I-485 - BIRTH CERTIFICATE NOT AVAILABLE

[frankiep311 0]

Hello all!  We are adjusting the status of my Ukrainian in-laws.  They arrived on a visit and were planning to go back to Ukraine but i have convinced them to stay until the war is sorted out.  We are going the Adjustment of status route.  The problem is, my mother-in-law was born in Russia and does not have her birth certificate (lost).  Obviously going to Russia to get a copy of one is not feasible.  What can be done instead of providing the birth certificate?  The other options listed on the form instructions just don't seem possible (affidavits from relatives, school records, etc.). Obtaining any of this would probably require them to go back which defeats the whole purpose.  She does have 2 other government issued IDs showing her DOB with her here in the U.S.  Please advise!  Thank you!

[millefleur 5,046]

It is possible to obtain a copy even if you're not in Russia. It requires some extra steps but it's not impossible.

 

https://legalbeagle.com/5189742-copy-russian-birth-certificate.html

 

In lieu of this, it seems something else must be provided in absence of the birth certificate otherwise you'll get an RFE and the case will be stuck:

https://www.jeelani-law.com/adjustment-of-status-i-485-without-a-birth-certificate/

 

DoS site says ZAGS will release a new birth certificate if the old is lost or destroyed so it might be the best way to go:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/RussianFederation.html