Canada
Missing an Ancestor's Birth Certificate? What IRCC Accepts Instead
If you don't have a birth certificate for yourself or an ancestor, IRCC accepts other documents from the original authority, including hospital birth records, baptismal records (baptism within a reasonable time after birth), census records, boat manifests, foreign birth certificates showing parentage, and citizenship or naturalization certificates. Source: canada.ca
If you can't provide official documents at all, explain why in writing and include proof you tried, such as letters from record offices. Source: canada.ca
For U.S. records, RecordsDirectory lists state and county vital records offices.
General information only. This site is not legal advice and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government or government agency. Rules change. Always confirm with the official sources linked on each page before you apply.