What does "certified" mean?

[Ram Raj]

All,

I am applying to the AINP Provincial Strategic Recruitment Stream – U.S. Visa Holder Category program, and the AINP 009 form asks for a "certified" copy of all pages of passport and a "certified" copy of H-1B documents. What does "certified" mean and how can I get the documents certified?

I researched this forum, but there is no conclusive answer (some say it is notarized, but are there a specific agencies that are preferable to others to get the documents notarized from?). I would appreciate an answer from someone who has already received the nomination from Alberta. Where exactly did you go to get the documents certified?


Thanks,
Ram

[BCguy]

Authenticated or Notarized

[onlyy44]

go to lawyer they can do a certified copy for you

[pv]

check with city center, they will notarized for free.
else FedEx center also do it for $$

[Ram Raj]

All,

Thanks for your help. After researching a little more and talking to the AINP hotline, here is what I found out. Hope it helps others.

A "certified copy" is a photocopy of the original document that has text similar to "this is a true copy of the original" written on it by a person who has the "authority to certify" a document. This text need not be hand written, and it is very likely that the person will use a rubber stamp which has text like this. After the person stamps on your photocopy, your photocopy is now called a "certified copy", "true copy" or "true certified copy".

So, who are the people who have the authority to certify a document? Like the other posters mentioned there are many people who do this, but a "Public Notary" in your area is probably the best person. A Public Notary is a person who can many legal abilities, one of which is the ability to certify documents. However, note that in some states in the U.S., it is illegal to "certify documents" and so you cannot find anybody who does that! Check here to see if it allowed in your state.

So, what should you do if it is illegal to certify documents in your state? Not sure. But, if you can get some notary to sign on the document and put a seal like this, even though there is no text that says that this is a "true certified copy", it might be alright. At least, when I called the hotline and told the person that a notary has signed but the "true copy of the original" text is not there, she said that it was OK.

[Ram Raj]

And from the Official AINP  FAQ

16. What are certifed copies?

Certified copies are notarized copies. Take the documents to a lawyer, commissioner of oaths or notary public and they will copy the documents, stamp and sign the document indicating that it is a true copy of the original.

[loukyapetru]

1)I have the documents which were certified in 2004 by the attorney in canada there is no expiration date on the documents can i submit the same certified docs or do i need to get them freshly certified from USA
and also have few questions
Describe ur plans for initial settlement in alberts. For instance where do u plan to live and wht type of accomodation are u seeking.
Describe the familiarity with alberta about its climate, lbour market cost of living geography etc
describe wht u have done and plans to do in search for a job in alberta.

I appreciate ur response

And from the Official AINP  FAQ

16. What are certifed copies?

Certified copies are notarized copies. Take the documents to a lawyer, commissioner of oaths or notary public and they will copy the documents, stamp and sign the document indicating that it is a true copy of the original.