Hi Folks,
I was interviewed with family members on Jun 23 as per schedule. Everything went off well except that the officer did not agree on birth affidavits for my wife and I (submitted in lieu of birth certificates). Our kids were fine since they had birth certificates. She said the procedure had changed - so we need to get a 'certificate of non-availability of birth record' from the authorities.
I called up Consulate General of India, Houston and spoke to the Vice Consul - Mr Bhati. He denied help on any such certificate and said that only the authorities in India at my birth place could issue that. However, he advised that I should get the standard birth certificates from them as per procedure. These certificates certify DOB as per passport entries only. Applied immediately and CGI, Houston sent those within a week.
Anyway, I visited ADO again on Fri Jul 02 and after a wait of two hours had a chance to meet the same officer who had issued the RFE to me on Jun 23. Explained to her that this is all that my Consulate issues, showed her our High School original certificates with DOB etc. Told her that I'll have to personally go to India and obtain that kind of certificate from a magistrate with personal appearance etc. She consulted another officer and finally accepted the Birth Certificates issued by CGI, Houston. After that things moved like a breeze and she approved the files and stamped all our passports etc. Awaiting the plastic cards now.
So, finally I got approved after a 61-month journey. Guess the feeling was of accomplishment and closure. Wish you all speedy interviews and approvals. Until then keep your spirits high - the end of the fruitful journey is nigh.
Thanks for all the support and info on this forum.
VirtualGC
I was interviewed with family members on Jun 23 as per schedule. Everything went off well except that the officer did not agree on birth affidavits for my wife and I (submitted in lieu of birth certificates). Our kids were fine since they had birth certificates. She said the procedure had changed - so we need to get a 'certificate of non-availability of birth record' from the authorities.
I called up Consulate General of India, Houston and spoke to the Vice Consul - Mr Bhati. He denied help on any such certificate and said that only the authorities in India at my birth place could issue that. However, he advised that I should get the standard birth certificates from them as per procedure. These certificates certify DOB as per passport entries only. Applied immediately and CGI, Houston sent those within a week.
Anyway, I visited ADO again on Fri Jul 02 and after a wait of two hours had a chance to meet the same officer who had issued the RFE to me on Jun 23. Explained to her that this is all that my Consulate issues, showed her our High School original certificates with DOB etc. Told her that I'll have to personally go to India and obtain that kind of certificate from a magistrate with personal appearance etc. She consulted another officer and finally accepted the Birth Certificates issued by CGI, Houston. After that things moved like a breeze and she approved the files and stamped all our passports etc. Awaiting the plastic cards now.
So, finally I got approved after a 61-month journey. Guess the feeling was of accomplishment and closure. Wish you all speedy interviews and approvals. Until then keep your spirits high - the end of the fruitful journey is nigh.
Thanks for all the support and info on this forum.
VirtualGC