Definition
A birth certificate is an official civil registry document showing a person's name, date and place of birth, and usually the identity of their parents. In immigration files it is often required to prove identity, parent-child relationships, or civil status, especially for dependent children and family reunification. Foreign birth certificates may also need translation, apostille, or legalisation before the immigration authority will accept them.
Related terms
Apostille
A certification attached to a public document so it can be accepted abroad under the Hague Apostille Convention without full consular legalisation.
Read definition →
Family Reunification
The process that allows close family members of a lawful resident or worker to join them in the host country under a dependent or family permit.
Read definition →
Marriage Certificate
An official civil document proving that two people are legally married, commonly used in spouse and family-based immigration applications.
Read definition →