Born in India before 1970 and USCIS wants a birth certificate?
USCIS's own policy treats pre-1970 Indian birth certificates as generally unavailable, and accepts secondary evidence instead.
We do not provide legal representation before USCIS or any foreign immigration authority. What we provide is consultation on the documentation itself, and preparation of everything that needs to be done from the India side, coordinated directly with your relative or contact here.
The policy position
For much of India, civil birth registration was not systematic before 1970. USCIS reciprocity guidance treats birth certificates from that period as generally unavailable. This means you are not expected to produce a document that, in most cases, was never issued.
Accepted secondary evidence
In place of a birth certificate, USCIS accepts secondary evidence such as school leaving certificates, and affidavits from people with direct knowledge of the birth, usually older relatives who were present or aware at the time. We prepare and notarise these affidavits and coordinate apostille so they are ready for the applicant's filing.
Common questions
That is expected for many pre-1970 births. Affidavits from people with direct knowledge, together with any available secondary documents, are the recognised alternative.
This depends on the case. Typically two affidavits from older relatives with direct knowledge, supported by any available documents.
We coordinate apostille of the notarised affidavits through the appropriate channel so they are ready for overseas filing.
Ready to review your situation?
These consultations are designed for clients abroad. We review your documents over a scheduled video call and outline the affidavits and steps needed.
Book a video consultation