Help with CRBA [merged threads]

[MRJ9987 31]

I am a Canadian living Toronto.  My husband is a USC by birth who's never lived outside of the US.  

 

We got married May 07, 2023 and filed for CR-1.  Our Application got approved in June and I am DQ'd as of September 07, 2023. 

 

I am almost seven months pregnant with due date on December 21, 2023.  I don't foresee getting an interview before January 2023.  

 

Now, once the baby is born, it looks like it will take weeks to get a birth certificate (if I'm lucky - I keep reading different time estimates online - some as long as six month 😞 ) and I need that to apply for CRBA.  Site also makes a mention of record of birth is acceptable (https://ca.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/child-family-matters/birth/required-supporting-documents-checklist/) - is record of birth something different - I tried googling but I don't know what it is?  

 

Quote

Long-form birth certificate or record of birth, which lists not only the child’s information but also that of the parents, as well as the date the document was officially filed. A short certificate missing this information will not be accepted.

 

In the meantime, I will need to file a eCRBA with the US consulate and then I will get an appointment.  How long does it take to get an appointment?  I tried looking at Toronto's schedule of appointments of CRBA and they don't even have anything open. (At this point of the process, I am willing to travel as far as Montreal/Ottawa even QC to get a faster appointment if possible - I would fly to Vancouver, but I don't know if I want to take a newborn on a plane)  How long does it take to get the passport afterwards?  Do I have to wait to get a passport to take her with me to the US?  Can I apply for Canadian passport and take her in on that? 

 

I am freaking out about everything right now so please bear with me.  I am just terrified that I will get a US visa but by the time we figure out baby's paperwork my visa will have expired.  I heard somewhere that your visa is valid for six month - is that correct?  

 

I am very happy to be pregnant and looking forward to her birth but the fact that I won't be in the US before my visa is approved is making everything ten times more difficult and stressful.  

 

 

 

[mam521 2,062]

1 hour ago, MRJ9987 said:

I am a Canadian living Toronto.  My husband is a USC by birth who's never lived outside of the US.  

 

We got married May 07, 2023 and filed for CR-1.  Our Application got approved in June and I am DQ'd as of September 07, 2023. 

 

I am almost seven months pregnant with due date on December 21, 2023.  I don't foresee getting an interview before January 2023.  

 

Now, once the baby is born, it looks like it will take weeks to get a birth certificate (if I'm lucky - I keep reading different time estimates online - some as long as six month 😞 ) and I need that to apply for CRBA.  Site also makes a mention of record of birth is acceptable (https://ca.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/child-family-matters/birth/required-supporting-documents-checklist/) - is record of birth something different - I tried googling but I don't know what it is?  

 

 

In the meantime, I will need to file a eCRBA with the US consulate and then I will get an appointment.  How long does it take to get an appointment?  I tried looking at Toronto's schedule of appointments of CRBA and they don't even have anything open. (At this point of the process, I am willing to travel as far as Montreal/Ottawa even QC to get a faster appointment if possible - I would fly to Vancouver, but I don't know if I want to take a newborn on a plane)  How long does it take to get the passport afterwards?  Do I have to wait to get a passport to take her with me to the US?  Can I apply for Canadian passport and take her in on that? 

 

I am freaking out about everything right now so please bear with me.  I am just terrified that I will get a US visa but by the time we figure out baby's paperwork my visa will have expired.  I heard somewhere that your visa is valid for six month - is that correct?  

 

I am very happy to be pregnant and looking forward to her birth but the fact that I won't be in the US before my visa is approved is making everything ten times more difficult and stressful.  

 

 

 

You need baby's birth certificate (long form) for both the CRBA and a passport.  A Canadian passport only takes about 3 weeks.  She should have one irrespective of how you choose to travel.  

 

Once you have the CRBA, you can cross the border with it and her birth certificate by car.  You don't require a passport for land crossings.  

 

I can't answer how long the appointment will be for CRBA.  

 

Your visa will be good for 6 months from the date of your medical.  If you don't have baby's paperwork in hand by the time you're getting close to the 6 mo mark, I'd probably vote to "flagpole" or activate your visa and come back to Canada, recognizing there are implications for things like health care, etc for yourself.  I'd also make sure your house is in order - no real estate you're trying to sell, etc. because you'll be considered a US permanent resident.  

 

It's ok, mama!  Deep breath and big hugs!  At least your daughter will be born in Canada and if she chooses to have her own children, she can pass on Canadian citizenship to them, should she choose.  She wouldn't have been eligible had she been born in the US AND you guys would have had to have paid for her delivery.  There are some silver linings.    

 

[MRJ9987 31]

Thank you so much, that helps me out to know that we don't need to wait for baby's passport to, just a CRBA, and, in the worst case scenario, I can activate US visa and come back to Canada to put my affairs in order 🙂

[mam521 2,062]

8 minutes ago, MRJ9987 said:

Thank you so much, that helps me out to know that we don't need to wait for baby's passport to, just a CRBA, and, in the worst case scenario, I can activate US visa and come back to Canada to put my affairs in order 🙂

Her Canadian passport will take WAY less time than her American passport. 

 

When you do apply for her American passport, both you and hubs have to be present with baby.  If one of you isn't present, you have to get a notarized permission form for the present parent to present to the passport officer stating the other, non-present parent supports getting baby's passport.  I think it's easier just to show up in person as a little family of 3.  

 

Immigration is pretty hard on the emotions.  I can't imagine being pregnant and doing it.  You're a superhero!  There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel, though!  

[MRJ9987 31]

1 hour ago, mam521 said:

Her Canadian passport will take WAY less time than her American passport. 

 

When you do apply for her American passport, both you and hubs have to be present with baby.  If one of you isn't present, you have to get a notarized permission form for the present parent to present to the passport officer stating the other, non-present parent supports getting baby's passport.  I think it's easier just to show up in person as a little family of 3.  

 

Immigration is pretty hard on the emotions.  I can't imagine being pregnant and doing it.  You're a superhero!  There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel, though!  

 

Aw, thanks, you're very kind 🙂 

 

Yes, my husband is aware he will be there for CRBA and we'll make arrangements accordingly.  

 

Immigration is definitely a challenge.  I can only imagine how people do this with limited knowledge of English 😵‍💫

Edited September 12, 2023 by MRJ9987

[Aferrari 2]

My daughter was born in August 2022, in Ontario.  I had her birth certificate within a week(we ordered all three types of birth certificate just to be safe).

 

I got her Canadian Passport, and that process was only about two weeks before I had it back but I just used her birth certificate to cross at the land border to visit my husband. 
 

He had to contact the consulate in Toronto to schedule the CRBA appointment at this TorontoCRBA@state.gov address.  And they sent emails back and forth with my husband and set an appointment up and gave us a list of things we needed.  I tried to see when we initially  contacted them but I can’t remember.   I want to say we contacted them in October, and had an appointment first week of December.  And then we had her new US passport about a week later, and her other CRBA paperwork. 

I just did my visa interview in Montreal and I just got notice today my passport will be back tomorrow. So that’s less than a week since my appointment. I was DQ’d in April, got my interview date in July, did my medical in Toronto, and should be all done soon.  
 

Based on your timeline you should have plenty of time to get your little ones documents in order before your visa expires.  Even better for you because you’re already in Toronto for the CRBA.
 

 

Edited September 13, 2023 by Aferrari

[MRJ9987 31]

Thanks for sharing your experience with me, @Aferrari

I will make a note to order all three types of birth certificate, just to be on the safe side (maybe even get multiples because I will need them again).  

 

I didn't know you could bring a baby over the border with just a birth certificate.  Canadian website says that the children must have a passport to travel but I guess if the US will accept a birth certificate, then that is one them.  

 

And congrats on getting your visa 🙂 

 

[mam521 2,062]

5 hours ago, MRJ9987 said:

Thanks for sharing your experience with me, @Aferrari

I will make a note to order all three types of birth certificate, just to be on the safe side (maybe even get multiples because I will need them again).  

 

I didn't know you could bring a baby over the border with just a birth certificate.  Canadian website says that the children must have a passport to travel but I guess if the US will accept a birth certificate, then that is one them.  

 

And congrats on getting your visa 🙂 

 

Driving, you don't need a passport.  Flying requires a passport.  

 

The "issue" is without CRBA, baby enters as a visitor, not a citizen and can technically only stay in the US for 6mo.  

 

Nice to hear @Aferrari has been through the process and has been able to provide further guidance.  Congrats on your visa and good luck with your move!

[MRJ9987 31]

49 minutes ago, mam521 said:

Driving, you don't need a passport.  Flying requires a passport.  

 

The "issue" is without CRBA, baby enters as a visitor, not a citizen and can technically only stay in the US for 6mo.  

 

It would be nice just to visit the US after the baby is born as I have zero space in Toronto and no family here, and he's got a house and family,.  

[mam521 2,062]

On 9/13/2023 at 12:25 PM, MRJ9987 said:

 

It would be nice just to visit the US after the baby is born as I have zero space in Toronto and no family here, and he's got a house and family,.  

He doesn't have a house, you BOTH have a house .   You are just working on the means to get there to make it a home!  A little bit of time spent there might actually let you get your nursery set up, too.  Always nice to have that done and something to look forward to once your paperwork is in hand! 

 

Something to note, especially if you'll be visiting, make sure you have health insurance, be it a visitors plan or he puts you guys on his health insurance.  Most employer sponsored plans come up for renewal in Q4 and if you do get your interview and do have to flagpole, you want to make sure you have some sort of insurance.  When he does add you to his plan, HR will tell him they need a SSN (they don't initially in all reality, but they will argue it) - you can use your ITIN until you update your SSN.  

[MRJ9987 31]

17 hours ago, mam521 said:

He doesn't have a house, you BOTH have a house .   You are just working on the means to get there to make it a home!  A little bit of time spent there might actually let you get your nursery set up, too.  Always nice to have that done and something to look forward to once your paperwork is in hand! 

 

Something to note, especially if you'll be visiting, make sure you have health insurance, be it a visitors plan or he puts you guys on his health insurance.  Most employer sponsored plans come up for renewal in Q4 and if you do get your interview and do have to flagpole, you want to make sure you have some sort of insurance.  When he does add you to his plan, HR will tell him they need a SSN (they don't initially in all reality, but they will argue it) - you can use your ITIN until you update your SSN.  

Good reminder on health insurance.  I thought he wasn't able to add us until we were living in the US?  

[mam521 2,062]

2 hours ago, MRJ9987 said:

Good reminder on health insurance.  I thought he wasn't able to add us until we were living in the US?  

If you have to flagpole, nope.  You'll be an LPR.  

 

I think hubs could have added us long before we moved, but opted not to just because the cost and our time was primarily spent in Canada, not the US.  If your time is going to be in the US, that's a different story.  It's going to depend on his plan.  

 

Also, as he goes into his plan selections for the year, really do some cost analysis.  I didn't believe it until one of our HR guys told me to really look.  In the case of our plan options, the high deductible plan actually worked out to be cheaper than a lower deductible plan, even though it didn't appear that way when you initially looked at it.  It was $500/yr cheaper!  

[MRJ9987 31]

Thanks for all your help and support, @mam521

 

So much to plan for and deal with! 

[MRJ9987 31]

My husband is born and has lived in US all his life.  I am due in late December.  I live in Canada.  We've applied for CR-1 in May 2022 and hoping to get my interview as early as January 2024.  

 

Can you please advise if the evidence should be sufficient as we want to prepare everything before the birth? 

 

Child’s official long-form provincial birth record - I understand this will take 4-8 weeks to arrive.  Are they going to give me anything at hospital?  Can I use that to apply instead of waiting for the birth certificate? 

 

Original marriage certificate - check

 

Divorce or death certificate - not relevant

 

Evidence of parent’s U.S. citizenship - The U.S. citizen parent must present his/her US passport. If the U.S. citizen parent was naturalized he/she must bring the original Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship in addition to their passport. - he will bring his passport.  Does he need to bring anything else if he's not naturalized? 

 

Proof of physical presence - The U.S. citizen parent(s) will be asked to present proof of his/her/their physical presence in the U.S. The best examples include, but are not limited to, current/previous passports (showing entry/exit stamps), high school transcripts, college transcripts, military records, employment records.

Child born in wedlock to one U.S. citizen parent and one non U.S. citizen parent (on or after November 14, 1986)A child born outside of the United States to one U.S. citizen parent and one non-U.S. citizen parent may be entitled to citizenship providing the U.S. citizen parent had been physically present in the United States or one of its outlying possessions for five years, at least two years of which were after s/he reached the age of fourteen. - we are going to bring his new passport, his old passport, download information from I94 travel history, obtain letter from his work stating he's been employed for the past 5+ years, and provide W2 for the last five years.  Is that sufficient?  

 

Passport/identification document for non-U.S. Citizen parent - check

 

Passport photograph - check

 

Application fee(s) - check 

[Mike E 11,739]

15 minutes ago, MRJ9987 said:

will bring his passport.  Does he need to bring anything else if he's not naturalized

Should bring a U.S. birth certificate

 

16 minutes ago, MRJ9987 said:

we are going to bring his new passport, his old passport, download information from I94 travel history, obtain letter from his work stating he's been employed for the past 5+ years, and provide W2 for the last five years.  Is that sufficient?

seems weak

 

Social security records, school records, vaccination records, tax returns, medical records, leases, U.S. driver’s licenses.