Do I need to submit a birth certificate with the I-140?

As a rule, not as a central document. In the I-140 petition for the EB-1 category, the focus is on proving extraordinary ability or outstanding achievements, so the documentation revolves around evidence such as awards, publications, and professional recognition. A birth certificate is not typically required to support that merit analysis.

This may change depending on the case. In some situations, it may be necessary to establish identity or family ties, especially when dependents are involved or at later stages of the process, such as the adjustment of status application. At those moments, personal documents like the birth certificate become relevant.

• In the I-140 for EB-1, the core is proof of merit, not the birth certificate.
• Identity and family ties may require personal documents in certain cases.
• The need tends to arise with dependents or in later phases of the process.

Since the exact list varies with the profile of each case, the safest approach is to check the current instructions for the I-140 on the USCIS website and, when in doubt, align the documentation with an immigration professional before submitting.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.