Necessity of Full Version of Birth Certificate

[saj102965 1]

If I used the certified copy of my birth certificate would that be sufficient?

[USUY2010 4]

I'm not sure. But I think it depends what for.

I sent a copy of my birth certificate with the packages, but I keep an original with me for the interview, just in case.

[Betti 1]

You can send a certified copy of your birth certificate with your application (or a regular copy), but you will need to have the original for the interview.

Edited September 14, 2010 by Betti

[zooch76 9]

While I have not submitted my AOS package yet, I believe a certified copy will be fine. Just to be clear, the copy has to be certified by the government agency that issued the original birth certificate.

I was born in Ontario, Canada and my original long form birth certificate has long gone missing. I recently tried to order a new copy of my birth certificate for my AOS but all they issue now are certified copies of the original. Aside from the actual original that was issued to my parents, all they keep on file is an electronic copy which they print and certify to send to those that request it.

So, long story short, the only "original" birth certificate is issued when you are born. If you order a new copy, it will more than likely be a certified copy, which is still a government issued legal document.

[Starburst 4]

All I submitted with my application was color photocopies (both sides) of my creditcard size birth certificate, not the long version. It's not signed or certified.

It's the same one that can be seen here for Canadians.

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sksaskat/Saskatoon/birthnewer.gif

I brought that, along with my birth registration card to my interview but they never asked to see them.

Edited September 15, 2010 by Starburst

[Canadiano 0]

All I submitted with my application was color photocopies (both sides) of my creditcard size birth certificate, not the long version. It's not signed or certified.

It's the same one that can be seen here for Canadians.

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sksaskat/Saskatoon/birthnewer.gif

I brought that, along with my birth registration card to my interview but they never asked to see them.

I have a card-sized birth certificate from Manitoba that looks just like that link. My sister said that they have only recently started issuing larger ones with pareñts names. Has anyone had an issue with this in their interview? I don't know what to do to satisfy the consulate's requirement.

[Canadiano 0]

I have a card-sized birth certificate from Manitoba that looks just like that link. My sister said that they have only recently started issuing larger ones with pareñts names. Has anyone had an issue with this in their interview? I don't know what to do to satisfy the consulate's requirement.

Ok, I will answer my own question for the sake of everyone who might have the same question in the future. I emailed the US Consulate in Vancouver and here is their response:

Hello,

Wallet/card size birth certificates are not acceptable for visa purposes. You must provide long form birth certificate showing your parents name on the day of interview.

· Manitoba: Applicants should obtain "large" certificates or certified copies from the Vital Statistics Agency in Winnipeg (254 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, 204-945-3701 ). Further information, including mail-order instructions, is available on line http://vitalstats.gov.mb.ca/.

Thank you.

K Visa Unit

Vancouver, BC

There you have it. Straight from the horses mouth.