USC Real Birth Certificate

[Shasha7988]

I'm the USC living in China for the last 5 years. We are preparing documents now for DCF in Guangzhou.

 

Do I need my real birth certificate and social security card? These are still in America at my permanent residence (my parents home)

 

I'm worried about mailing these important documents to China, if this is the case. Can my parents get notarized copies in America and send them here? It's a much safer option, but will they be accepted by VO?

 

Thanks!

 

Sarah

[dnoblett]

No and no.

 

All you will need to prove citizenship is your American passport.

 

SSN card is never asked for.

[Randy W]

A couple of points that are irrelevant at this time, since you don't need the birth certificate -

 

Certified copies are ordered from the issuing authority - check with the county of your birth.

 

The USPS and China Postal Service offer a door-to-door traceable (that's U.S. door to Chinese door) service - ship via USPS' Postal Express International. China's EMS Postal service will deliver at their end with a signature on delivery. It works in the other direction as well.

 

FedEx, DHL, and USPS offer similar service, but only to cities which they service.

[dnoblett]

One more point is make a photocopy of the biometric page from your passport and attach to the I-130 petition, make ordinary photocopies of everything that will be attached to the petition keep the originals and submit the copies. Bring the originals when you submit the petition just in case they wish to look at them.

[Shasha7988]

Fantastic, great to hear, I was hoping my passport and normal copies of it would be enough. Thanks for the reply!!

[MikeandRong]

A couple of points that are irrelevant at this time, since you don't need the birth certificate -

 

Certified copies are ordered from the issuing authority - check with the county of your birth.

 

The USPS and China Postal Service offer a door-to-door traceable (that's U.S. door to Chinese door) service - ship via USPS' Postal Express International. China's EMS Postal service will deliver at their end with a signature on delivery. It works in the other direction as well.

 

FedEx, DHL, and USPS offer similar service, but only to cities which they service.

I would also add in clear printing your receiving end persons cell phone number. The carrier will have no problem calling you to tell you it arrived or make arrangements to get it delivered to you. That cell number can be a real life saver for your letter.