Green Card GuideCheck checklist coverage
EnglishEspañol

Originals vs copies vs printouts

When to bring the original, when a photocopy is enough, and what needs to be printed. Based on DOS guidance and CDJ-specific requirements.

Editorially reviewed:

This date reflects the page copy review, not a live government update.

Bring originals (or certified copies)

DOS guidance is clear: bring the original or certified copy of every civil document you uploaded to CEAC/NVC. Do not mail originals to NVC. Bring them to the interview.

  • Birth certificate. Original or certified copy
  • Marriage certificate. Original or certified copy
  • Marriage termination records. Original court documents
  • Police certificates: original
  • Adoption, custody, or court records. Originals if applicable

Bring photocopies alongside originals

Ciudad Juárez specifically asks for photocopies of certain documents in addition to the originals. Prepare these before travel.

  • Passport biographic page. Photocopy (CDJ-specific)
  • NVC interview appointment letter. Photocopy (CDJ-specific)
  • Birth certificates. Photocopies alongside originals
  • Marriage certificates. Photocopies alongside originals
  • All civil document originals. Make a photocopy of every original as a general practice

Printed items (not originals)

These are confirmation pages or digital records that you print. There is no "original". The printout is the document.

  • DS-260 confirmation page. Printed from CEAC
  • NVC interview appointment letter. Print the electronic letter
  • Ciudad Juárez pre-interview checklist. Print from the consulate website
  • Medical appointment confirmation. Print if you received one electronically
  • AIS/ASC appointment confirmation. Print if available (status as required item is not definitively settled)

Sponsor packet format: unresolved

Whether the I-864 and financial evidence must be brought as originals, copies, or previously submitted versions is not fully settled across sources. The CDJ checklist asks you to bring them. DOS Step 10 says you do not need to bring already-submitted financial evidence.

Conservative approach: print and bring a complete copy of all sponsor financial documents, including signed I-864 forms, tax transcripts, and W-2s.

Certified translations

Any civil document not originally in English or Spanish needs a certified English translation. Bring both the original-language document and its translation. The translation should include a certification statement from the translator affirming accuracy.

This page is an editorial guide built from official sources and project policy where needed.

This page includes time-sensitive or post-specific material. Recheck the live official source before relying on any current requirement.

Sources used on this page