Do I need to send the original diploma for the I-140?

In most cases, you do not need to submit the original diploma with the I-140 petition. What typically establishes your educational background are certified copies and, when the document is in another language, certified translations.

The USCIS reviews evidence that confirms your studies and qualifications, and submission of the original document tends to be requested only in specific situations, usually during an interview or in response to a request for additional proof.

That said, every case has its own particulars and official guidance can be updated over time. So keep your originals safe: if a need arises in the future, you may be asked to provide a certified copy or, if specifically requested, the document itself.

Before assembling your package, it is worth checking the official I-140 instructions on the USCIS website or consulting an immigration professional to make sure your documentation meets what is required in your specific case.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.