Appointment Processing original documents

[Chris Parker 11]

Apparently NVC just changed my embassy to appointment processing, just what I was not expecting.

At any rate, the instructions state that certified copies may be submitted to NVC in lieu of the original. Does anyone know exactly what that means? In particular, with respect to original documents which also need to be translated, is the copy attached to the translation sufficent? What if the translator includes in the affidavit of translation certification that the attached copy is a true and correct copy of the original?

Perhaps I can submit a note to this affect to NVC and they'll conditionally send the case to the embassy without receiving the actual original birth certificate? I'm not yet sure if appointment processing is better or worse in my case, though it definitely seems to add more delay in overall processing.

[LadyJane 1]

It's my understanding that only the entity that issues the document can certify it is a true copy. Hence the lovely $15+ fees for that little stamp that says "certified copy".

[RandyandRina 2]

Manila, Philippines is an Appointment NVC Processing as well. I have documents that I did send as certified true copies. From what I know about certified true copies, you have to obtain it from the same government facility with either a gold or embossed seal, stamp or any type of indicator that will ceritify that it is from a true copy of the original.

Unfortunately, the translator is just who she/he is, he/she is not entitled to either say or confirm or verify that it is indeed a certified true copy.

[trailmix 77]

Hi Chris,

I sent 'originals'. When they say original or certified copy it is my understanding that they want the copy you got from the registry/government office. They don't want, for instance, a photo-copy that has been certified or notarized by a 3rd party.

For instance, when you are born your parent(s) fill out a birth certificate or application for birth certificate. It is then sent to the registry. When you request a copy from the registry they, of course, don't give you the one your Mom filled out. They give you a 'certified true copy' with the raised seal or stamp etc..

The wording is confusing. When they say certified copy they really mean what we think of as 'the original'.

You can try what you suggest, sending a copy - I would send the original as sending the incorrect document could result in an RFE and further delay for you.

[Chris Parker 11]

I sent 'originals'. When they say original or certified copy it is my understanding that they want the copy you got from the registry/government office. They don't want, for instance, a photo-copy that has been certified or notarized by a 3rd party.

For instance, when you are born your parent(s) fill out a birth certificate or application for birth certificate. It is then sent to the registry. When you request a copy from the registry they, of course, don't give you the one your Mom filled out. They give you a 'certified true copy' with the raised seal or stamp etc..

The wording is confusing. When they say certified copy they really mean what we think of as 'the original'.

You can try what you suggest, sending a copy - I would send the original as sending the incorrect document could result in an RFE and further delay for you.

The place of birth is a war zone. The mail service can be very slow and unreliable. The document is irreplaceable, and not in English anyway. I have to try with the translator's certification first.

In some ways, Appointment Processing with an RFE might be a good thing... better than traveling to the embassy for an interview and getting a 221(g) instead of a visa for perhaps some other missing things.

Will try to let you folks know how well NVC goes for this technique...

Edited September 19, 2007 by Chris Parker

[Mononoke28 135]

I didn't have original documents available so our Notary, which is the entity that issues all kinds of certificates in Colombia, gave us copies with a stamp that says "this is a certified copy". Then I attached the translations to the documents and that was that.

Diana

[Chris Parker 11]

I didn't have original documents available so our Notary, which is the entity that issues all kinds of certificates in Colombia, gave us copies with a stamp that says "this is a certified copy". Then I attached the translations to the documents and that was that.

Diana

So the civil notary's copy certificate was then actually translated, and the translation was attached directly to the notary's copy certification message? That is the kind of route I would like to take, thank you very much!

[rika60607 215]

This is major news! It seems that many if not all European countries got switched from standard processing to "submit-it-all-to-NVC" processing.

This news may need to be pinned!

NVC should have mentioned it on the front of their webpage in big letters too!

I think I got lucky, just got my case complete , but I could have been in major trouble, 'cause I still don't have one of police certificates needed.

Rika

[Mononoke28 135]

So the civil notary's copy certificate was then actually translated, and the translation was attached directly to the notary's copy certification message? That is the kind of route I would like to take, thank you very much!

Yes, if the document has a stamp or seal that says "certified copy", that's all you need and then attach the translation to it.

This is major news! It seems that many if not all European countries got switched from standard processing to "submit-it-all-to-NVC" processing.

This news may need to be pinned!

NVC should have mentioned it on the front of their webpage in big letters too!

I think I got lucky, just got my case complete , but I could have been in major trouble, 'cause I still don't have one of police certificates needed.

Rika

The best thing for new people who are still going through the NVC is to check the DOS web page (http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3176.html) to see if they're embassies are still standard or if they have changed it to submitting all documentation to the NVC.

I just checked Moscow and it says to send everything to the NVC. So that means they've updated the web site.

Diana

[Geist 0]

Please guys, call the NVC and try to find out if there is a certain cut off date or anything as to which cases will now have to go through Appointment Processing and which will not. I spoke with the NVC last night and they told me that for my case all I needed to submit was the DS-230 part one and biographical info. I'm not sure if they're right, but getting more info on this would be very helpful!