Birth Certificate

[Frazell Thomas 0]

I was just going through the "step by step guide on how to file a I-130" and see that in the list of pre-interview forms/items that I will need an "original or certified long birth certificate". I just want to get this cleared up before that time comes, so if I have to order a long birth certificate I can do that in advance. Anyways, I was born in Quebec and have my original birth certificate (business card type size) that was given originally to us laminated. It has both my parents names on the back of it. However, when I applied for my passport, they said I needed a new birth certicate (they had to reissue for anyone born in Quebec before or after a certain year? I cant' remember how that went exactly). Since they never said I had to destroy my old one, I now have 2 birth certificates. This second one is not laminated and does not have my parents names on it. Does anyone know if I need to order a long birth certificate, or will one of my other ones be just fine.

Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Hey! We filed our I-130 with the help of a lawyer and she said that the typical Canadian birthcertificate is fine (assuming it was issued by the Quebec government...yes?). So no worries! you don't have to order a long one

[trailmix 77]

You will need one that has your parents names on it, you have mentioned that the older wallet size in Quebec has your parents names on the back - maybe that will suffice - maybe not, if the USCIS is following the department of state guidelines, they might reject it.

Canada Reciprocity Schedule

Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates

Births, marriages, and deaths are registered in the Canadian provinces or territory in which they took place. Though each province or territory issues its own certificates for these events, there are a few basic formats for them across Canada:

The "small" or "short form" certificate is a computer-printed, limited extract of information from provincial records. It is a wallet-sized card, 9.5 x 6.4 cm or 2.5 x 3.75in (Specimen from British Columbia). Short-form or small certificates are not acceptable for visa purposes because they do not contain enough identification information, such as parents' names.

The "large" or "full-size" certificate is a computer-printed extract of information from provincial records. It is printed on currency-style paper stock, 21.6 x 17.8 cm or 7 x 8.25 in., with an intaglio border (Specimen from British Columbia).

A "certified copy of a record" is an exact or near-exact copy of the actual paper record in the provincial archives. It is printed on safety paper, usually 21.5 x 28 cm or 8.5 x 14in., and bears the province or territory's raised seal. This type of certificate, being a complete record rather than an extract, contains the most information about the event.

A "commemorative" certificate is a decorative document intended for display (Specimen from Manitoba). Commemorative certificates are not considered legal documents in Canada and are not acceptable for visa purposes.

Edited September 13, 2008 by trailmix

[Frazell Thomas 0]

Thank you for your replies

Hmmm what a pickle. You never know if the USCIS is going to follow guidelines or not. I guess I had better order a long, one just in case. I'm anxious to get there (of course) and don't want to be held up for something silly like that.