CRBA Documents Organization

[mrsSpitze 9]

i just wanted to check on how to actually organize the documents for the CRBA of my son.

we have a lot docs prepare (due to proving the relationship, my bf and i are not married).

maybe a stupid question for some, but i just wanted to check on where i should put the documents/pictures. should i put them in a clear folder or an envelope would be fine? do the pictures needed to be pasted on a bond paper or not?

im new to this thing (processing and submitting the docs) and i want to do it right.

thanks in advance for the input.

[Brandon+Roslyn 4]

There is a checklist for the CRBA that tells you everything you need to submit and the order everything should be put together. Organize everything in the same order as the checklist, remember to not sign anything except for the checklist. I did mine in Manila, I dont know if they do it the same everywhere, but at the window they just took everything, examined what I had and handed back some stuff they didnt need. I had a stack of papers like 4 inches thick and a punch of pictures and stuff, it actually felt kind of ridiculous to me once i was handing all the documents and proof I had to the girl, but you can never have too much proof. I had everything already in order in a plastic file holder but when i gave it to them they looked through everything to make sure I had all the right documents and filled everything out properly. When the girl was done she just put everything in order and told me to wait for the interview. At least in Manila they didnt seem to be super ####### about everything, as far as all the forms being filled out perfectly and put in proper order, they are really helpful and dont reprimand you for making a mistake. Make sure you have photocopies of everything that the checklist says to have photocopies of. In Manila its $1.00 per page to make photocopies. I dont know about everywhere else. Hope this helps! Good Luck!

[GlobeHopperMama 95]

No matter what, make sure everything is in a format where you can easily remove items or change the order of things if asked, no permanent bindings/staples or hard-to-remove fasteners. It seems like every single consulate has its own particular way of doing it, so make sure to study their website's instructions for the CRBA, and if it's not thorough or clear enough, see if you can contact the consulate by email ahead of time to get a checklist of requirements from them. I don't think there's any particular need to do anything special other than maybe a file folder to keep it all together. They're going to pick it apart anyway, most likely, so just come to the consulate prepared for anything. I usually bring one folder with just what I think they need, in the order they need it, and then I have a separate, bigger stretchy folder with organized sections to hold absolutely any other documents that might possibly be asked for if they want more evidence of something.

[mrsSpitze 9]

Thank you everyone! Now, i'm just waiting for the actual docuemtns to arrive. Oh and we're doing it here in Manila. Thanks again!

[chimanrao 1]

Take the documents in transparent files, so you can see inside easily (security check)

Use post-it stick-outs for labelling each section.

Though not necessary, have the latest ones first and oldest in the back for each section.

Doubling up documentation doesn't hurt (Eg. Though you have payslips for a period, and utility bills from the same, include both)

And generally organize in a logical fashion .. money related in one file (Tax returns, payslips, Social Security, etc.), residence related in another file (Gas bills, electricity bills, etc.), and so on...

[chimanrao 1]

Also .. all previous passports will help establish the 5 year requirement ..

Keep originals in plastic-pouch pages which you can attach to the file, so that you dont have to punch any originals.

And like "Carlos and Amy" suggested, make sure you can change the order of the documents at a moments notice. You shouldn't staple things (Except the obvious ones, eg. 2011 Tax returns).

Double sided printing will save you some trouble ... it usually comes out to be a LOT OF STUFF to carry, otherwise..

[AnhDoiEm 9]

is there a link guide for CRBA in VJ?

[GlobeHopperMama 95]

AhnDoiEm, each embassy/consulate seems to have its own instructions on its website. In general, those things are pretty self-explanatory and people rarely seem to have trouble getting the CRBA if they follow what the embassy says on its website.

[mrsSpitze 9]

Thanks for all the help.

My son's CRBA has been approved. Took us almost the whole day. We scheduled our appointment at 730AM and we were the 6th in line. I didn't have to arrange anything (although I did) since the girl from the window did it for me. My bf and I are not married so we needed to present proof. We used pictures and our passports. We were not asked for an additional DNA testing. The consul was really nice although he doesn't really talk alot. My dad accompanied me (he carried my son while I arrange the docs). Consul said that they usually don't allow it but he doesn't really mind. He just asked my dad to go out of the interview booth while I was being asked about my relationship with the bf. CRBA and passport will take about 2-4wks.

--Manila US Embassy--