If you’re applying for a family-based or marriage-based green card, one of the first things you’ll need is a copy of your birth certificate. If you already have it, you’re one step closer to completing your application! But if you can’t find it, don’t worry — there are simple ways to get a replacement, and you can still start your green card application without it. This guide will walk you through how to get an official copy of your birth certificate and provide alternatives if you cannot get one.
Who Needs to Submit a Birth Certificate?
Both the family member applying for a green card and the U.S. sponsor (the U.S. citizen or permanent resident) need to provide a copy of their birth certificate when submitting Form I-130, the “Petition for Alien Relative,” along with other application forms. This typically includes the long-form version of the birth certificate.
What Information Should a Birth Certificate Include?
Your birth certificate must have the following details:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Both parents full names
- Official seal from the issuing agency
- Registration date (must be within one year of your birth)
- Issue date (can be any time after the registration date)
What if My Birth Certificate is an Extract?
If your birth certificate is an “extract” (an abbreviated version), it should still include all of the required details listed above. The extract may leave out extra information that is only relevant to the country or agency that issued it, but it should still be an official document.
What if My Birth Certificate is Not in English?
If your birth certificate is in another language, you’ll need to provide a certified English translation along with the original document.
If you need help with translation or have any other questions about your birth certificate, Law and Visas offers unlimited support from our immigration experts to ensure your application goes smoothly.
Where to Get a Certified Copy of Your Birth Certificate
To get a certified copy of your birth certificate, you need to contact the appropriate government agency, depending on where you were born:
- Born in the U.S.: Contact the Vital Records Office in the state where you were born. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website has the contact information for each state’s office, along with the cost of obtaining an official copy.
- Born Abroad: If you were born outside the U.S., visit the U.S. Department of State website. It provides the name of the issuing authority for each country, along with the current procedures and fees for obtaining a certified copy.
If the country where you were born indicates that birth certificates are “unavailable” or “nonexistent,” you will not need to submit one for your green card application.
Important: Birth certificates issued by a consulate or embassy in the U.S. are not accepted. You must get the certificate from the issuing authority in the country where you were born.
Alternative Documents if You Can’t Find Your Birth Certificate
If you can’t find your birth certificate or obtain an official copy, you’ll need to submit a notarized personal affidavit. This is a written explanation that details why you cannot provide a certified copy of your birth certificate. Your explanation should be as specific and detailed as possible.
You must also include secondary evidence, such as:
- Baptismal certificate
- Census records
- Birth certificate from a local or military hospital
- Certification of birth from the doctor who delivered you
- Original document from your home country’s government explaining why your birth certificate doesn’t exist, if applicable
If you were born outside the U.S., check the guidelines for acceptable secondary evidence in your home country.
What If None of the Above Documents Are Available?
If you don’t have any of the listed secondary documents, you will need to submit a notarized personal affidavit from one of the following:
- A living parent
- A close relative who is older than you
The affidavit should include:
- The full name, address, date, and place of birth of the person providing it
- Their relationship with you
- How well do they know you
- The date and place of your birth
- Your parents’ names
- Additional details about your birth
Need Help with Your Birth Certificate or Green Card Application?
If you’re struggling to obtain your birth certificate or have any questions about the green card application process, Law and Visas is here to help. We provide expert guidance and unlimited support to help you navigate the entire process with confidence. Learn more and start your green card application today!
