BigBoss1984

Hi guys,

So I've got no doubt in my mind that I'm overthinking this one. But I'm hoping someone can at least reassure me a little.

Assembling the RFIE package, all is going well. Get the photocopy of the birth certificate for our joint sponsor to prove US citizenship, all great, ready to go. Boom. Bottom of the birth certificate copy it says 'Warning: It is illegal to duplicate this copy by photostat or photograph'. This is in the state of Pennsylvania.

Doing some initial research it appears the law is in place to try and prevent people passing off a copy of a birth certificate as a certified copy, however if its made known it's simply a photocopy - will there be a problem? I'm not sure how else we can get around this as our joint sponsor does not have a US passport.

Pulaski

Don't worry about it. Nobody is going to knock on your door and haul you off to the lock-up for photocopying a birth certificate.

The copy you send may or may not be accepted and you may have to pay for the owner of the birth certificate to obtain another "original" certificate for you to send, but I wouldn't worry about that unless/ until asked for it.

BigBoss1984

Thanks for this - it appears that this is common, and the law is in place to prevent representing photocopies off as originals. I've added 'Photocopy of joint sponsors birth certificate to prove US citizenship' to the cover letter of the RFE so there is no confusion!

tom169

I guess if you have money to burn then you could send the original certified photocopy.

Personally i'd send a photocopy. Be prepared to take the original to an interview.

BigBoss1984

Yeah I'll just send the photocopy.

Congratulations on finally getting your interview appointment by the way!

tom169

Thanks!

I would have preferred a waiver, but at least now there is a date in sight.

Side note, my USCIS status still says finger print fee received from back in December. I've never had luck with that website.

ian-mstm

There's nothing to get around. For US immigration purposes, forms must be original, but all evidence can be photocopied. It's a complete non-issue.

Ian

BigBoss1984

Thanks Ian - much appreciated once again! Sending off the RFIE today!

BigBoss1984

Well the RFE was sent off today - arriving in MO tomorrow before midday!