Is a photocopy of marriage certificate good enough for i485 (K-1)

[TrufflePiggy 3]

Heyo,

Is a photocopy of marriage certificate okay for submitting with I-485 AOS from a K-1 Visa? I'd rather not have to get a new original if I send it to them.

Thanks,

-TP

[Pinkrlion 2,716]

I sent an original certified copy, but some didn't and did not get an RFE.

[Hypnos 6,576]

The I-485 instructions explicitly state that photocopies of certified copies are acceptable. Just make sure you take an original certified copy to your interview (if you have one).

[TrufflePiggy 3]

The I-485 instructions explicitly state that photocopies of certified copies are acceptable. Just make sure you take an original certified copy to your interview (if you have one).

Perfect. Thanks!

[Sarahnick 19]

We Sent a certified copy and so far so good, was also questioning if we could send a copy but ended up sending a original... Think it's the best way to go!

[ichigo85 6]

Heyo,

Is a photocopy of marriage certificate okay for submitting with I-485 AOS from a K-1 Visa? I'd rather not have to get a new original if I send it to them.

Thanks,

-TP

I sent an official marriage certificate. Had to pay extra for it, but better to be safe than sorry. Also, we were in a sticky situation that required no errors or chances.

[NikLR 13,227]

It says a copy, which means a photocopy is more than fine as long as it's legible. You do not need to send originals to the USCIS unless specifically directed to.

For example: forms need to be original because they require original signatures, but evidence, etc, does not.

[rona1979 0]

I sent a certified true copy just to be safe.

[arken 4,197]

No need to send original.

From uscis site:

How Do I Know If I Need Original Documents?

Applications and Petitions must be submitted in the original.

The USCIS requires documentation to prove the existence of relationships and facts in support of petitions and applications. The following will clarify when originals are required and when photocopies may be submitted.

Submission of Supporting Documents - Original vs. Photocopy - If a supporting document is prepared by the issuing authority solely for the purpose of presentation to USCIS, an applicant or petitioner must submit the original document with the application or petition. Examples of supporting documents which must be presented in the original are:

Form I-20 issued by a Designated School Official to a foreign student

Form DS-2019 issued by a Program Officer to an Exchange Visitor

Labor Certification issued by the Department of Labor

Labor Condition Agreement with the Department of Labor endorsement

Form I-693 Medical Examination issued by a authorized civil surgeon

Vaccination Sign-off Supplement to Medical Examination Certificate

Attestations, formal consultations and advisory opinions (e.g., a letter from a recognized expert attesting to someones extraordinary professional skills)

Affidavits prepared in place of unavailable documents (e.g., an affidavit in place of a birth certificate where the official records were destroyed by fire)

Translations of documents (even when the rules allow submission of a photocopy of the document itself.)

NOTE: If the applicant or petitioner has already submitted the original document to the USCIS in connection with another matter, he or she may submit a photocopy along with an explanation of when and why the original was previously sent to the USCIS.

For all other documents, the applicant may submit a photocopy of the document required; however, he or she may be required to present the original:

in person, upon the request of a USCIS or consular official during an interview, or

by mail, in response to a written request from USCIS.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

People always say they pay more for extra copies so they can send in one from the court that is not a copy, just to be safe. Safe from what? An RFE? They don't give RFEs for sending what the instructions ask for, which is a copy of the marriage certificate.

Page 2, General Instructions>

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

Page 4, Evidence of eligibility>

B. Based on admission as the K-1 fiancé(e) of a U. S.
citizen and subsequent marriage to that citizen

Attach a copy of the fiancé(e) petition approval
notice, a copy of your marriage certificate, and your
Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Document.

[TrufflePiggy 3]

I ended up just sending in a copy based on the replies

[Yoveeta 36]

I sent colour photocopy of certificate, scanned with high resolution, so all details would be seen clearly.. Don't want to send original as long as I'm not asked to do this.. Didn't get any RFE so far