pw pw
Feb 28, 2023
RFE for Birth and Marriage Cert Originals, Translations and Certs of Translation
Sharing my experience with an RFE received today 2/27.
I submitted an I-130 for my father back in Feb 2022 under IR-5 category.
I submitted all docs which were English translations and didn't submit any original source docs (in native language).
Today, I got an RFE asking me to provide original docs, translations and certificates of translation for my birth certificate (petitioner) and my parents' marriage certificate (beneficiary).
I am confused because my English translated birth certificate has been used for all my immigration applications with US embassy/USCIS the last 18 years starting with my F-1 all the way to N-400 without any issues. Also, my mother's I-130 got approved a couple of months ago with the same English docs (no original docs or certificates of translations).
I feel like pushing back on the USCIS adjudicator, but since it's not a big deal, I am going to collect the requested docs and submit.
I was wondering if anyone else has come across the same issue.
Also, my mother's case is awaiting doc qualification with NVC and I wonder if they will pick up on this as well.
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S LFeb 28, 2023
To be honest, my thought was you’re dang lucky that they accepted only the translation in the past. Imagining myself creating a document in English with no proof of my translating ability and accuracy or the copy of original “formal” documents with signatures and stamp on it. And I made up the information and want them to believe the information I put on there. (Which might be edited in my favor in the application process.)
I don’t mean to be rude, but it’s true that even if they might not understand the native language, but they could still have a sense of there’s something wrong from the translated copy if the data is not accurate. And also for the reason to make sure you have the “actual” (which is original document) copy. With the translation certificate, it’s the same thing, you translate for yourself is a bit suspicious in a way. So if you use a translation service, they’re usually certified. I did it once myself before, but I got it notarized so there’s a third person proving that the translation is accurate.
Hope that makes sense.
karinst cherylFeb 28, 2023
Just submit all original doc and I guess it won't take long to get everything approve. I submitted my mom's case on Feb 17 2022 as well. not approved yet
God is love Mar 1, 2023
kindly share the list of documents submitted, I am about to do same for my mother.Also,do you think ,I would need a lawyer to file her petition?
pw pwMar 4, 2023
Thank you all for the feedback. I submitted the requested docs online as a response to the RFF.
pw pwMar 4, 2023
@God is love - I didn't use a lawyer when I applied for my parents and in-laws. The application process is straightforward. Everyone's I-130's got approved except for my father's where the officer requested copies of the original native language birth certificate, parents' marriage certificate and corresponding full English translations with certificates of translation indicating the translator is qualified to translate from native language to English.
Lesson learned is for non-English foreign docs, always provide original, translation and cert of translation.
I think I-130 for your mother is the easiest because you only have to show your relationship using your birth certificate.
Best of luck!
