Documentation
Proof of Relationship
For spouses of U. S. Citizens (IR-1, CR-1, and K-3 Visas), spouses of Legal Permanent Residents
(F-21 and V-1 Visas) and Spouses of Family Based Visa Applicants (F-3 and F-4 Visas):
Primary: Marriage registration certificates issued by a recognized governing authority at the time of the marriage. Proof of the termination of any previous marriage must also be submitted (e.g. death certificate of former spouse, final decree of divorce or annulment). For Muslim marriages, please submit a registration certificate from the Wakf Board of the area in which the marriage took place. For Christian marriages, please provide a church-issued marriage certificate.
Secondary: Wedding invitations, wedding photographs or other reliable documents that show the required relationship. For proof of an ongoing relationship, please submit such evidence as cards, letters, emails, photographs, phone records and other evidence that your relationship is continual.
For Children (IR-2, IR-3, F-1, F-24, F-3 and K-4 Visas) and Parents (IR-5 visas) of U. S. Citizens, Children of Family Based Visa Applicants (F-3 and F-4 Visas) and Children of Finace(e) visa applicants (K-2 Visas):
Primary: Old Indian passports, birth registrations issued within one year of the birth
Secondary: Secondary school leaving certificates, old ration cards, old baptismal certificates, old family documents such as land transfers and wills, original wedding invitations, college degree certificates, mark sheets, property certificates, family photos or other reliable documents which show the required relationship.
For the Brother or Sister of a U. S. Citizen (F-4 Visas):
Primary: Old Indian passports, birth registrations issued within one year of the birth
Secondary: Secondary school leaving certificates, old ration cards, old baptismal certificates, old family documents such as land transfers and wills, original wedding invitations, college degree certificates, mark sheets, property certificates, family photos or other reliable documents which show the required relationship.
Note: The documents of both the petitioner and beneficiary must show parent(s) name(s) to be considered in connection with the immigrant visa application.
Unobtainable birth certificates: In rare cases, it may be impossible to obtain a birth certificate because records have been destroyed or the government will not issue one. In such cases, you should obtain a statement to that effect from the civil registrar's office and proceed to obtain secondary evidence of birth. Other certificates, such as a baptismal certificate or school certificates, may be submitted for consideration provided they contain the date of the applicant's birth and information concerning parentage. Should these certificates be unobtainable, a close relative, preferably the applicant's mother, should prepare a notarized statement giving the place and date of the applicant's birth, the names of both parents, and the maiden name of the mother. The statement must be executed before an official authorized to administer oaths or affirmations. In such cases, please bring any secondary evidence you might have concerning your birth.