I-864 Joint sponsor birth certificate question

[Tensigh]

My brother in law has graciously volunteered to be a joint sponsor for my wife's green card because the Tokyo embassy is ignoring the paperwork that proves my income. As such, I'm preparing his I-864 and I just got his birth certificate.

Can I send a photocopy of his birth certificate or does it have to be the one that came from the vital records office? The instructions for the I-864 only say a "copy" of the birth certificate, it doesn't state either way if a photocopy or an official copy are required.

Since the Tokyo embassy has already been terrible on this case, I don't want to experience any more delays. Contacting them is pretty much useless (they respond a week later and their responses are incomplete).

Does anyone know?

[WaitedLongEnough]

My brother in law has graciously volunteered to be a joint sponsor for my wife's green card because the Tokyo embassy is ignoring the paperwork that proves my income. As such, I'm preparing his I-864 and I just got his birth certificate.

Can I send a photocopy of his birth certificate or does it have to be the one that came from the vital records office? The instructions for the I-864 only say a "copy" of the birth certificate, it doesn't state either way if a photocopy or an official copy are required.

Since the Tokyo embassy has already been terrible on this case, I don't want to experience any more delays. Contacting them is pretty much useless (they respond a week later and their responses are incomplete).

Does anyone know?

You need to submit a photocopy of your OFFICIAL birth certificate - Not the actual ORIGINAL document

[danieljones]

Yes, It is a serious concern when you have to prove the income certificate for someone. If one’s wants to give a photocopy of legal documents it should be signed by the authority offices. Without sign, It would not be acceptable. Vital Records Online is one of the best companies who provide Birth Certificate in no time.