Birth Certificate

[JJZen 0]

Do I need the original birth certificate in my i-129 petition? I have read original, and have the original, but was wondering if a copy would work? 

 

Thank you in advance. 

[arken 4,197]

Original certificates are not required for filing petitions, only during the interview. So just send the copy.

[sunshinelove 52]

You can send a copy. I'd recommend color because I personally think it looks better, but you can do black and white as well.

[JJZen 0]

Thanks all. I get nervous sending original birth certificates. 

[sunshinelove 52]

I didn't get nervous about it, I just didn't want to spend another $45ish dollars for a new one lol

[DaveAndAnastasia 2,096]

I'll probably send a copy of the certified copy I got when I thought I'd lost the original. Mostly because the original is pretty much illegible at this point; I guess Ohio made some poor choices for document paper in the 70s ...

[JoelThai 313]

6 hours ago, JJZen said:

Do I need the original birth certificate in my i-129 petition? I have read original, and have the original, but was wondering if a copy would work? 

 

Thank you in advance. 

Below are the excerpts and link to the official USCIS documentation from the I-129F instructions which confirm what others have already stated,

ie: sending a copy of your birth certificate is the appropriate action.

 

The I-129F instructions specifically state that the birth certificate should be a copy:

 

"Evidence of U.S. citizenship which may include any of the following:

A. A copy of your birth certificate issued by a U.S. civil authority;"

 

This is what the instructions for the I-129F state regarding sending original documents to them:

 

"Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during processing of an application, petition, or request. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original. NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, your original documents may be immediately destroyed upon receipt."

 

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-129finstr.pdf