Birth Certificate?? What do we do?

[Gperry 0]

You can send a digitally or photostatically (e.g., Xerox) produced copy with the petition package. They may ask to see the original at the interview.

I don't know the specifics of getting a BC in El Salvador. If a family member can get it for you and send it by express private courier (e.g., Fedex or DHL) that would be best. You will also need a translation of the BC, and the translator must certify the translation.

Don't worry about the visa expiration date. She's adjusting as an immediate relative of a US citizen, which means her status at the time the AOS petition is accepted is irrelevant in 95% of the cases (VWP excepted).

For the Canucks - Most countries don't have two types of birth certificates - long and short form. Most have only one. Also, in some countries, there are no original birth records stored anywhere. In those countries, a birth certificate is prepared on request by a local official authorized to do so from whatever records can be cobbled together. Those records often have to be produced by the person requesting the birth certificate. In other words, it isn't always possible to send a request to some agency in the foreign country for a birth certificate because they may not have a record they can produce a birth certificate from. Sometimes it requires a personal appearance by the person requesting the certificate or a member of their family.

Thank you!! And thank you to all that answered this!!! Sending my well wishes and blessings your way. I really do appreciate your help and support.

JG