If my country does not issue a birth certificate, what do I do for the L-1?

For the L-1, you need to establish identity and date of birth, typically through a birth certificate. If your country does not issue that document, or if obtaining it is extremely difficult, that does not disqualify you: immigration authorities accept substitute documents in such situations.

The goal is to gather alternative, consistent evidence that collectively demonstrates the same information a birth certificate would provide. The more official the sources and the more recognized the issuing institutions, the stronger the record.

• Hospital records of the birth.
• Notarized statements from parents or close relatives.
• School records or other official documents containing the essential personal data.

Each case is evaluated individually, and you may need to explain why the birth certificate is unavailable. It is therefore advisable to consult the current USCIS guidance or the relevant consulate about which combination of documents best fits your situation, and to seek trusted professional support to organize everything properly.

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.