Applying For a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

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Applying For a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

A General FAQ Overview

Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)

The birth of a child abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s) should be reported as soon as possible so that a Consular Report of Birth Abroad can be issued as an official record of the child's claim to U.S. citizenship. Report the birth of your child abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

More information on the above:

http://travel.state.gov/law/family_issues/birth/birth_593.html

If you are a U.S. citizen and the parent of a child born out of the United States, you will need to document your child's U.S. citizenship with a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

"Only the child's biological parent or legal guardian, preferably the U.S. citizen parent, can apply for a CRBA. Either parent, including a non-U.S. citizen parent, may execute and sign this application. If it will be signed and executed by a legal guardian, a special power of attorney from the parent(s) or guardianship affidavit must be submitted. The application must be made before the child's 18th birthday and the child must make a personal appearance at the U.S. Embassy."

This document is used in the United States like a certified copy of a birth certificate, and it is acceptable evidence of citizenship for obtaining a passport and entering school. Although the application forms and final documents are the same everywhere, our embassies and consulates have different procedures to get them. If you haven't done so already, check your local post website to learn the local rules. Our Embassies and Consulates will need you to make an appointment for this service. You will need to bring the applicant/child with you at time of interview.

No matter where you apply, some things are the same in every country outside the United States. Here is what's standard everywhere: Application Forms, you will use the same application form -(the DS-2029)- no matter where you apply for the "Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)." Here's a link to the DS 2029 form:

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/156216.pdf

Supporting Documents You will need all of the following:

The child's foreign birth certificate.

Proof of citizenship of the U.S. citizen parent(s). Your current passport is the preferred form of proof. Your U.S. birth certificate or naturalization certificate is also acceptable.

Proof of the relationship between the U.S. citizen parent(s) and the child. Your child's birth certificate with both parents' names on it is the best form of proof.

If you are married, we need to see proof. If you have prior marriages, we need to see proof of how those marriages ended.

A statement from either U.S. citizen parent and evidence that she/he lived in the U.S. long enough to transmit citizenship to her/his child. The statement you give is called an Affidavit of Parentage, Physical Presence, and Support.

Here is a link to the form: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/126018.pdf

How long is long enough? That will depend on whether the parents are married, and whether one or both is a U.S. citizen. Learn more about transmitting citizenship here.

How you prove you were physically present will depend a lot on your situation. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some examples of acceptable evidence include school transcripts, old passports, income tax returns, utility bills in the name of the parent, employment records, military records, and or medical records. The more you can provide, the easier it will be for the consular officer to approve the CRBA.

Fees We charge fees for this service. The current fee is $100.

More information on the above:http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/living_5497.html

Information for parents on U.S. citizenship and DNA testing

http://travel.state.gov/law/citizenship/citizenship_5668.html

As for any DNA do not initiate a DNA test unless it was recommended by the Embassy for your pending CRBA or Passport application. A DNA Test that was done independently and not according to Department of State procedures will not be accepted to support a CRBA or Passport application.

Source: http://travel.state.gov/

First Time Applicants For U.S. Passport (DS-11)

A General FAQ Overview

The applicant/child can apply for the U.S. Passport when applying for the CRBA. You Must Apply in Person If:

You are applying for your first U.S. passport

You are under age 16

Before You Start, Please Note: Special Requirements for

All Minors Under Age 16

Fill out

Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport online or by hand. Please note that you: Must not sign the application until instructed to do so.

Both parents must provide consent authorizing passport issuance for a minor under age 16. See the scenarios below, and follow the instruction that best applies to your circumstance:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html#step7minor

Notarized Statement of Consent (

Form DS-3053) if only one parent will Appear in person with the minor.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The written consent from the non-applying parent that accompanies an application for a new passport must be less than 3 months old. New written consent from the non-applying parent must be obtained and submitted with any future passport application for the minor under age 16.

Please see

Current Passport Fees and methods of payment.

Submit One Passport Photo

We can help you submit a clear and correctly exposed passport photo the first time - especially when applying for the U.S. Passport Card. To avoid processing delays, review all the

photo requirements and tips on how to take photos of your baby or toddler.

　

More information on the above:

http://travel.state..../first_830.html

　The information collected from

http://travel.state.gov/ is a general overview of the CRBA and DS-11 process and is intended to give basic information for the applying applicant/child and U.S. Citizen. Although the application forms and final documents are the same everywhere, our embassies and consulates have different procedures to get them. Check your local post website to learn the local rules.

Remember this overview is not a one-size-fits-all answer, feel free to ask specific question in the forum relating to your local U.S. Embassy.