To obtain a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for a child born outside the United States, a US citizen parent must provide proof of the child's birth abroad, evidence of their own US citizenship, and documentation establishing the parent-child relationship. Essential documents include the child's foreign birth certificate, the parent's valid US passport or naturalization certificate, and marriage certificates if applicable. Supporting evidence like proof of the parent's physical presence in the US prior to the child's birth may also be required to demonstrate eligibility.
What Documents Does a US Citizen Need for Consular Report of Birth Abroad?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) application (Form DS-2029) | Applicants must submit the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) application, Form DS-2029, along with the child's original or certified birth certificate, proof of the parents' U.S. citizenship such as a valid U.S. passport or naturalization certificate, and evidence of the parents' physical presence in the United States prior to the child's birth. Supporting documents like a valid government-issued photo ID of the applying parent and marriage certificates may also be required to establish parental relationship and citizenship. |
| 2 | Prenatal DNA relationship evidence | For a US citizen applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, prenatal DNA relationship evidence must include certified laboratory results demonstrating genetic linkage between the child and US citizen parent, along with medical records documenting pregnancy and prenatal care. These documents complement the standard proof of citizenship and identity, ensuring accurate parentage verification for the child's citizenship claim. |
| 3 | Electronic Document Submission (e-CRBA portal) | US citizens applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) must submit essential documents such as the child's birth certificate, proof of parent's U.S. citizenship, and a valid passport through the Electronic Consular Report of Birth Abroad (e-CRBA) portal for streamlined processing. The e-CRBA platform facilitates secure upload and submission of scanned documents, reducing processing time and ensuring accuracy in the application for citizenship documentation abroad. |
| 4 | Biometric identity verification | US citizens applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) must provide a valid passport or other government-issued photo identification to ensure biometric identity verification. This process includes submitting fingerprint scans and facial recognition data to confirm the applicant's identity and citizenship status. |
| 5 | Parental physical presence qualifiers | To obtain a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, US citizens must provide evidence of the US citizen parent's physical presence in the United States for a required period, generally five years, with at least two years after the age of 14. Relevant documents include school records, employment history, tax returns, lease agreements, and military service records that verify continuous physical presence. |
| 6 | Affidavit of Parentage | For a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), a US citizen parent must provide an Affidavit of Parentage to establish the biological relationship with the child born abroad. This affidavit serves as crucial evidence in proving citizenship transmission and is required alongside the child's foreign birth certificate, parents' identification, and proof of the parent's US citizenship. |
| 7 | Unexpired parental government-issued photo ID | A US citizen parent must provide an unexpired government-issued photo ID, such as a valid passport or state-issued driver's license, to establish identity when applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. This documentation is crucial to verify the parent's citizenship and legal status at the time of the child's birth abroad. |
| 8 | Certified proof of termination of prior marriages | A US citizen applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad must provide certified proof of termination of any prior marriages, such as divorce decrees, annulment certificates, or death certificates, to establish legal marital status. These documents ensure the accuracy of parental information and comply with consular regulations for issuing the report. |
| 9 | U.S. citizen parent’s five-year residency documentation | A U.S. citizen parent must provide evidence of at least five years of physical presence in the United States prior to the child's birth to meet eligibility requirements for the Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Acceptable documents include U.S. school transcripts, employment records, tax returns, or housing leases demonstrating the required residency period. |
| 10 | Child’s hospital-issued medical record | A US citizen must provide the child's hospital-issued medical record as a key document when applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, as it serves to verify the child's birth details and parentage. This record should include the time, date, and place of birth, along with the parents' names, to ensure accurate proof of citizenship and identity. |
Introduction to Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is an official document that certifies the birth of a U.S. citizen outside the United States. It serves as proof of U.S. citizenship for children born abroad to American parents.
The process of obtaining a CRBA requires specific documents to verify the child's citizenship and the parents' identity. Key documents include the child's foreign birth certificate, proof of the parents' U.S. citizenship, and evidence of the parents' physical presence in the U.S. prior to the child's birth. Your timely submission of these documents is essential for the successful processing of the CRBA application at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Who Needs a Consular Report of Birth Abroad?
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is required for children born outside the United States to U.S. citizen parents. This document serves as proof of U.S. citizenship for foreign-born children of American citizens.
- Children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents - They need a CRBA to establish their U.S. citizenship officially.
- Parents residing outside the U.S. at the time of birth - They must apply for a CRBA at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Individuals seeking a U.S. passport for their foreign-born child - A CRBA is necessary documentation to confirm the child's citizenship status.
Eligibility Requirements for Obtaining a CRBA
U.S. citizens seeking a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) must provide proof of the child's birth outside the United States and evidence of the parent's U.S. citizenship, such as a valid U.S. passport or birth certificate. Applicants must present the child's original foreign birth certificate along with parents' identification documents and evidence of the parent's physical presence in the U.S. prior to the child's birth, fulfilling residency requirements. The CRBA eligibility requires that the child has at least one U.S. citizen parent who meets these citizenship and residency criteria as outlined by the U.S. Department of State.
Key Documents Required for a CRBA Application
To apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), key documents are essential to establish the child's citizenship and parental relationship. Proof of the child's birth, such as an original or certified birth certificate, must be submitted.
Parental citizenship documents, like your valid U.S. passport or naturalization certificate, are required to confirm citizenship status. Additionally, parents need to provide evidence of their physical presence in the United States before the child's birth.
Step-by-Step Application Process for CRBA
Obtaining a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) requires specific documents to prove your child's birth and your U.S. citizenship. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful application process.
- Prepare Proof of U.S. Citizenship - Provide your valid U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Citizenship as evidence.
- Gather Child's Birth Evidence - Submit the original foreign birth certificate showing the child's full name, date, and place of birth.
- Complete Form DS-2029 - Fill out the Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad accurately and sign it before submitting at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
How to Schedule an Appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
| Document Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Proof of U.S. Citizenship | U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization |
| Child's Birth Certificate | Original or certified copy issued by the local authority where the birth occurred |
| Parents' Identification | Valid government-issued photo IDs such as passports or driver's licenses |
| Evidence of Parentage | Marriage certificate of parents (if applicable) or other legal documents establishing parent-child relationship |
| Application Form | Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) form DS-2029 |
| Passport Photos | Two recent passport-sized photos of the child |
| Appointment Scheduling | Scheduling an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate requires visiting the official embassy website or designated online appointment system. Locate the section for "Consular Services" or "U.S. Citizenship Services," then select "Consular Report of Birth Abroad." Available dates and times will be shown; select a suitable slot and complete the registration with necessary personal information. Confirm the appointment by saving or printing the confirmation notice to bring on the day of the visit. |
Fees Associated with the CRBA Application
The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) requires specific documentation and associated fees for processing. Understanding these fees ensures a smooth application experience.
- CRBA Application Fee - The standard fee for filing a CRBA is $100, payable at the time of the appointment.
- Additional Service Charges - Expedited processing may incur extra fees depending on the consulate or embassy policies.
- Payment Methods - Payment options typically include credit cards, money orders, or cash, varying by location.
You should prepare the appropriate fees and accepted payment methods before your consular appointment.
Common Reasons for Application Delays or Denials
The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) requires specific documents such as the child's foreign birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship of the parent(s), and parents' marriage certificate if applicable. You must also provide evidence of the parent's physical presence in the United States prior to the child's birth.
Common reasons for application delays include incomplete documentation, discrepancies in personal information, or missing signatures. Denials often occur due to insufficient proof of the parent's U.S. citizenship or failure to meet residency requirements.
What to Expect After Submitting Your CRBA Application
What documents does a US citizen need for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)? A US citizen must provide proof of their child's birth abroad, evidence of their own US citizenship, and proof of the parent-child relationship. Supporting documents may include the child's foreign birth certificate, the parent's US passport or naturalization certificate, and marriage certificates if applicable.
What happens after submitting your CRBA application? The consulate will review your documents and may schedule an interview to verify the details. Processing times vary, but once approved, you will receive the official CRBA document confirming your child's US citizenship.
What Documents Does a US Citizen Need for Consular Report of Birth Abroad? Infographic
