Lost birth certificate

[munkeynutts 0]

Hi all.

I have completed the K-1 process and am now married and living with my wife in Houston, Texas.

When I had my visa interview at the US Embassy in London, I handed over my original copy of my full birth certificate, which they retained. I have just realised that I never got it back! Where would it be? Would it have been in the brown sealed package I had to bring with me when I entered Houston with my visa? Or would it still be at the embassy in London?

I could have a nightmare trying to get it back as trying to call the embassy in London is tough enough from within the UK, let alone from the US!

I guess I should write, although I need the certificate pretty soon for ID needs here.

Thank you!

Martin

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Moving this from K1 Process & Procedures to Moving Here and Your New Life in America as this is not a K1 question.

To the OP: the original will be in your immigration file which is here in the US; it would have been in the envelope you handed over when you went through the POE. The consulate does not hold onto files. If you had provided the consulate with a photocopy along with the original at the interview, they would have kept the copy and handed the original back to you. Unfortunately, you don't appear to have done this. I have heard anecdotal tales of people petitioning to get things back from the contents of the envelope, but if i recall correctly, it can be drawn-out and complicated. It is much, much less of a hassle simply to get a new long form birth certificate from the Registry Office. This can be done online and is not terribly expensive. Have a look at the website here to order one online: Registry Office

Please note this is good ONLY for England and Wales -- were you born in Scotland or Northern Ireland?

[DeniseBill 4]

Can't you go to your Country's embassy and optain a new one? Try contacting them.

[Lisa and Ian 7]

Hi all.

I have completed the K-1 process and am now married and living with my wife in Houston, Texas.

When I had my visa interview at the US Embassy in London, I handed over my original copy of my full birth certificate, which they retained. I have just realised that I never got it back! Where would it be? Would it have been in the brown sealed package I had to bring with me when I entered Houston with my visa? Or would it still be at the embassy in London?

I could have a nightmare trying to get it back as trying to call the embassy in London is tough enough from within the UK, let alone from the US!

I guess I should write, although I need the certificate pretty soon for ID needs here.

Thank you!

Martin

I would just go here: http://www.gro.gov.u...certificates/#0 and order a new one.

In the meantime, your passport should work for ID purposes. If you need an additional ID, you can always get a state ID if you're not ready for a driver's license.

Edited April 4, 2010 by Snowbunnies

[Created 6]

I have ordered certificates online directly form the registry office concerned, with no problems. You can always follow up with a call for an estimated posting date. I hope you have a copy, from a copy of the pack you submitted - then the certificate will have a document number which should make it even easier.

Good Luck!