Australia Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

'Certified copies' of documents

2K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  cheesygarcia 
#1 ·
Hi all.

I'm new to this forum so please bear with me :eek:

Just curious to hear from people about how they got documents for a offshore partner visa (309) certified in the US, specifically Texas.

We are just gathering our docs now in preparation to file within the next month or so, but have come across a small problem with getting 'certified copies' of things like birth certificates etc. Apparently according to law, notaries in Texas are not allowed to notarize copies of 'recordable documents' such as birth certificates, divorce decrees, marriage certificates, etc - in other words pretty much all of the documents we need to submit!

Of course we could go to the county clerk's office, vital records, etc, but don't really want to go to the trouble and expense of doing this when my understanding is all that is required is for someone to sign off on the copies being 'true copies of the original', as we would have a JP do in Australia.

I did call the help line but the lady was less than helpful and basically implied that I was lying about Texas notaries not being able to 'certify' copies, since she had never heard of anyone having that problem before.

Would love to hear any suggestions, especially from people who have had the same issue, and have since gotten approvals.

Thanks all!
 
See less See more
#2 ·
Received the following email response from the Americas Service Center:

"With regards to your enquiry, a certified document is a photocopy of an original document which has been notarised as a true copy of an original. Please note that the document must be certified by someone authorised to do so such as a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Oaths or Notary Public. Most lawyers/solicitors also have the ability to notarise/witness documents.

Do not supply original documents with your application unless asked to do so. If an original document is required at any stage, the department will ask for it.

If you are unable to have the copies certified, you may submit a cover letter with the application, informing our office of your circumstances. The case officer assigned to your application will then decide if it is acceptable or if they will require any originals."

So I guess I will include a cover letter stating that Texas notaries can't notarise copies of documents, and write an affidavit stating that the copies are true copies of the originals as held by me, and have the notary notarize that. Hopefully that will be good enough!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top