Procedures for registering birth abroad?

[Ray-J 2]

My bride-to-be and I are expecting our first child in mid-October. What paperwork will I (we) need to file with the Embassy in Manila after our angel is born? Is it possible to do this on the day of my fiancee's interview? What are the fees that I need to plan on, if any? Thanks in advance.

[happyblessedme 12]

My bride-to-be and I are expecting our first child in mid-October. What paperwork will I (we) need to file with the Embassy in Manila after our angel is born? Is it possible to do this on the day of my fiancee's interview? What are the fees that I need to plan on, if any? Thanks in advance.

You need to file a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. She can start this process after the child is born coz the baby;s birth certificate is one of the document required.

i paid like $ 200 for the application alone not including the process of getting all the documents required, that was almost 3 years ago.

[Ray-J 2]

You need to file a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. She can start this process after the child is born coz the baby;s birth certificate is one of the document required.

i paid like $ 200 for the application alone not including the process of getting all the documents required, that was almost 3 years ago.

Was that $200 in USD? What, besides the birth certificate, is needed for documentation? I should've been more clear in that we hope her interview will be after the baby is born.

[happyblessedme 12]

Was that $200 in USD? What, besides the birth certificate, is needed for documentation? I should've been more clear in that we hope her interview will be after the baby is born.

Yes $200 but that was 3 yrs. ago when i had the CRBA for my child. Most of the documents are basic like what ur fiancee needs. Just check the website and read more about CRBA.

[Ray-J 2]

Yes $200 but that was 3 yrs. ago when i had the CRBA for my child. Most of the documents are basic like what ur fiancee needs. Just check the website and read more about CRBA.

I know it's been quite a while since you've been through the process, but what method of payment did you use? If cash, did you have to go through a third-party payment acceptance organization, such as a bank, like we all had/have to with the visa fee? Would I be able to use my credit/debit card at the embassy?

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I know it's been quite a while since you've been through the process, but what method of payment did you use? If cash, did you have to go through a third-party payment acceptance organization, such as a bank, like we all had/have to with the visa fee? Would I be able to use my credit/debit card at the embassy?

Have a read on the Manilla US Embassy site here: http://manila.usembassy.gov/service/citizenship.html which explains what the CRBA is and follow the links to find what you need which leads here: http://manila.usembassy.gov/service/citizenship/first-time-report-of-birth-abroad7.html

It's not usually an immediate issuance thing. You'll probably have to wait a bit for it. You'll also probably have to undergo a DNA test as you aren't married to prove the kid is yours.

[Ray-J 2]

Have a read on the Manilla US Embassy site here: http://manila.usembassy.gov/service/citizenship.html which explains what the CRBA is and follow the links to find what you need which leads here: http://manila.usembassy.gov/service/citizenship/first-time-report-of-birth-abroad7.html

It's not usually an immediate issuance thing. You'll probably have to wait a bit for it. You'll also probably have to undergo a DNA test as you aren't married to prove the kid is yours.

Yes, I've read all I can find on the subject. I do understand there is a possibility that a DNA test will be required, but I also intend to provide substantial proof to try and guard against needing to shell out all that cash for the test kit from the list of labs they recognize. So far, the cheapest lab I've found charges about $600 USD. What proof might I try? Well, my passport entry stamps for one. Medical records and a note from the OB stating she hadn't been with anyone else before me (trust me on this one. I have a medical background). Combined with the knowledge of approximate date of conception, I just might be okay (I pray). This still leaves the question of the manner of payment they accept for the filing fees, though.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Yes, I've read all I can find on the subject. I do understand there is a possibility that a DNA test will be required, but I also intend to provide substantial proof to try and guard against needing to shell out all that cash for the test kit from the list of labs they recognize. So far, the cheapest lab I've found charges about $600 USD. What proof might I try? Well, my passport entry stamps for one. Medical records and a note from the OB stating she hadn't been with anyone else before me (trust me on this one. I have a medical background). Combined with the knowledge of approximate date of conception, I just might be okay (I pray). This still leaves the question of the manner of payment they accept for the filing fees, though.

This here: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/DNA%20Information%20Sheet%20_updated%20March%202011__001.doc (updated March 2011) states that DNA testing is not "ordered":

The Embassy does not “order” DNA tests. Testing is strictly voluntary, even in questionable cases where parentage evidence is unavailable or unsatisfactory.

So you might be okay but i will still save for the DNA test. If you don't need to do the test then you can spend in on your marriage or other fun stuff but at least you won't be caught out.

The link I posted is a Word doc that also has a link to the listing of the agents the accepted for testing which is handy (here's the link: http://www.aabb.org/sa/facilities/Pages/RTestAccrFac.aspx ) so you can find out one that you like and the cost of that so you know how much to save for.

As for evidence I would show the medical records showing the approximate date of conception and your presence in the Philippines or her in the US or wherever the conception occurred by way of photos, hotel receipts, ticket stubs, flight itinerary. They also suggest pictures and evidence before the child was conceived. I would probably also show the evidence of when she found out she was pregnant and the calls/emails to you showing when she told you. Evidence of you telling your family perhaps as well (I used Facebook "wall-to-wall" print-outs to show tony and I posting on each others walls and it was accepted as relationship evidence). DNA is the ultimate proof (but apparently sometimes they won't even accept DNA - see the link I posted at the top of this post)

While I think the evidence she was a virgin before you is all well and good, it doesn't really prove that she hasn't had sex SINCE you. Or that she didn't cheat on you. You basically need to prove that there's a really really good chance you're the dad.

Edited May 15, 2011 by Vanessa&Tony

[Ray-J 2]

So you might be okay but i will still save for the DNA test. If you don't need to do the test then you can spend in on your marriage or other fun stuff but at least you won't be caught out.

As for evidence I would show the medical records showing the approximate date of conception and your presence in the Philippines or her in the US or wherever the conception occurred by way of photos, hotel receipts, ticket stubs, flight itinerary. They also suggest pictures and evidence before the child was conceived. I would probably also show the evidence of when she found out she was pregnant and the calls/emails to you showing when she told you. Evidence of you telling your family perhaps as well (I used Facebook "wall-to-wall" print-outs to show tony and I posting on each others walls and it was accepted as relationship evidence). DNA is the ultimate proof (but apparently sometimes they won't even accept DNA - see the link I posted at the top of this post)

While I think the evidence she was a virgin before you is all well and good, it doesn't really prove that she hasn't had sex SINCE you. Or that she didn't cheat on you. You basically need to prove that there's a really really good chance you're the dad.

Oh, I wholeheartedly agree with you. It's always better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it. I had actually found the same information sheet you referenced and started making calls to a few of the labs listed. So far, the cheapest I've found is around $600 USD. Still, I'd like to know what method of payment the embassy will accept for the filing fees. I'm asking all these questions as part of my planning and preparation.