N-400 - Can I use PSA Report of Marriage for marriage certificate?

[AFCF 273]

I’m not eligible to apply yet but just want to be prepared when the time comes. I will be applying for N-400 under the 3 year rule next year. I know one of the main requirements is marriage certificate. However, in Wisconsin, it is a felony to copy/scan vital records. I checked with Vital Records office and they confirmed this. And I have always sent certified copies to USCIS. I tried looking it up on VJ and there were only two posts about this that I’ve seen.

 

I was hoping to file online. So I have a few questions:

 

1. For those who are familiar with the process in the Philippines, I have a copy of our PSA issued report of marriage - it shows that we got married in Wisconsin. Can I upload this instead of our marriage certificate? Then maybe just attach the email I received from DHS vital records and a letter that I can send them a certified copy if needed?

 
2. Since my husband was born in Wisconsin, can I just provide a copy of his passport instead? It is a valid passport that he got over 3 years ago, he never lost citizenship. 

 

3. Or should I just file it by mail? I can then provide certified copies of both marriage certificate and birth certificate. 
 

As always, thank you for your help!

[Crazy Cat 41,731]

I don't believe it is illegal for you to scan your own vital records for  Government use.  You can scan it for an N-400 application.

 

Edited July 26, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[AFCF 273]

2 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

I don't believe it is illegal for you to scan a document for  Government use.  You can scan it for an N-400 application.

That’s what I thought too! I sent them an e-mail explaining the situation that it’s for USCIS and all the fun details, they just said that it is a felony to copy and scan and that they advise to submit it by mail or in person (lol). 

[Crazy Cat 41,731]

I'd say that an N-400 appication fits the exception...but, of course, you can mail the application.  

 

Protect your Vital Records | St. Croix County, WI (sccwi.gov)

Edited July 26, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[AFCF 273]

11 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

I'd say that an N-400 appication fits the exception...but, of course, you can mail the application.  

 

Protect your Vital Records | St. Croix County, WI (sccwi.gov)

That’s honestly what I was hoping they’d say 😅 I also specifically asked if the situation is considered as something that fits the exception, but I guess not. Thank you for your input! 

[Crazy Cat 41,731]

Just now, chxakx said:

That’s honestly what I was hoping they’d say 😅 I also specifically asked if the situation is considered as something that fits the exception, but I guess not. Thank you for your input! 

So, what Federal Government departments would fit the exception?  Did they say?  

[AFCF 273]

7 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

So, what Federal Government departments would fit the exception?  Did they say?  

No, they didn’t really say anything more about the exception. But this is what I found…

 

I found some old topics about the same question. Unfortunately, they didn’t really post an update after they were done with the process.

[SalishSea 17,779]

53 minutes ago, chxakx said:

I’m not eligible to apply yet but just want to be prepared when the time comes. I will be applying for N-400 under the 3 year rule next year. I know one of the main requirements is marriage certificate. However, in Wisconsin, it is a felony to copy/scan vital records. I checked with Vital Records office and they confirmed this. And I have always sent certified copies to USCIS. I tried looking it up on VJ and there were only two posts about this that I’ve seen.

 

I was hoping to file online. So I have a few questions:

 

1. For those who are familiar with the process in the Philippines, I have a copy of our PSA issued report of marriage - it shows that we got married in Wisconsin. Can I upload this instead of our marriage certificate? Then maybe just attach the email I received from DHS vital records and a letter that I can send them a certified copy if needed?

 
2. Since my husband was born in Wisconsin, can I just provide a copy of his passport instead? It is a valid passport that he got over 3 years ago, he never lost citizenship. 

 

3. Or should I just file it by mail? I can then provide certified copies of both marriage certificate and birth certificate. 
 

As always, thank you for your help!

Why not just order a certified copy of the marriage certificate???    
 

USCIS will not accept some foreign ‘report of marriage’ in lieu of a legitimate marriage certificate.

[AFCF 273]

35 minutes ago, SalishSea said:

Why not just order a certified copy of the marriage certificate???    
 

USCIS will not accept some foreign ‘report of marriage’ in lieu of a legitimate marriage certificate.

I was just checking because I wasn’t sure if it would be acceptable since it was officially registered in the Philippines. I don’t have a problem mailing the application. I already have a certified copy of it from a few years back. I was just checking my options. Thanks for your input.

[JeanneAdil 6,477]

Wisconsin birth, death, marriage, and divorce records from October 1907 to now are available. You can order them from the Wisconsin Vital Records Office.

 

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords/record.htm

[Me and her 279]

2 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

Wisconsin birth, death, marriage, and divorce records from October 1907 to now are available. You can order them from the Wisconsin Vital Records Office.

 

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords/record.htm

4 hours ago, SalishSea said:

Why not just order a certified copy of the marriage certificate???    

 

 

USCIS will not accept some foreign ‘report of marriage’ in lieu of a legitimate marriage certificate.

 

 

 

 

 

I think the problem isn't ordering a copy.  The OP is concerned about it being a felony to scan it to online account.  I say just mail the application and certified copy, if in doubt.  When you go for the interview, bring the original.  Good luck!

Edited July 27, 2023 by Me and her

[Me and her 279]

4 hours ago, SalishSea said:

Why not just order a certified copy of the marriage certificate???    
 

USCIS will not accept some foreign ‘report of marriage’ in lieu of a legitimate marriage certificate.

I think the problem isn't ordering a copy. The OP is concerned about it being a felony to scan it to online account. 

[SalishSea 17,779]

2 hours ago, Me and her said:

I think the problem isn't ordering a copy. The OP is concerned about it being a felony to scan it to online account. 

Right.   Which is why I suggested ordering a certified copy…..

[Melc 138]

6 hours ago, SalishSea said:

Right.   Which is why I suggested ordering a certified copy…..

A certified copy which you’re then not allowed to scan because it is a vital record…?

[Crazy Cat 41,731]

3 minutes ago, Melc said:

A certified copy which you’re then not allowed to scan because it is a vital record…?

I don't think @SalishSea  is suggesting the OP scan the certified copy.