Affidavit of Birth for a Green Card: How to Write and Download a Sample

An affidavit of birth is a written statement made under oath by someone with personal knowledge of a person’s birth. The affiant signs the statement in front of a notary or other authorized official.

An affidavit of birth does not replace a birth certificate. Instead, it supports the record when primary civil documents are unavailable or raise credibility concerns.

Immigration officials generally expect a government-issued birth certificate as primary evidence with family petitions (Form I-130), adjustment of status applications (Form I-485), and consular processing (Form DS-260).

However, they may allow an affidavit of birth when:

• A civil authority cannot issue a birth record: Learn about what to do when civil records are unavailable →
• A birth certificate was registered late or lacks required details: Learn about late registered birth certificates →

In all cases, affidavits work best when combined with other supporting records that help confirm the information in the affidavit.

Yes, immigration officials may accept an affidavit of birth, but usually only as secondary evidence. In other words, it generally cannot stand on it's own. You need to submit other evidence of birth with it. In addition to one or two affidavits from credible individuals, officials typically expect applicants to submit:

• A clear explanation of why a birth certificate is unavailable or unreliable
• Supporting documents created close to the time of birth

Submitting an affidavit without context or corroborating evidence often leads to follow-up requests. Learn how to get a certificate of non-existence and gather secondary evidence →

The person who writes an affidavit is called the affiant. The affiant should have direct, personal knowledge of the birth. Common affiants include:

• A parent
• A close relative, such as an aunt or uncle
• Another individual present at or aware of the birth

More broadly, any individual who was alive at the time of the applicant’s birth and had personal knowledge of the birth may act as an affiant.

However, there is an important limitation. An affiant cannot be someone who is applying for permanent residence at the same time as the applicant. For example, a parent may not serve as an affiant if they are also filing Form I-485 to adjust status alongside the applicant.

To be useful, an affidavit of birth for a green card should clearly state essential facts and explain how the affiant knows them.

Most affidavits include:

• Full name of the person whose birth is described
• Date and place of birth
• Names of the parents
• How the affiant knows these facts
• Affiant’s full name, address, and date of birth
• Signature and notarization

All information should be consistent with other documents submitted.

An affidavit of birth should be clear, factual, and concise. Best practices include:

• Use plain language
• State only facts the affiant personally knows
• Avoid speculation or emotional statements
• Keep the explanation brief and consistent

The affiant must sign the statement under oath. If the affidavit is written in a foreign language, include a certified English translation.

Problems often arise when applicants:

• Submit affidavits without explaining why a birth certificate is unavailable
• Use affiants without personal knowledge of the birth
• Provide affidavits that conflict with other records
• Rely on affidavits when primary evidence exists

Addressing these issues early can help avoid delays.