Do my L-2 children need a birth certificate?

Yes, the birth certificate is typically one of the essential documents for children seeking L-2 status. It proves the parental relationship with the L-1 holder and helps qualify the child as an eligible dependent.

In practice, this document establishes the family tie in a clear and official way, which is exactly what immigration authorities need to confirm in order to grant L-2 status to dependents. When the birth certificate was issued in another language, it generally needs to be accompanied by an English translation.

To avoid surprises when gathering your documents:

• Obtain a birth certificate for each dependent child.
• Include a translation when the document is not in English.
• Verify that the information matches the other forms in the case.

Since requirements can vary by case and may be updated, it is worth following the official guidance from the Department of State and U.S. immigration authorities, or consulting a specialist, before the interview.

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.