marriage certificates for I-130 & I-485

[Andreas_and_Tracey 0]

Hey there!

assembling the package at the moment for AOS. Since my Husband is in the US we need a I-130 and a I-485. We read the guides and list. one question remains: its one package which contains both pertitions, do we need to include two(!) certified marriage certificates? if its the same person processeing them it would be useless. we could put one certified copy and one normal copy in it and write see "certified". We only haveone certified copy at the moment.

please give me feedback if they really need two.

thank you

Tracey

[Autumnal 25]

Treat the checklist requirements as separate. If they ask for something on both packages, such as a photocopy of birth certificate, provide two. At the very worst, you're giving them extra information they don't need and they can discard it or whatnot.

[ktun 0]

We provided Marriage Licence and Birth Certificate whenever they asked for one with each form so they probably have about 5 Marrriage Licences of ours and 5 birth certificates each. We figured we'd rather send them additional than have questions about not enough!!

[anutka 0]

Hey there!

assembling the package at the moment for AOS. Since my Husband is in the US we need a I-130 and a I-485. We read the guides and list. one question remains: its one package which contains both pertitions, do we need to include two(!) certified marriage certificates? if its the same person processeing them it would be useless. we could put one certified copy and one normal copy in it and write see "certified". We only haveone certified copy at the moment.

please give me feedback if they really need two.

thank you

Tracey

I-485 doesn't require marriage certificate. You can't find in instructions requirements for this evidence.

[meauxna 15]

Don't send your original (one and only) copy either. Photocopies of evidence are fine for submission; present originals at the interview.

Forms must always be originals, with original signatures.

[duluxdog 0]

I have to disagree with ..Anutka, on the lack of a marriage certificate copy..... "quoted as follows" =

Assembling the I-485 Package: Checklist

#1 Payment

#2 Cover Letter

#3 Form I-485

#4 Copy of non Us Passport

#5 Copy of valid non US I94

#6 Copy of non US birth certificate

#7 Certified copy of Marriage Certificate (If filing for your spouse)

#8 Copy of non US divorce documents (if any)

etc etc..

[Andreas_and_Tracey 0]

ithx duluxdog, i thought i read it in the i-485 list :-)

so copy are ok? in general copys? or just for the marriage cert ad marriage license?

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

You only need a regular photocopy though. Read the actual instructions for the I-485. The checklist is wrong.

[CWR 0]

You only need a regular photocopy though. Read the actual instructions for the I-485. The checklist is wrong.

Really??

Wish I had known that before this morning.....just wasted a $ 20 certified copy, I guess

[ktun 0]

We sent photocopies of the certified copies of our marriage licence and certificate, if that makes any sense. USCIS has no problems with them. If they want the originals my understanding is they'll request them or ask to see at interview time.

The general rule now is to send photocopies of all the important documents (birth certs, marriage certs, divorce decrees, I-94s etc). The form instructions often say to send originals, but those instructions are now out of date.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

You only need a regular photocopy though. Read the actual instructions for the I-485. The checklist is wrong.

Really??

Wish I had known that before this morning.....just wasted a $ 20 certified copy, I guess

Yes. Read the instructions on the I-485.

[anutka 0]

You only need a regular photocopy though. Read the actual instructions for the I-485. The checklist is wrong.

Yes - that's what I meant, read instructions on the form I-485.

well, it wasn't clear for me either if we should submit certified copies or photocopies, generally we sent certified copies (we have another one of marriage certificate), but I sent my original copy of birth certificate, and I left photocopy for myself - I hope it will not be a problem.

[tomica52 0]

I just read through requirements for I-485, and as far as I can see, they are not asking for a copy of marriage certificate, so I did not submit mine. However I jsut got an e-mail notice that an RFE is on it's way, so I think that it might be because of lack of marriage certificate... So I guess that everyone should send it, regardless if the explicitly ask for it or not...

Alex

[Andreas_and_Tracey 0]

oki got the copy part now;-)

one other question: when downloaded the I-130 had a DS-230. Thats only if you need a VISA to ENTER th US right? I am in the US and only need the G325A correct?

[anutka 0]

I just read through requirements for I-485, and as far as I can see, they are not asking for a copy of marriage certificate, so I did not submit mine. However I jsut got an e-mail notice that an RFE is on it's way, so I think that it might be because of lack of marriage certificate... So I guess that everyone should send it, regardless if the explicitly ask for it or not...

Alex

Here is how I understand it, on form I-485 when they ask about evidence of eligibility, they specify cases:

"Evidence of eligibility.

------Based on an immigrant petition.

Attach a copy of the approval notice for an immigrantpetition that makes a visa number immediatelyavailable to you, or submit a complete relative, specialimmigrant juvenile, or special immigrant militarypetition which, if approved, will make a visa numberimmediately available to you.

------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 approvalnotice, a copy of your marriage certificate and your Form 1-94.

etc. "

So - when your case is second you should submit marriage certificate twice, but if your case is first they don't ask for marriage certificate but for I-130 which can be submited concurrently.