Birth certificate not available for brother

**syriano** · 14th April 2012, 03:04 PM

Hi all,

I am getting ready to sponsor my brother and file I – 130 but he is unable to get a birth certificate right now. Can I use a copy of his passport with the application instead?

thanks

**BigJoe5** · 14th April 2012, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by syriano

Hi all,

I am getting ready to sponsor my brother and file I – 130 but he is unable to get a birth certificate right now. Can I use a copy of his passport with the application instead?

thanks

http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/fees_3272.html

Click the link and select the country of birth to determine how to proceed.

**nkm-oct23** · 14th April 2012, 04:30 PM

You will need proof that he is indeed your brother. Ideally his birth certificate and your birth certificate, both showing names of (same)parents will be required.

**darkside4391** · 15th April 2012, 11:53 AM

just wait for his bc

you will def need it for other forms like the i485 or i765

he would also need to bring his bc for his interview

**syriano** · 15th April 2012, 12:25 PM

Well he lives in syria and because of the regime's assault on people there all government agencies have shut down where he lives. That is why he's not able to obtain a bc right now and it might be a while before he is able to so can I use a copy of his passport showing the parents names instead?

thanks

**BigJoe5** · 15th April 2012, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by syriano

Well he lives in syria and because of the regime's assault on people there all government agencies have shut down where he lives. That is why he's not able to obtain a bc right now and it might be a while before he is able to so can I use a copy of his passport showing the parents names instead?

thanks

Has he thought of seeking refugee status?

**syriano** · 16th April 2012, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by BigJoe5

Has he thought of seeking refugee status?

Not yet but it's something I need to look into. Would he save any time by taking this route instead of the regular family based route?

**BigJoe5** · 16th April 2012, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by syriano

Not yet but it's something I need to look into. Would he save any time by taking this route instead of the regular family based route?

The sibling of a USC can expect to wait around 13 years from the time of filing the I-130 until a visa number becomes available (priority date becomes current). Then the actual visa application processing may begin.

I don't know how long for a refugee case.