submitting substitute document instead of birth certificate I-485

[Mishka79 0]

Hello Folks,

I have a question. As it seems I haven't got a copy of my Polish birth certificate to hand. I know that obtaining one would take lots of time and possibly money since a translation will be required. However I have a national ID card which states all the information that is needed from a birth certificate. The ID is in both Polish and English and is government issued so I hope a copy of this document , say certified would be good enough? Or is it an obligation to submit a birth certificate without exceptions? Please let me know.

 

Michal

[T_McCann 10]

A Birth Certificate is required 99% of the time.... usually the only exception is when a Birth Certificate doesn't exist such as the Vietnam War.

 

I strongly recommend ordering a few of them. 

[arken 4,197]

if birth certificate isn't available, just the national ID card doesn't work. 

So either you submit a copy of the birth certificate or as many as of the following secondary evidences of birth in case you don't have or can't get your birth certificate:

1. A statement from the birth certificate issuing authority that your birth certificate does not exist

2. Copy of your Polish national ID

3. Copy of your Passport

4. Any school records or certificates showing your name, parents name and date of birth

5. Affidavits from ur parents and/or relatives stating that they were present at your birth time and mentioning ur birth details like parents name, location, your name.

6. Any hospital records showing name, date of birth, parents name

 

 

[broppy 204]

US Dept of State has a page on reciprocity that explains which documents are available/acceptable. For Poland, it clearly states that a birth certificate is available. You'll need a full copy (odpis zupelny) and should be able to apply for one at your nearest consulate. See https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/reciprocity-by-country/PL.html for details.

Edited March 26, 2017 by broppy
typo

[f f 725]

you can save some money by translating it your self as long as you are fluent in both languages and sign a document stating that. anyone who is fluent in both languages can translate it. no certificate is required.

as for the birth certificate if one is available then you have to get it uscis does not care if it requires you work or money. in an rfe they give you 12 weeks to get it so they are willing to wait.

 

good luck