Is birth certificate always needed ?

[Leo7777 243]

I thought that valid, unexpired passport, met the requirement for birth info.

But a couple of people here have posted that a RFE required them to submit birth certificates.

What is the general experience ? Has everyone had to supply birth certificates; or do passports suffice ?

Under what conditions do birth certificates seem to be requested, in addition to passports.

[Newbie608 103]

Birth certificate is required. Passport is not but can be sent in addition to birth certificate.

[Dave&Roza 748]

I thought that valid, unexpired passport, met the requirement for birth info.

But a couple of people here have posted that a RFE required them to submit birth certificates.

What is the general experience ? Has everyone had to supply birth certificates; or do passports suffice ?

Under what conditions do birth certificates seem to be requested, in addition to passports.

For the I-485 form, it clearly states that the applicant must supply a copy of the foreign birth certificate and a complete translation if not in English. If you cannot abtain a copy of the BC then you must prove this per CFR Title 8 Chapter I Subchapter B Part 103 Subpart A Section 103.2(b)(2)(ii). So you need to provide a BC or proof that one is not available and then use secondary evidence to prove bith information--link http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?rgn=div5&node=8:1.0.1.2.6#se8.1.103_12.

Good luck,

Dave

Edited November 8, 2014 by Dave&Roza

[Hypnos 6,576]

The beneficiary's birth certificate is a required supporting document for the I-485, as stated above.

The petitioner's birth certificate is sometimes used as proof of US citizenship; I used it to prove my wife's, since she had no passport and wasn't naturalised.

Edited November 9, 2014 by Hypnos

[Leo7777 243]

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide2

This guide clearly states that birth certificate and/or passport be submitted.

7. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate and/or passport along with English translation. (If in any language other than English)

Let's hear from others who have only submitted passport.

Edited November 9, 2014 by Leo7777

[seth2013 39]

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide2

This guide clearly states that birth certificate and/or passport be submitted.

7. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate and/or passport along with English translation. (If in any language other than English)

Let's hear from others who have only submitted passport.

I think you're looking at the I-130 section. If you scroll down to the I-485 it's not optional. (#6)

[Transborderwife 4,666]

I thought that valid, unexpired passport, met the requirement for birth info.

But a couple of people here have posted that a RFE required them to submit birth certificates.

What is the general experience ? Has everyone had to supply birth certificates; or do passports suffice ?

Under what conditions do birth certificates seem to be requested, in addition to passports.

Mandatory for the I-485

[Leo7777 243]

Thanks to all who replied.

Yes, I was looking at I-130 which specified "OR."

I didn't read I-485 carefully enough because I was confident that the same rules would apply to both forms. But alas, the rules can change from one government form to the next government form !!!

I swear that there are many things to trip one up, even when extra cautious like myself.