Why Birth certificate or Non-availability of a birth certificate is required for your green card process?


 

Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC) for Green Card

If you do not have a Birth Certificate or an officially issued Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC), it could create challenges in your U.S. Green Card process. Missing this crucial document may delay or even affect your eligibility to adjust your status as a U.S. Permanent Resident.

Before understanding the importance of a Birth Certificate or NABC, let’s first look at why the Green Card holds such significance.

What Is a Green Card?

A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, allows an individual to live and work permanently in the United States.

When you apply for a Green Card, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews your documentation based on the reciprocity schedule issued by the U.S. Department of State for India.

According to this schedule, the Birth Certificate became mandatory in India on April 1, 1970. Therefore, anyone born after this date must provide either:

How to Obtain a Birth Certificate in India

A Birth Certificate can usually be obtained from the Municipal Corporation, Registrar of Births and Deaths, or any other authorized local government office in the place of birth.

However, if you are unable to secure a Birth Certificate — due to record unavailability, damaged registers, or administrative issues — you can apply for a Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC).

What Is a Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC)?

A Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC) is an official document issued by the Municipal Authority or Local Registrar’s Office confirming that no birth record exists in the government’s register for the applicant.

Each issuing authority may have its own format for this certificate, but it generally includes:

  • The applicant’s name and date of birth

  • Parents’ names

  • A declaration that the birth record was not found in the government register

This document serves as proof in place of the Birth Certificate during U.S. Green Card applications or other immigration processes.

Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining NABC

Eligibility for a Non-Availability of Birth Certificate may vary slightly across states, but the common conditions include:

  • The applicant must be an Indian citizen or NRI born within the issuing authority’s jurisdiction.

  • The applicant must not already have a Birth Certificate issued by any government authority in India.

  • There should be a minimum gap of one year between the applicant’s date of birth and the date of the NABC application.

Documents Required for NABC Application

While the document list may vary from one region to another, the following are generally required as proof of birth, identity, and address:

  1. Ration Card / Residence Proof

  2. School Bonafide Certificate

  3. Secondary School Marksheet

  4. Notarized Affidavit declaring details of birth

  5. Any other supporting documents (if applicable)

  6. Passport Copy

  7. Hospital Record / Nursing Home Report / Vaccination Card

  8. Affidavit from the Applicant along with the application form

These documents help the municipal authorities verify that the birth record truly does not exist before issuing the NABC.

Why the NABC Is Important for a U.S. Green Card Application

The USCIS requires either a Birth Certificate or a Non-Availability Certificate as proof of birth. If neither document is provided, your Green Card application may be delayed or rejected.

Hence, obtaining an NABC is crucial to ensure your U.S. immigration or permanent residency process proceeds smoothly.

How NRIWAY Helps You Obtain an NABC from India

Getting official documents from India while living abroad can be complex and time-consuming. NRIWAY simplifies the process by providing end-to-end assistance in obtaining and attesting your Non-Availability of Birth Certificate.

With NRIWAY, you can:

  • Apply for your NABC remotely without visiting India

  • Get assistance in preparing all supporting affidavits and documentation

  • Have your documents attested or apostilled for international use

  • Track your application and receive timely updates

  • Enjoy secure document handling and courier delivery anywhere in the world

Our expert documentation team ensures your NABC is processed quickly, accurately, and accepted by immigration authorities abroad.

NRIWAY – Your Trusted Partner for Hassle-Free NRI Documentation and Legalization Services.

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