Marriage certificate, copy or original?

[Thehobbit9402 1]

Hi!

 

Completely new to this website so I hope I am doing this correctly! Me and my husband got married January 10th 2025, I return to Sweden on January 18th. I will be changing my last name once I get back, then we are planning on submitting our I-130 application.

 

We have been reading a bit about the embassy interview I will have to do when that is approved, and we are a little confused. Do I need the original marriage certificate with me, or is a scanned copy AND a photo copy enough? Can the original stay here in Louisville with him, or do I need to bring it with me to Sweden?

 

We have another visit sort of planned for the end of July, and we assume we will be far from over with the application process with then, but we'd like to sort the paperwork stuff out now in case our visit plans fall through.

 

Thanks so much in advance!

[SalishSea 18,148]

17 minutes ago, Thehobbit9402 said:

Hi!

 

Completely new to this website so I hope I am doing this correctly! Me and my husband got married January 10th 2025, I return to Sweden on January 18th. I will be changing my last name once I get back, then we are planning on submitting our I-130 application.

 

We have been reading a bit about the embassy interview I will have to do when that is approved, and we are a little confused. Do I need the original marriage certificate with me, or is a scanned copy AND a photo copy enough? Can the original stay here in Louisville with him, or do I need to bring it with me to Sweden?

 

We have another visit sort of planned for the end of July, and we assume we will be far from over with the application process with then, but we'd like to sort the paperwork stuff out now in case our visit plans fall through.

 

Thanks so much in advance!

“Original” vital records, such as marriage certificates, are owned by and kept at state or county records departments.   For a few bucks, you can purchase certified copies, which act as originals.   Certified copies generally have a raised county seal and wet signature, so they are not equivalent to photocopies.  
 

When we got married, we ordered like 10 certified copies just to have on hand for immigration and other purposes.

 

It can take several weeks to receive them, depending on where you live.   If you can’t get them before your departure, maybe have your husband send them to you via post.

 

My guess is that for Sweden, a photocopy would be adequate, but I’d have some certified copies as well, just in case.

[Thehobbit9402 1]

24 minutes ago, SalishSea said:

“Original” vital records, such as marriage certificates, are owned by and kept at state or county records departments.   For a few bucks, you can purchase certified copies, which act as originals.   Certified copies generally have a raised county seal and wet signature, so they are not equivalent to photocopies.  
 

When we got married, we ordered like 10 certified copies just to have on hand for immigration and other purposes.

 

It can take several weeks to receive them, depending on where you live.   If you can’t get them before your departure, maybe have your husband send them to you via post.

 

My guess is that for Sweden, a photocopy would be adequate, but I’d have some certified copies as well, just in case.

Thank you so much, this is great information and SO helpful. We will get some certified copies. Thank you again, that's so appreciated!

[Ryan H 3,834]

***Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.***

 

** Moderator hat off **

 

When your husband submits the I-130 petition (it's a petition, not an application), only a photocopy of the certified copy you receive from the records department will be necessary.

[SalishSea 18,148]

On 1/17/2025 at 7:20 PM, Ryan H said:

***Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.***

 

** Moderator hat off **

 

When your husband submits the I-130 petition (it's a petition, not an application), only a photocopy of the certified copy you receive from the records department will be necessary.

Correct.  However, a certified copy (i.e. original) is often required for the consular interview, so it is wise to make sure the beneficiary has certified copies.

[eatvaluable 2]

You will need the original marriage certificate for your embassy interview. It's best to take it with you to Sweden to avoid delays or issues. Scanned or photocopies are typically not accepted as substitutes for the original document. Safe travels and good luck with your application!

Chill Guy Clicker

[pushbrk 13,119]

18 hours ago, eatvaluable said:

You will need the original marriage certificate for your embassy interview. It's best to take it with you to Sweden to avoid delays or issues. Scanned or photocopies are typically not accepted as substitutes for the original document. Safe travels and good luck with your application!

Chill Guy Clicker

My millionth clarification regarding and original public record.  Any "original marriage certificate" a person might have would be a souvenir only.  The original marriage certificate is a public record owned by a government entity.  What is needed at interview is an actual certified copy.  When filing the petition, you need only a photocopy of a certified copy.