Getting back fiancee's Birth Certificate at POE

[odey 0]

My fiancee and I just had our visa interview in Lima, Peru and everything went great!

The only concern we have is that we foolishly left the original certificated birth certificate with the Embassy instead of leaving a copy. Apparently, I think they just wanted to *see* the original but would have been fine with being left with a copy.

Does anybody know how likely it is that we can ask for it back at POE? The American consular who interviewed us said it would be in the secure brown envelope that we give to the POE/HS officer but was vague about the likelihood of it being returned then.

Obviously, we would like to know so we can request another original birth certificate (requires a lawyer) before my fiancee leaves her country.

Many thanks for any help or advice!

Edited March 22, 2007 by odey

[Minya's wife 24]

My fiancee and I just had our visa interview in Lima, Peru and everything went great!

The only concern we have is that we foolishly left the original certificated birth certificate with the Embassy instead of leaving a copy. Apparently, I think they just wanted to *see* the original but would have been fine with being left with a copy.

Does anybody know how likely it is that we can ask for it back at POE? The American consular who interviewed us said it would be in the secure brown envelope that we give to the POE/HS officer but was vague about the likelihood of it being returned then.

Obviously, we would like to know so we can request another original birth certificate (requires a lawyer) before my fiancee leaves her country.

Many thanks for any help or advice!

Why not just contact the consulate again, and ask for the original BC back? It is probably in the mysterious "brown sealed envelope" which is opened at the POE when your fiancee enteres the US. Since the envelope is sealed at the consulate/embassy, I would think you'd have more success getting the original BC back by asking for it there, rather than at POE....they may not release it to you if you get a person that does not clearly know the rules and regulations....and then you'll be left with either causing a scene (you do not want to do), or following up later, which may cause further problems down the road for you.

-P