Q: Can I use the black and white copy of my mother's certificate of naturalization for my n600 interview?
My mother doesn't want to provide her original copy but I got a copy from USCIS by requesting it using FOIA. Will the officer still ask for the original copy.
A: I agree with James. It is important for your mother to understand that the USCIS officer will require this document at the interview.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
For your N-600 interview, USCIS typically requires original documents or certified copies issued by the government agency that originally issued them. While you've obtained the naturalization certificate copy through FOIA, the interviewing officer will likely still request to see the original document or certified copy from USCIS.
The black and white copy from your FOIA request can serve as supporting documentation, but it generally cannot replace the original certificate. The officer needs to verify the authenticity of your mother's naturalization, which is best done through examining the original document with its security features.
Consider explaining your situation to your mother and emphasizing the importance of the original document for this process. If she's hesitant to hand over the original, you could offer to accompany her to the interview or arrange for her to personally show it to the officer. You might also contact USCIS beforehand to discuss your specific situation and explore possible alternatives.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
