Report Birth Abroad

Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

Interviews are conducted by appointment only.

Parents of a newborn American child should apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) at the Consular section as soon as possible after the birth. The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240) is primary proof of American citizenship issued to a person under age 18 who was born abroad to American parent(s). More detailed information on acquisition of U.S. citizenship by a child born abroad.

The child must be present with his/her parents at the time of application at the Consular Section. An American parent must complete the Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad DS-2029 (PDF_ 52.3KB), and should bring the required documents listed below.

CRBA applications require a thorough review of submitted documents and an interview by a consular officer. At the time of the interview, a consular officer may request more documents or a DNA test.

Application Requirements:

All documentation, including the Bahraini birth certificate, must be unlaminated originals and should be in the English language or professionally translated.

The fee for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad is $100 or the equivalent in Bahraini Dinars. Please be sure to complete all forms and do not sign until you take the oath in front of the consular officer.
Original copy of child's Bahraini Birth Certificate from the Bahraini Ministry of Health, stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Evidence of American citizenship of the parent(s);
(i.e., U.S. passports, Naturalization Certificate, or U.S. birth certificates)
Both parents' photo identification;
(i.e., passports or photo identification issued by a government authority)
Parents' official marriage certificate;
(Religious marriage records are not acceptable)
If either parent has previously been married, proof of termination of the previous marriage(s), (i.e., death certificate, divorce decree, etc.)

If both parents are U.S. citizens:

If both parents are U.S. citizens and married at the time of the child's birth, then no extra paperwork apart from the application form is initially required. However, the consular officer may request additional information during the interview.

If only one parent is a U.S. citizen:

The U.S. citizen must complete an Affidavit of Parentage, Physical Presence, and Support (PDF_165.2KB).
If the parents are married at the time of the child's birth, he or she must show proof of five years' physical presence in the U.S. (two of which are after the parent's 14^th birthday).
If the U.S. citizen parent is an un-wed father, then he must sign a sworn statement that he will provide child support until the child reaches the age of 18; he must also show proof of five years' physical presence in the U.S. (two of which are after his 14^th birthday).
A child born abroad to an un-wed U.S. citizen mother can obtain citizenship if the mother has been physically present in the U.S. prior to the birth of the child for a minimum of one continuous year.

What counts as proof of physical presence in the United States?

It is the responsibility of the U.S. citizen parent to supply adequate evidence of physical presence. Evidence may include official school transcripts, letters from past U.S. employers, W-2 forms, lease agreements, and other documentation. However, please note that the consular officer will determine if the evidence is acceptable and may request further evidence upon review of the documents.

Social Security Numbers

Parents can apply for a social security number for their children after receipt of the passport. Please be aware that the U.S. Embassy in Manama merely accepts applications and then forwards them to the Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Consulate-General in Jerusalem. The Social Security Administration will then contact the parents via email within about six months of the application. The average time required to receive a social security card is 180 days. Application for Social Security Number form SSA-5 (PDF 164_KB)

Make an appointment.

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