Report Birth Abroad

A child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent usually acquires U.S. citizenship at birth.  Parents should contact the Consular Section as soon as possible after the birth and schedule an appointment to apply for a Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen.  The Report of Birth Abroad is the child’s proof of U.S. citizenship and can be used to apply for a U.S. passport and a Social Security Card.  You may apply for a Report of Birth Abroad, U.S. passport and Social Security Card at the same time.  Consular Report of Birth Abroad can be issued only by post in the country of birth of the child.  I.e. Embassy in Bishkek may not issue CRBA to a child born in another country.

Document requirements:

• translated local birth certificate
• the parents' passports,
• parents' marriage license,
• $100 for CRBA,
• $105 for passport
• completed DS-11 Application for a Passport (do NOT sign th application),
• completed DS-2029 Application for a Consular Report Abroad.

All parties, both parents and the child, must be present at the time of application.

The CRBA interview is used to determine whether or not an individual did acquire U.S. citizenship at birth.  For a birth occurring after 1986 Citizenship is generally acquired at birth when one of the following conditions is met:

• The parents are married to one another and both are U.S. citizens at the time of birth. Children are automatically US citizens at the time of birth in such cases and only the documents listed above are needed.

If only one parent is a U.S. citizen, but the parents are married to one another, then the U.S. citizen parent must have been physically present in the United States for five years, two of which occurred after the age of 14.  Note:  An affidavit of parentage and physical presence should be completed in any case where one parent is not an American Citizen. Additional documentary proof is required. Original copies of educational transcripts, proof of active-duty military service and other documents may be accepted. All records must indicate complete dates (such as month, day, year). Parents only need to bring five years’ worth of documents. Please contact the Consular Section if you have any questions about suitable documents.

* Note: if the same parents have previously registered the births of other children abroad, parents may submit the original CRBA as proof of having previously satisfied the physical presence requirement.

• If the parents are unmarried, but the Father is a U.S. citizen, then the child becomes a citizen if all the following are met:

  • The Father was a U.S. citizen at the time of the birth and must have been physically present in the United States for five years, two of which occurred after the age of 14 as above. In addition to the affidavit of parentage and physical presence, the father must agree to pay child support for the child until their 18^th birthday.

  • There is clear and convincing evidence of paternity (this may be resolved through DNA or other testing if any doubts exist).

  • Paternity has been established by a court, or the Father acknowledges paternity in writing and under oath, or the birth has been legitimated under local law.

• If the child is born out of wedlock to a U.S. Citizen Mother, then the child is a U.S. citizen if the mother has one year of continuous physical presence in the United States.