Non-resident Indians (NRIs) live afar, which often brings a series of challenges. One of the most common hurdles is obtaining their birth certificate. A proof of birth is considered a fundamental identity document, which immigration authority often seeks. This document consists of authentic details regarding the applicant’s age, citizenship, address, and family relationships. That’s why immigration officers ask to present it. Unfortunately, they struggle with delays in getting it from India. This long wait can be frustrating, especially when you’re likely to apply for the green card.
The Importance of Birth Certificates in Immigration
The green card is required to work or live in the U.S. Its immigration authority prioritises the verification of the applicant’s identity so that his or her eligibility can be determined. With a birth proof, one can easily pass through its stringent verification process.
Basically, the foreign ministry of America or immigration authority verifies the following details:
- Proof of Age: It seeks a birth certificate to confirm the real age of the applicant, especially in the case of family-based visa applications.
- Citizenship Verification: Considering the significance of an individual’s origin, it requires an authentic proof of his or her country of origin.
- Family Relationships: For those who want to sponsor their family members, this proof can be the document to prove one’s relationship.
Considering the significance of a birth proof, NRIs must have it so that they can navigate the complex paperwork effectively without facing delays or rejections.
Common Causes of Delays in Birth Certificate Issue
Yes, it’s true that delays occur when you apply for a birth certificate in India. However, exceptions can be there. Let’s get through some of the common reasons for these delays:
Bureaucratic Processes: Every country has its own government agencies like municipal corporations, Gramme panchayats, etc. and entities that work department-wise. And the application for a birth certificate reaches from the embassy to that department. So, it becomes a lengthy process.
Incomplete Documentation: Incomplete or inaccurate details in the application form can lead to rejection, which gets the applicant back to square one. It adds significant hold-ups.
Administrative Backlogs: Sometimes, the applications are more. With limited resources within local government offices, it is difficult to avoid backlogs. This may also further delay the process.
Geographical Distance: NRIs often seek support from family members or representatives in India to apply for their birth proof. It can complicate the verification, and hence, the process becomes longer than usual.
Step for How to Apply for a Birth Certificate in India
NRIs can obtain their certificate of birth through a structured approach. For it, they can consult with a legal advisor or NRI consultant who has hands-on experience in it. In general, these steps are involved to apply for and obtain your birth certificate in India.
Step 1. Determine the Issuing Authority:
To start, you have to discover the fact that the Indian Embassy is the right place where you can apply. However, the Municipal Corporation or SDM office in India can be reached to register the birth. Since you’re abroad, reach out to the consul or embassy website.
Step 2. Gather Required Documents:
Before applying, you should discover if you have all necessary supporting documents for verification. You may confirm by following this checklist.
- A completed application form or old certificate without the name of the applicant
- Proof of the parent(s)’ identity, such as passports or voter ID
- Proof of the child’s birth, such as a hospital discharge summary or doctor’s certificate
- A self-sworn affidavit of the parents stating that they have not applied for any other country’s nationality.
- A self-sworn affidavit (NOC) for the parents do not object to obtaining the birth registration and passport of India.
- Notarised photocopies (of the first and last pages of the passport of both parents), which clearly shows the valid USA visa.
Step 3. Submit the Application
Now visit the website and access the birth registration form. Instead of visiting the embassy, you should apply it online. And also, enclose the supporting documents through uploading. However, it depends on the authority’s facilities. It will call to visit for verification.
Step 4. Follow Up
After paying the service fee online, you will receive a reference number to check the status of your birth application.
Step 5. Receive the Birth Certificate
Upon approval, the birth certificate can be collected in person or may be sent by mail, depending on the issuing authority’s procedures. On the day of physical verification, the officer will issue the birth certificate on the very same day, given that all papers are aligned with guidelines.
Processing Fee
Currently, the embassy charges US$25.00 (twenty-five dollars only). With it, the embassy deducts an additional amount of $2.00 (two dollars only) to credit to the account of the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF). The applicant is free to pay this amount through a money order or cashiers’ check, which must be drawn in favour of the Embassy of India, Washington, DC.
For further consultation and support, you may send your query to Services 2NRI for consultation. Or, you may fill out the inquiry form to receive all possible support.
Conclusion
The applicant may be surrounded by multiple challenges when it comes to applying for a birth certificate for an NRI, which further delays the green card visa application. He or she can take proactive measures by following instructions shared above. Alternatively, consulting with experts at Services 2NRI can be helpful.
