Certified copies of identity documents

[enrite]

Hello,

I am a Canadian citizen living in the US trying to apply for citizenship for my sons who were born in the US. The documentation list states that certified copies of their birth certificates are required. I also need to provide a certified copy of my birth certificate or citizenship certificate.

The application instructions point me to have these documents notarized but in the US, notaries cannot certify identification documents such as birth certificates and citizenship certificates.

I have extra originals of both son's birth certificates. From what I understand, these originals are considered certified copies, so I think I good to go with these documents.

I have only one original of my birth certificate and citizenship certificate. I don't want to send either of these documents because they will not be returned. Any advice? Should I just sned my citizenship certificate and order another copy?

Thanks in advance for advice/help!

 

[hawk39]

Certain states allow their public notaries to certify copies. Check this list to see if the state you reside in allows it, or if you live next to a state that is on the list, you can go there.

If you live by a Canadian embassy or consulate, they can also certify copies for you. Just contact them to see if you need to make an appointment first.

If neither is possible, you can check if a local justice can do it for you. I remember that the 2014 instructions allowed a justice to do it. Just make sure you have the justice follow the instructions on what to inscribe on the copies.

If that doesn't work, you could just have them certified in Canada the next time you go back to visit.

I've heard some posters on this forum says though that IRCC did remit originals back to them that they sent instead of copies, so it's up to you.