Live in US need Canadian birth certificate certified

[slamberts]

I live in the U.S. and am applying for a first-time citizenship certificate. My mother was born in Ontario before 1930, and she only has a copy of her birth certificate (it looks like it was certified since there is an outline of a seal on the form). The form is on legal size paper. This document was found at her parent's house and may have been the only copy they had. The copy shows a number in the upper LH corner of the form, and lists both parents' names, and the physician in attendance.

If I make a copy of the document she has, would it suffice as proof of my mother's Canadian citizenship? I don't want to mail in the original copy.

If a copy of this form would not be enough, how can I get an acceptable certified copy of her birth certificate?

 

[alphazip]

If your mother's birth certificate was issued by the province of Ontario (and not a self-made copy), you can send a certified copy along with your application. So, you would take the birth certificate to a notary public and have the notary make a copy and certify it as being a "true copy." However, in a number of U.S. states, a notary is not permitted to certify birth certificates. Look here for your state:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certified_copy

If you cannot have a certified copy made in your state, you can visit a nearby state where certified copies can be made (be sure to call first), or even visit Canada to have it done if you are close by.

You can also make an appointment to have the certification done at a Canadian consulate.

If none of those choices are feasible, your mother will need to order an official copy of her birth certificate from here:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-or-replace-ontario-birth-certificate#section-1

A guarantor is normally required, but you can call 800-461-2156 to discuss what to do in your case.

Note that whatever certificates you send with your application will not be returned.