems as though they lost it or overlooked it. They are wanting the foreign BC that goes along with the English translation. I hope you sent a copy of your birth certificate and not the actual one your mother had. You just need a copy of it.

This is the info on birth certificates for immigrant visas, but this is most likely what is required by the USCIS for the green card as well >

The birth certificate must contain the:

• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Names of both parents
• Indication by the appropriate authority that it is an extract from the official records

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents/submit/documents-to-submit-to-nvc.html

[naniani711 0]

Ugh, it had all of that and I submitted it! Do you think I should just resubmit then? that seems quite frightening!!! how do they just overlook it... AHHH! thanks so much for your advice though!

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

I do not know, but I have seen people get RFEs for things they already submitted. Perhaps they lose the documents when placing files into their own folders, or the adjudicator just flipped through the papers and the BC was not right there with the translation. Maybe it got placed somewhere else in your folder of paperwork and they just did not go through all the papers looking for it? Could be a few scenarios.

If your BC has everything required, including the stamp/seal that shows it is an official copy from the records in Russia, then send another copy of it with a statement pointing out you previously submitted it along with the English translation and this is a copy of your foreign birth certificate issued by the appropriate civil authority in Russia.

Or you can try and get another certified/official copy to send to them. Not sure if there is a way to request/order one online somehow.

Edited April 21, 2015 by KayDeeCee

[naniani711 0]

Yeah, that does make sense! I've seen that happen to people also but it's just mind boggling..

I will look into the possibility of getting something more 'official' but a photocopy of the original SHOULD be sufficient right?

Thanks again!

[naniani711 0]

Just ordered a translation online just in case... Will photocopy the BC front/back in color tomorrow and overnight it back! hope it'll be fine ah...

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Yes, just a photocopy is supposed to be all that is required. Good luck!

[naniani711 0]

Thanks so much for your help.

If anyone has a similar case and would like to weigh in, I'd REALLY appreciate it!

Logically, the wording totally seems like they missed it. When I google what their letter says, I find a few forum posts of people saying "oops.. I was supposed to include a copy of the foreign BC?"

so it does seem they misplaced it.. but I'm still nervous as hell to get it denied or risk dragging this out any more

What a fun process haha!