Hi All--
I'm a bit confused about the process of having official documents "certified" here in the United States. As it was a very easy procedure for my fiance in Australia (he simply took the original documents with the copies and had them certified at his bank), I assumed that I could do the same here in the U.S., but today I learned that I was wrong!
Many states (including mine) do not allow such certification of vital record documentation. What to I do? Am I expected to travel to a state that will certify documents even though these documents were issued in states that do not allow certification of such official documents? Do I simply include my original "official copies" of birth, marriage and divorce documents in with my visa application? I don't mind doing that, they're welcome to them, because they are after all just copies, but with the raised seals and true signatures, etc. (I can simply request new copies for myself from the respective authorities). Although technically they are just "copies" they are also considered "originals" from which the requested "certified copies" would originate. Would the Australian authorities accept these original copies in the place of certified copies?
What about a certified copy of my passport? I can't send them my actual passport with my visa application.
Anyone else in the United States who ran into similar problems? Would really appreciate any advice. Thanks!
I'm a bit confused about the process of having official documents "certified" here in the United States. As it was a very easy procedure for my fiance in Australia (he simply took the original documents with the copies and had them certified at his bank), I assumed that I could do the same here in the U.S., but today I learned that I was wrong!
Many states (including mine) do not allow such certification of vital record documentation. What to I do? Am I expected to travel to a state that will certify documents even though these documents were issued in states that do not allow certification of such official documents? Do I simply include my original "official copies" of birth, marriage and divorce documents in with my visa application? I don't mind doing that, they're welcome to them, because they are after all just copies, but with the raised seals and true signatures, etc. (I can simply request new copies for myself from the respective authorities). Although technically they are just "copies" they are also considered "originals" from which the requested "certified copies" would originate. Would the Australian authorities accept these original copies in the place of certified copies?
What about a certified copy of my passport? I can't send them my actual passport with my visa application.
Anyone else in the United States who ran into similar problems? Would really appreciate any advice. Thanks!