Copy of Birth Certificate

[Dean81 5]

When I scanned and copied my birth certificate the watermark said void. Is that ok to send in or do I need a certified copy? I am putting together our I-129 package.

[Loren Y 2,755]

Not 100% sure on that, might work or they could request one later. Do you have a passport? Use your Bio-page for proof of citizenship, they copy very nicely, and it is what I used. Just to be safe, send both, more than enough on this wouldn't hurt.

[Pitaya 2,577]

When in doubt, follow the instructions:

Quote

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.

Reference: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-129finstr.pdf , page 2.

 

Take the original to the interview, the IO/CO can compare the original to the copy and go from there.

Edited May 21, 2019 by Pitaya (火龙果)

[Dean81 5]

Ok thanks I was just worried that because it said void in the watermark that it would not be accepted.

 

[Gregor Hanston 44]

My Birth Certificate had the same VOID all over it. We got through the I129F no issues.

[B.J. 2]

When we filed our adjustment of status, we sent a photocopy of the certificate of live birth. uscis wanted an original, so they sent us a RFE for us to send it. This might have slowed down our petition for adjustment of status. oh, that was for my wife’s birth certificate (she is the immigrant). 

 

For the i129, i sent copies of everything. Also, it was beneficial for my wife to have copies of everything i submitted to uscis.

Edited May 23, 2019 by B.J.
realized my answer had to be more specific

[Dean81 5]

Ok cool. I'm making two binders. One for uscis and one for my fiancee 

 

[Pitaya 2,577]

On 5/21/2019 at 3:56 PM, Dean81 said:

Ok thanks I was just worried that because it said void in the watermark that it would not be accepted.

 

I would seriously suspect  that they have seen tell-tale sign of photocopying (the void statements all over the paper) of security certificate paper. Besides, if they have any question about your certificate copy, USCIS could ask to see the original and compare it to the copy at your next interview.

 

2 hours ago, B.J. said:

When we filed our adjustment of status, we sent a photocopy of the certificate of live birth. uscis wanted an original, so they sent us a RFE for us to send it. This might have slowed down our petition for adjustment of status. oh, that was for my wife’s birth certificate (she is the immigrant). 

 

For the i129, i sent copies of everything. Also, it was beneficial for my wife to have copies of everything i submitted to uscis.

Interesting, your AOS experience seems counter to USCIS Form I-485 instructions: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-485instr.pdf

Quote

 

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 duringprocessing 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 or the Immigration Court, your original documents may remain a part of the record, USCIS or the Immigration Court will not automatically return them to you, and your original documents may be immediately destroyed upon receipt.

 

Page 5 of I-485 instructions.

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2. Birth Certificate

   All Form I-485 applicants, except refugees and asylees, must submit a photocopy of their birth certificate issued bythe appropriate civil authority from the country of birth. Although refugees and asylees are not required to submit aphotocopy of their birth certificate, if the birth certificate is available, refugees and asylees should submit a copy of the birth certificate. USCIS will only accept a long-form birth certificate which lists at least one parent.

Page 9 of I-485 instructions.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.

[B.J. 2]

I know what I told you is against what they have in the instructions. I sent a photocopy, they sent me a RFE for a valid birth certificate. I had to look on their website what was an approved birth certificate -- just to make sure I had the right one, and I had sent them the correct one. So, in the RFE, I sent an original copy (they specified the color on the website) as well as my wife's baptismal record.

[Pitaya 2,577]

Sounds like USCIS adjudicators are like usual, consistently inconsistent. 

 

YMMV