Yes—bring your original birth certificate if it is available, although USCIS’s published Form I-485 rule requires the original only when USCIS requests it.

Copies, page 5

Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless the Instructions specifically instruct you to submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at any time during our process. If we request an original document from you, we will return it to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs the original.

Birth Certificate, page 11

Unless otherwise specified, applicants must submit a photocopy of their birth certificate issued by the appropriate civil authority from their country of birth. USCIS will only accept a birth certificate which lists at least one parent.

Translations, page 5

Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must also include the translator's signature, printed name, the signature date, and the translator's contact information.

Copies, page 5

NOTE: If you submit original documents when they are not required or requested, USCIS or the Immigration Court may destroy them after we receive them.

Chapter 4(B), Unavailability of Records and the Use of Affidavits

When submitting secondary evidence, an applicant must establish that the required primary document is unavailable or does not exist. To establish that a required primary document is unavailable or does not exist, an applicant must submit letters of certification of non-existence issued by the appropriate civil authority.

Chapter 4(B), Unavailability of Records and the Use of Affidavits

Once an applicant has demonstrated that a required primary document is unavailable, the applicant may submit appropriate secondary evidence, such as church or school records pertaining to the facts at issue. If an applicant has demonstrated unavailability of both a required primary and secondary document, the applicant must submit at least two affidavits, or sworn written statements, pertaining to the facts at issue.

Chapter 4(B), Unavailability of Records and the Use of Affidavits

Certification of non-existence from a civil authority is not required where the Department of State’s Reciprocity Schedule indicates this type of document generally does not exist. If an applicant is unable to obtain a letter of certification of non-existence issued by the appropriate civil authority, the applicant or petitioner may submit evidence that repeated good faith attempts were made to obtain the required documentation.