I-130 -- Certified copies?

[MauBicara 0]

For the I-130, I see several online guides (including the one here) that indicate that i should include certified copies of my birth certificate, my spouse's birth certificate, and our marriage certificate. However, the I-130 guide does not indicate that these need to be certified and I would rather not pay notary fees if it isn't necessary.

Do copies of documents sent with the I-130 need to be certified, or is a standard copy acceptable?

[JFH 12,191]

Good, clear photocopies are acceptable for the I-130 stage.

No need for them to be certified or notarised.

[NikLR 13,232]

A certified copy is NOT a notarized copy. A certified copy is a copy from the issuer.

You are not required to send anything more than photocopies to the USCIS unless it's a form they require an original signature on. Same for the NVC except they don't even need original signatures.

You are required to bring beneficiary original or certified copies to and all NVC signed originals documents to the interview however. You may also want to bring any original divorce decrees from the petitioner.

Edited March 15, 2016 by NLR