A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is a formal document certifying the acquisition of United States citizenship at birth for a person born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). United States non-citizen nationals are also eligible for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, using the non-citizen option.
The CRBA application must be made before the child’s 18th birthday, and we strongly recommend that parents apply for the CRBA as soon as possible after the child’s birth.
A CRBA is not a travel document. We recommend that you submit an application for your child’s U.S. passport at the same time. Both applications may be submitted together at your scheduled appointment. Even if your child holds another nationality, he or she must enter and exit the United States on a U.S. passport.
How to Apply (online application and payment for eCRBA)
Complete the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (eCRBA) online.
Please note: both parents, regardless of nationality, must complete the information about precise periods of time in the United States. The dates should be enough as it will affect the eligibility of your child to become a U.S. citizen. You need to provide evidence of sufficient physical presence in the U.S.
If you are unable to complete your CRBA application and payment online, please contact us for further guidance.
Do you qualify to pass on citizenship?
Children born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent(s) (under the age of 18) may have a claim to U.S. citizenship.
Both parents and the child must appear in person. If you do not bring the applicable documentation included on this checklist, we will cancel your interview and require you to schedule another appointment.
Proof of Physical Presence in the U.S.
Proof of Physical Presence in the U.S. of the U.S. Citizen Parent
The CRBA and passport fees are non-refundable processing fees and are retained by the Department of State whether or not the CRBA and the passport are issued.
Both parents and the child are required to appear to submit the application through a pre-arranged appointment.