How important is your original birth certificate?

A certified copy or the original copy of your birth records serves as your best proof of your citizenship. These also prove your age and your identity. Your certified birth records won’t work in all cases as proof of your identity.

Do you ever need your birth certificate?

In the United States, birth certificates serve as proof of an individual’s age, citizenship status, and identity. They are necessary to obtain a social security number, apply for a passport, enroll in schools, get a driver’s license, gain employment, or apply for other benefits.

What do I do if my birth certificate is not available?

When your birth certificate is not available or does not exist, you must submit other acceptable evidence relating to the facts of your birth, such as religious or school records, hospital or medical records, affidavits of birth, or similar evidence.

Can I submit a copy of my birth certificate to I-485?

When filing Form I-485, you may submit a photocopy of an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. However, we highly recommend that you take an original or certified copy of the birth certificate to the adjustment of status interview. The immigration officer may request to see it at that time.

What do I need to submit for a delayed birth certificate?

You must submit a delayed birth certificate OR a Letter of No Record, AND early public records. Delayed birth certificate (filed more than 1 year after birth) It must include the following: List the documentation used to create it (preferably early public records – see below)

What do I do if my country of birth is unavailable?

Skip to Step 3. If the State Department website does not show that birth certificates from your country of birth are generally unavailable or nonexistent, you must submit a certificate of non-availability. These letters must be: Indicate whether similar records for the time and place are available.