Affidavit of Change of Birth Date — English & Vietnamese
Why Would a Birth Date Need to Be Changed?
In Vietnam, especially in rural areas, birth records were often recorded inaccurately or years after the actual birth. Parents sometimes registered children with incorrect dates due to superstition, administrative errors, or simply because record-keeping was informal. When these individuals later apply for US immigration, the discrepancy between their actual birth date and the recorded date causes problems with USCIS.
When to Use This Affidavit
Use this document when:
- Your birth certificate exists but shows the wrong date
- Your Vietnamese ID card (CMND/CCCD) shows a different date than your birth certificate
- USCIS has issued a Request for Evidence (RFE) regarding your birth date
- The US Embassy or consulate has flagged a discrepancy in your birth date
If you have no birth certificate at all, use the Affidavit of Birth instead.
How It Works
This affidavit is a sworn statement from one or more witnesses who have personal knowledge of your actual birth date. The document is written in both English and Vietnamese so that Vietnamese-speaking witnesses can understand exactly what they are signing.
Instructions
- Fill in the subject's full name, incorrect date of birth (as recorded), and correct date of birth.
- Have at least two witnesses complete the witness section — ideally parents, siblings, or relatives who were alive at the time of birth.
- Sign before a notary public if possible. While not always required, notarization significantly strengthens the document.
- Submit alongside your birth certificate and any other supporting documents showing the correct date (school records, baptism records, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions
Will USCIS accept this instead of a corrected birth certificate?
Yes. USCIS accepts affidavits as secondary evidence when primary documents are unavailable or inaccurate. The more witnesses and supporting documents you provide, the stronger your case.
How many witnesses do I need?
USCIS recommends at least two witnesses with personal knowledge of the birth. More witnesses strengthen the affidavit.
Can I also correct my birth date in Vietnam?
Yes, you can apply to correct your birth certificate at the provincial Department of Justice (Sở Tư Pháp) in Vietnam. However, this process can take months and may not be necessary if USCIS accepts the affidavit.