Birth Certificates

[Dan and Drury 0]

I recently applied to my local authority back in England for a copy of my birth certificate and they say that they lost some due to water damage back in the 90's. Mine happens to be one of them. What do I submit to the Vancouver consulate on the interview date in "lieu" of my birth certificate? Has anyone had / is having the same problem?

[Tater&Bugger 3]

Can they not just send a new certified record of your birth with an official statement saying why it's in that form? If they know it was lost then, then they know you're birth info obviously. I'd try calling again and make sure you speak with someone in charge... sounds a bit silly doesn't it?

[amykathleen2005 441]

The embassy will most likely have a list of alternative documents if a birth certificate is unavailable, such as a baptismal record, etc.

[amykathleen2005 441]

From the US Dept. of State Website:

Info

"Each applicant will need to obtain an original birth certificate issued by the official custodian of birth records in the country of birth, showing the date and place of birth and the parentage of the alien, based upon the original registration of birth.

The certificate must contain the:

Person’s date of birth

Person’s place of birth

Names of both parents, and

Annotation by the appropriate authority indicating that it is an extract from the official records

Unobtainable birth certificates

The applicant’s birth record may not be obtainable. Some reasons are listed below:

The applicant’s birth was never officially recorded.

The applicant’s birth records have been destroyed.

The appropriate government authority will not issue one.

Please obtain a certified statement from the appropriate government authority stating the reason the applicant’s birth record is not available. With the certified statement the applicant must submit secondary evidence. For example:

A baptismal certificate that contains the date and place of birth, as well as both parents names (providing the baptism took place shortly after birth)

An adoption decree for an adopted child

An affidavit from a close relative, preferably the applicant’s mother, stating the date and place of birth, both parents names, and the mother’s maiden name.

Note: An affidavit must be executed before an official authorized to take oaths or affirmations. More specific information is available from the NVC."