South African "birth certificate"

[Mollusk 2]

Hi. My husband is a British citizen but was born in South Africa in 1972. At that time, they didn't issue birth certificates per se; instead, babies got identity booklets, which had the baby's name, vaccination records etc - but not the parents' names or exact place of birth (it just says 'South Africa').

His interview is scheduled at the London embassy for the end of August and he's worried that they won't accept this document. Does anyone have any experience of this? It's worrying, as the SA embassy says it's a SIX MONTH turnaround time for newly issued birth certificates, and our kids and I are moving at the end of August.

Thanks in advance.

[Mark88 184]

What did the US embassy say when you asked them this question?

[subwayguy 100]

http://www.***removed***/birth-certificate/non-availability-birth-certificate.html

[goosepatrol 0]

We're doing DCF in Johannesburg, and both the USCIS and the consular packets we received said very clearly that only the unabridged "long form" South African birth certificate with names of parents was acceptable. My husband didn't have one either when he was born, but he had gotten one later. Not sure if London will follow the same rules though.

[Mollusk 2]

The email response I just received said "https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/reciprocity-by-country.html

If, after referring to the above-mentioned information, Mr. X remains unable to obtain his birth certificate, he should bring to his visa interview appointment any documentation he has regarding his attempts to obtain the certificate, together with any official written documentation he may obtain explaining why his birth certificate is unavailable."

I wonder if 'unavailable' could encapsulate 'would take too long to get'. Worryingly, I doubt it.

To the SA embassy in London he goes...

[Mark88 184]

To the SA embassy in London he goes...

Probaly will be your best option.

[Confusedtinybird 41]

I've used this company before http://www.docassist.co.za/

If you are still trying to get the birth certificate.

[Mollusk 2]

Thank you - might cut through the embassy's bureaucracy!