Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

A Consular Report of Birth (CRBA) is evidence of United States citizenship, issued to a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

CRBA applications must be made before the child’s 18th birthday, and we recommend that parents apply for the CRBA as soon as possible after the child’s birth. For applicants older than age 18 who have never been issued a CRBA, please refer to Possible Derivative Claim to U.S. Citizenship. Anyone who has a claim to U.S. citizenship must be in possession of a valid U.S. passport to enter and exit the United States, even if they have citizenship of another country, as well.

Eligibility for a CRBA

In order to determine whether or not the U.S. citizen parent(s) is/are able to transmit citizenship, please refer to the Transmission requirements.

If the transmission requirements have been met, please submit the following in person at the Consulate General serving your area:

• Completed (but not signed) CRBA application (Form DS-2029) — all questions must be answered;
• Completed (but not signed) Affidavit of Physical Presence and Parentage;
• The applicant (child) and at least one parent, preferably the U.S. citizen parent (both parents or notarized DS-3053: Consent Form required if also applying for a U.S. passport);
• Child’s Birth Certificate;
• Parents’ registered marriage certificate (if applicable);
• Evidence of termination of any previous marriages (if applicable);
• American Citizen Parent(s)’ evidence of U.S. Citizenship (U.S. passport or naturalization certificate);
• American Citizen Parent’s documentary evidence of physical presence in the United States prior to the child’s birth;
• Self-addressed Express Post Platinum or Registered Post envelope for return of the CRBA and passport — minimum A4 size;
• Applicable Fee (All fees are subject to change without notice).

Parents are encouraged to apply for their child’s Social Security Number and first U.S. Passport at the same time as applying for their CRBA.

Once you have completed all appropriate application forms and gathered all required supporting documentation, make an appointment to lodge the application. Please make sure you print your appointment confirmation to show to the Consulate Security;

If the U.S. citizen parent does not meet the transmission requirements and the child is under 18 years of age, the child may be eligible for expeditious naturalization under the Child Citizenship Act 2000.

Helpful hints for applications made via the Sydney Consulate:

• Make a copy of all supporting documents (not the application forms) to leave with us. If photocopies are not provided, you will need to pay $1 USD for each photocopy (if you are also applying for a Social Security Number, please make two (2) copies of each supporting document);
• Please review the tips for a smooth consular visit and information regarding supporting documents;
• Please refer to the Department of State for instructions on how to obtain a replacement Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

Tips for a smooth consular visit

Last update: Thursday, 17 September 2009 GMT+1000