Missing original birth certificates for I-130 for IR-1 visa

[azeemguy 4]

Hello guys, first of all great forum and thank you to everybody for their contribution and valuable input as it is a big help to anybody looking for assistance with their cases.

I am looking for your advice on my matter. Little background … I am a Canadian citizen (was born and raised in Saudi Arabia and also have Pakistani citizenship) living in Toronto at the moment. My wife is in Houston, TX and she is a US citizen (previously Pakistani citizenship). I am putting together my package for the I-130 petition for the IR-1 visa for myself so my wife can sponsor me.

Now, my issue is that both my wife and I don’t have our original birth certificates. I had a Saudi birth certificate that I lost few years ago and tried to get a replacement but took too long and I had to come back to Canada. When I applied for my Canadian citizenship, I just provided an affidavit attested by Pakistan consulate in Saudi and there were no objections in my case. My wife had a Pakistani birth certificate and after she got her US citizenship, she never needed it until now.

What do you guys recommend? Would any of the following documents fulfil the birth certificate requirement:

For me :

1. Copy of my Canadian passport.

2. Copy of my Pakistani ID card.

3. Copy of the old affidavit attested by Pakistani consulate in Saudi that I used for my Canadian citizenship.

4. Any other suggestions?

For my wife :

1. Copy of her US citizenship.

2. An affidavit from her parent(s) stating the birth day.

3. Any other suggestions?

Any help and advice will be greatly appreciated guys !

[dwheels76 5,468]

Hello guys, first of all great forum and thank you to everybody for their contribution and valuable input as it is a big help to anybody looking for assistance with their cases.

I am looking for your advice on my matter. Little background … I am a Canadian citizen (was born and raised in Saudi Arabia and also have Pakistani citizenship) living in Toronto at the moment. My wife is in Houston, TX and she is a US citizen (previously Pakistani citizenship). I am putting together my package for the I-130 petition for the IR-1 visa for myself so my wife can sponsor me.

Now, my issue is that both my wife and I don’t have our original birth certificates. I had a Saudi birth certificate that I lost few years ago and tried to get a replacement but took too long and I had to come back to Canada. When I applied for my Canadian citizenship, I just provided an affidavit attested by Pakistan consulate in Saudi and there were no objections in my case. My wife had a Pakistani birth certificate and after she got her US citizenship, she never needed it until now.

What do you guys recommend? Would any of the following documents fulfil the birth certificate requirement:

For me :

1. Copy of my Canadian passport.

2. Copy of my Pakistani ID card.

3. Copy of the old affidavit attested by Pakistani consulate in Saudi that I used for my Canadian citizenship.

4. Any other suggestions?

For my wife :

1. Copy of her US citizenship.

2. An affidavit from her parent(s) stating the birth day.

3. Any other suggestions?

Any help and advice will be greatly appreciated guys !

The Petitioners Birthday Certificate is not needed. She has proof of citizenship so that's all she needs.

At the petitioning stage (Sending the I-130) the Beneficiaries birth certificate is also not needed you will however need it later at the NVC stage (about 5 to 7 months later).

None of the things you listed is needed or asked for from the beneficiary. All you need to send is your completed and signed G-325A with passport pic.

[azeemguy 4]

The Petitioners Birthday Certificate is not needed. She has proof of citizenship so that's all she needs.

At the petitioning stage (Sending the I-130) the Beneficiaries birth certificate is also not needed you will however need it later at the NVC stage (about 5 to 7 months later).

None of the things you listed is needed or asked for from the beneficiary. All you need to send is your completed and signed G-325A with passport pic.

Beautiful, thank you for the response!

At NVC stage then do you think any of the document(s) above will fulfill birth certificate requirement ? I was thinking of sending an email to US Consulate Toronto or US Embassy Ottawa to get a confirmation.

[NikLR 13,227]

neither that consulate nor embassy will be able to help you as the interview is conducted in Montreal. At best they'll redirect your question.

According to the DOS/NVC website this is what you should supply instead of your birth certificate.

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/reciprocity-by-country/SA.html

They also give information on http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents/Supporting_documents.html for when you cannot get a birth certificate.

[azeemguy 4]

neither that consulate nor embassy will be able to help you as the interview is conducted in Montreal. At best they'll redirect your question.

According to the DOS/NVC website this is what you should supply instead of your birth certificate.

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/reciprocity-by-country/SA.html

They also give information on http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents/Supporting_documents.html for when you cannot get a birth certificate.

Great information. Thanks again for the input.

For now I will prepare and submit the petition and provide a written explanation at NVC stage.