Certified True Copies

[StateOfConfusion]

Hello...again...

So, my husband is literally hours away from mailing our application into Mississauga, and we're just going through it all with a fine tooth comb...when I came across something in the sponsor guide. It mentions certified true copies...and I am suddenly scared. I sent copies of our marriage certificate, copies of my birth certificate, passport and driver's license, but I did not have a notary certify them true...I just sent copies. My husband has not had the copy of his passport or birth certificate notarized either...were we supposed to do this? They asked for copies, so we copied it, but until this moment didn't read this certified true thing...am I reading it wrong? Should we have taken this step for the things they requested.

I don't know if this matters at all, but I am coming from America, to my Canadian husband.

Help!

 

[PMM]

Hi

Hello...again...

So, my husband is literally hours away from mailing our application into Mississauga, and we're just going through it all with a fine tooth comb...when I came across something in the sponsor guide. It mentions certified true copies...and I am suddenly scared. I sent copies of our marriage certificate, copies of my birth certificate, passport and driver's license, but I did not have a notary certify them true...I just sent copies. My husband has not had the copy of his passport or birth certificate notarized either...were we supposed to do this? They asked for copies, so we copied it, but until this moment didn't read this certified true thing...am I reading it wrong? Should we have taken this step for the things they requested.

I don't know if this matters at all, but I am coming from America, to my Canadian husband.

Help!

Look over the checklists again. For the sponsor, there are only copies or originals required, no certified/notarized copies. The Regional US checklist doesn't list any either.

Where you are probably having problems is this and it is that the translation is certified, not the document and only if they are not in French or English,.

Assemble all your documents as listed. Check () each applicable item on the list and attach the list to your documents (a paper clip will do). Send originals of the immigration forms (items 1 to 5 below) and police certificates. Send photocopies of all other documents, unless instructed otherwise. If your documents are not in English or French, send a notarized (certified) translation with a copy of the originals.

 

[StateOfConfusion]

PMM

Thank you. The first time I read the guide I came to the conclusion that it was only for translations, but when I read it again I wasn't so sure. I think my nerves are just a little frayed...this process is so involved, as I am sure everyone here well knows.

Thank you for you kind and prompt reply. I will get some sleep tonight, and that's thanks to you.

Much appreciated.

-Jamie

 

[tootab]

so does this mean i send a photocopy of the translation after it has been notarized with a photocopy of the original document, or i just send in the original translation with a photocopy of the original document?

 

[KJG]

so does this mean i send a photocopy of the translation after it has been notarized with a photocopy of the original document, or i just send in the original translation with a photocopy of the original document?

you send the original translation with a photocpy of the marriage license and the original translation with the original police report and birth certificate of the applicant...hope this clarifies...

 

[Rob_TO]

In general for original docs in english or french, you don't need to get photocopies certified or notarized, unless it specifically asks. Note in the document checklist it just states for supporting docs: "Send photocopies of documents, unless instructed otherwise". From what i saw there is no request for certified true copies when the checklist asks for a photocopy.


The area you need notarization/certified true copies, is when you have to do official translations. Here the Guide 3900 form states:

Any document that is not in English or French must be accompanied by:
•the English or French translation; and
•an affidavit from the person who completed the translation; and
•a certified copy of the original document.

So for example say you have a marriage certificate in another language. You would need to submit in your application:
- either the original certificate OR a certified true photocopy of the certificate (certified by an appropriate person).
- the translated document
- the affidavit from the translator. Note only certain people are eligible to do translations. Note also you can't photocopy the affidavit page, it MUST be the original done by the person who did the translation, usually with their stamp and signature in ink.

So in general, a 1 page document you have in a foreign language, should turn into 3 pages for your application.