1 tiny question "certified copy"
 

Sorry for so many minor questions; I'm trying to get back into the INS form
filling mode --- its been a few years.

Can somebody remind me what is meant by certified copy (in the context of
USCIS applications).

- Photocopy with attached notarized statement thats is a true copy of the
original?
- Copy "certified" by another authority (which ones are typically allowed)
- Does it have to be certified by an embassy?

I know this is simple but I can't recall the answer.

-F

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Re: 1 tiny question "certified copy"
 

Depends what it is you're submitting, I think: if you're talking about criminlal records, for example, you need a transcript of the memorandum of conviction, which is stamped by the police authority in question. Same for a marriage certificate. As to your last question, no, I think it is the issuing authority.

Probably, in most cases, I think you want the "certified" by another authority, there being an appropriate authority for each type of certificate.

Re: 1 tiny question "certified copy"
 

A certified copy is the copy that you will receive from the authority from whom you requested a document, i.e. marriage certificate, divorce decree, birth certificate, etc. You will never receive an original as that will always stay with the government office.

The "certified" copy is one that will bear the registry numbers, filing numbers, seal, etc. of the office which issued it.

Re: 1 tiny question "certified copy"
 

Here's one thing that is new since your case.. it is now acceptable to submit photcopies of your evidence (forms must be originals) with the understanding that you will present originals for inspection at an interview.
So when you have the certified copy of say, your marriage certificate, and you don't want to lose it to USCIS forever, you may submit a photocopy and present the "original" (which is really a certified copy as Rete explained) at the visa interview.

You also do not have to attach or include the old FC-029 language about 'true photocopies' etc