Do I need to send in an original or a copy of my divorce decree for a k-1 visa?

[aa1979 100]

I have seen people talk about sending the original while others are saying copy is probably ok... I just want to find out... Do I need to send in an original or a copy of my divorce decree for a k-1 visa? I only have one original of my divorce decree (that I had to obtain from a different country, which was time consuming and not cheap). So, if I can get away with sending a copy while the original being always available, that would be great. The question is the copy sufficient?

Thanks everyone...

[liefde_overzee 36]

A copy is all that is needed for the petition. They will request the original if needed. As a precaution, I have sent the originals to my fiancé so he will have at his interview in case he is asked for it there.

[Unshakable Faith 493]

The instructions for the I-129F state that copies are fine unless it is specifically requiring the original. Read through the instruction document as well as the petition and see if it specifically requests the original. If not, a copy is fine.

[aa1979 100]

The instructions for the I-129F state that copies are fine unless it is specifically requiring the original. Read through the instruction document as well as the petition and see if it specifically requests the original. If not, a copy is fine.

I have read the instructions. It says they need a divorce decree. It does not state an original or a copy. My friend says when someone asks for a divorce decree, they usually mean the divorce decree in its original form, not a copy. That triggered the whole search/question in my mind. Thanks for your input though.

[aa1979 100]

A copy is all that is needed for the petition. They will request the original if needed. As a precaution, I have sent the originals to my fiancé so he will have at his interview in case he is asked for it there.

Thanks for your input. So, in your case, your marital status is divorced, you have sent a copy of the divorce decree, they did not request the original from you, and I see from your timeline that your I-129f was approved recently. Am I correct? Thanks again.

[liefde_overzee 36]

aa1979, that's correct. We were approved last Thursday with no RFE. As I said, I have sent all originals (birth certificate, decree) with my fiancé. There's no instructions that I've read that he has to have them (as he has an extra copy) for the interview, but I'm an obsessive worrier! Lol!

[aa1979 100]

aa1979, that's correct. We were approved last Thursday with no RFE. As I said, I have sent all originals (birth certificate, decree) with my fiancé. There's no instructions that I've read that he has to have them (as he has an extra copy) for the interview, but I'm an obsessive worrier! Lol!

Congratulations for the approval! Thank you.

[A'n'L 735]

Copy for the package - original brought to the interview.

[farzram 11]

Hey there, a copy is fine but just make sure that the stamps from the court are CLEARLY visible in the copy- do it in color.

I had an immigration adviser/processor do it for me and they made the copies but I am guessing the stamps from the court were not clear enough and I got an RFE. The RFE was because they could not see the stamps super clear. That obviously postponed my petition because I was also out of country and by the time I got my hands on it to send the clearer stamps it delayed my petition by alittle bit - or I'm sure I would've gotten an noa2 earlier.

Just some advice make sure it's crystal clear!

[Pitaya 2,577]

I have seen people talk about sending the original while others are saying copy is probably ok... I just want to find out... Do I need to send in an original or a copy of my divorce decree for a k-1 visa? I only have one original of my divorce decree (that I had to obtain from a different country, which was time consuming and not cheap). So, if I can get away with sending a copy while the original being always available, that would be great. The question is the copy sufficient?

Thanks everyone...

When in doubt, consider reading the form instructions:

Copies. Unless specifically required that an original document be filed with an application or petition, 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.

REF: Page 1 of Form I-129F instructions: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-129finstr.pdf

Good luck on your immigration journey.

[aa1979 100]

When in doubt, consider reading the form instructions:

REF: Page 1 of Form I-129F instructions: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-129finstr.pdf

Good luck on your immigration journey.

Thank you everyone for the replies and feedback. Pitaya, I read the instructions. It says on then they would like to have "divorce decree". To some people, that may mean divorce decree meaning the divorce decree itself in its original form. While some other people may just send it the copy. That was the source of my confusion especially after seeing people talk about both. Now, the second question is: some people are saying it has to be a "clear" stamp on there. Clear is a relative term and I guess I don't know what would be considered clear. The photocopy is not most clear obviously, but the translation does state exactly what the stamp says. Do you guys think this may turn out to be an issue or cause any delays? I guess I can go to their field office in person in that case with the originals in my hand and have them make copies and verify the original documents.

Thanks again for everyone

[MeAlone 161]

I think if your divorce degree is an American divorce, the copy is enough as Immigration can check and Americans don't forge the documents, it's a big crime in America. If the divorce degree is from another country, be prepared to show the original

Tasha

[samia123 0]

They asked for my orginal after i sent copy

[MeAlone 161]

They asked for my orginal after i sent copy

If they ask, you need to give it to them

[liefde_overzee 36]

Goes to show you can never be certain on all things what they will want. Our case just went to the embassy, and we are awaiting an interview date. We have not been asked for the original, as of yet. However, I've made certain my fiancé has the original for his interview, just in case.

I'm curious, at which stage did they ask for your original?