USCIS Green Card: NABC Translation Needed (Kerala Birth, No Birth Certificate)
Question - My family comes from a small village in Kerala, and birth certificates weren't widespread when I was born in 1968. I was able to get an NABC, but USCIS requires the document to be translated into English for my green card application (I-485). Who can provide an official translation, and will USCIS accept an NABC even if I wasn't issued a birth certificate?
Answer - Yes, USCIS will generally accept a Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC) document along with a certified translation for your green card application (I-485). Here's what you need to know: * Translation by a certified translator: USCIS requires translations done by a certified translator. Look for translators certified by the American Translators Association (ATA) or similar professional organizations. * NABC as substitute for birth certificate: While an NABC isn't a birth certificate, it demonstrates you've made a good faith effort to obtain a birth record. USCIS will typically accept it alongside other supporting evidence. Additional supporting documents: * School leaving certificates or other documents mentioning your date of birth.
Born in Kerala in 1968 and Don’t Have a Birth Certificate?
If you were born in a rural part of Kerala in the 1960s or earlier, it's common that your birth wasn't officially registered. However, this lack of documentation can become a concern when applying for permanent residency in the U.S. (Green Card – Form I-485). But don’t worry — USCIS does accept alternative documentation, and NRIWAY is here to guide you every step of the way.
What Is an NABC?
A Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC) is an official document issued by a municipal authority or gram panchayat confirming that no official birth record exists. It's a critical piece of evidence for immigration purposes when a traditional birth certificate cannot be obtained.
Will USCIS Accept an NABC?
Yes, USCIS generally accepts an NABC as a valid substitute when:
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- A birth certificate was never issued
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- You've made a good faith effort to obtain the certificate
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- You submit supporting documents and a certified English translation
Who Can Provide the Official Translation?
USCIS requires certified English translations for any document not in English. The translation must include:
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The translator’s certification statement
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A signature, name, and date
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Confirmation that the translator is competent in both English and the source language
Acceptable translators include:
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Translators certified by the American Translators Association (ATA)
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Registered professional translation services (like those partnered with NRIWAY)
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Notarized translation agencies (where required)
NRIWAY provides ATA-compliant certified translation services for NABC and other immigration documents, ensuring complete USCIS readiness.
Supporting Documents Alongside NABC
To strengthen your I-485 application, include other documents showing your date and place of birth:
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School leaving certificate
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10th/12th grade marksheets
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PAN card, Aadhaar card
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Voter ID
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Passport (if applicable)
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Affidavits from parents or close relatives (if alive)
How NRIWAY Helps You
NRIWAY is a trusted NRI service platform that assists with:
- - Obtaining NABC from Kerala or other Indian states
- - Certified English translation of NABC and affidavits
- - Drafting affidavits of birth
- - Document verification and attestation
- - End-to-end green card documentation support
Final Thoughts
Even if you don’t have a birth certificate due to your rural birth in Kerala, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. With an NABC, supporting records, and a certified translation, you can meet USCIS documentation requirements successfully.
Need help with your NABC or translation? Contact NRIWAY today.
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