divorce decree - original vs photocopy?

[apgk 0]

Below is the from the Moscow embassy website for some documentary reuirements. As I read it, I understand that they are asking for Divorce decree/evidence of termination of prior marriage from the beneficiary and not for petitioner. I base my understanding on the fact that in each of the points where they need something specific from the petitioner or both, they mention such requirement clearly indicating such (as in documents confirming relationship, financial documents from petitioner) etc. I just have sent a photocopy of my court-certified divorce decree and i am assuming that is more then enough as the embassy has not even asked for it (per my understanding of the below text). Anyone got different experience?

"

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Evidence of termination of prior marriage(s) (if applicable), original, photocopy and translation into English.

One color non-glossy full-face photo 50x50 mm for visa. The eye level should be between 28mm and 35mm from the bottom. Another two pictures will be required for medical examination.

Documents confirming relationship: photos of Petitioner and Beneficiary together, letters to each other, phone bills, airplane tickets, emails, etc.

Results of Medical Examination in a sealed envelope. The medical must be taken at one of the embassy-designated medical centers. It takes 2 days to complete the medical examination.

Financial documents from the petitioner – a US citizen: please note, that Affidavit of Support (form I-134) is not required, but may be requested. The document must be notarized. Please submit financial documents to show that the applicant will not become a public charge in the United States. Such documents may include, but are not limited to:

- Most recent year tax returns (form 1040) or tax transcripts from IRS

- Copy of bank account

- Earnings and leave statement

- W-2 forms

- Letter from employer

......

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[slim 1,530]

A copy should be fine, but it needs a certified translation as well.

[apgk 0]

A copy should be fine, but it needs a certified translation as well.

Its actually mine...california decree

she was never married.

[Turboguy 6]

I don't see where you are reading that the original is not required. The website you quoted says then need to see the original, and a photo copy as well as a transaltion to English. It says nothing about not needing it for the petitioner. They are asking for an original to verify and a copy to put in thier files if one has not already been provided.

I filed a copy with my K-1 application. I am sending the original for her to have during the intervew as well as an original of my birth certificate. I don't expect them to ask to see either but they are requried and I will have them with her.

[slim 1,530]

I don't see where you are reading that the original is not required. The website you quoted says then need to see the original, and a photo copy as well as a transaltion to English. It says nothing about not needing it for the petitioner. They are asking for an original to verify and a copy to put in thier files if one has not already been provided.

I filed a copy with my K-1 application. I am sending the original for her to have during the intervew as well as an original of my birth certificate. I don't expect them to ask to see either but they are requried and I will have them with her.

I sent only a copy (of my birth cert... no divorce decree applicable) and it was fine. All of your (petitioner) papers are checked by your respective service center prior to approval. The only original copies they need to see at the embassy are documents that have not been viewed by USCIS yet, i.e. your I-134 and supporting documents.

But, as Turboguy relates.... you'll feel better if you send originals of everything, just in case they ask. (You'd kick yourself in the @$$ if they were to ask for an original and she didn't have it!)

[Turboguy 6]

This is my second K-1 and I had originals of both there for the first K-1 and they never asked but I agree, they could and it is better to have them there.