Quick question but couldn't find the answer anywhere.

For submitting photocopies of documents for the I-864 (specifically W2s and pay slips) do these need to be notarized, and if so who can notarize them?

Can anyone just use the "magic language" or is it better to include something from an accountant, like a supporting letter? Or do we need to take them somewhere official to be stamped?

Cheers,

Paul

No.

If you ever need anything notarized, you will need a Notary Public to do it.

Yes, anyone can use the magic language, but it's not necessary on simple photocopies. It's more for translations or sworn affidavits.

Rene

Marvelous, all as expected - thank you!

Whose signature is the notary public going to verify?

Regards, JEff

Maybe the CFO of the associated company?

My logic was more that maybe you needed some way to prove the photocopies were correct as opposed to doctored in some way, although admittedly hadn't really thought through how one would go about doing that. I suppose with original tax return transcripts it's not really an issue.

In some states, but not all, notaries can make attested copies of documents, where they compare the photocopy to the original and attest that it is an exact duplicate, but in general the function of a notary public is only to verify that the person signing a document is who they say they are. The notarization means nothing with regard to the accuracy or truthfullness of the document being signed.

There was once a requirement to include a signed and dated statement, which did not need to be notarized, stating "Copies of documents submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered original documents and I understand that I may be required to submit original documents to an Immigration or Consular official at a later Date." This instruction was on INS Form FC-029. I don't think the statement is a requirement today, but it wouldn't hurt to include it if it makes you feel better.

Today this USCIS web page
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/usc...00d1f1d6a1RCRD
continues to point out that a USCIS case officer or DoS consular officer has the authority to ask to see the originals of photocopied documents, which is why its often recommended to be prepared by taking all originals of everything ever submitted to interviews.

Regards, JEff

Fair point, I'd thought that you could just do an arrested copy in most places.

Right - I'd not made the connection but that makes sense. Thanks.

When I had my interview last week I had all the original paystubs and tax returns and copies of each. The person checking documents only took the copies from me, and gave the originals back to me straight away so I think you should be fine. Because with all the documents where they do actually need to see the original the person at the first window took them along with the copies, and then the ConOff gave me the originals back at the second window.