Guangzhou, China - Embassy of the United States

Congratulations on the birth of your child!

Your child needs a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a U.S. passport and a social security card.  On this page we'll tell you what you need to do to get them.

What Is A Consular Report of Birth Abroad?
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (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).

Is My Child Eligible for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad?
In order to determine whether or not the U.S. citizen parent(s) is/are able to transmit citizenship, please refer to Acquisition of U.S. Citizenship By a Child Born Abroad.

When Do I Need to Start?
CRBA applications must be made before the child's 18th birthday.  We recommend that parents apply for the CRBA as soon as possible after the child's birth. Passport applications may also be submitted along with your child’s CRBA application.  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.

How Long Does it Take?
Once we have everything we need, processing time for both the Consular Report of Birth Abroad and passport is normally about 10 business days. However, because unforeseen events happen, please don't make any unchangeable travel plans until you have your child’s first U.S. passport in hand.  We’ll send you an email once the passport and Consular Report of Birth has arrived.  One of the parents, or persons authorized in writing by at least one parent, must appear in person to pick up your child’s CRBA and U.S. passport.  When picking up these documents, you may also apply for your child's Social Security card.  We will forward the completed social security application, on your behalf, to the regional U.S. Social Security Administration office located in Manila.  Your child's Social Security card will be sent to you directly by the Social Security Administration. Please allow three to six months for the card to arrive.

Let's Get Started...

Step 1:  Please review the application information on this page carefully and prepare your documentation and application forms accordingly.  All documents submitted to American Citizen Services must be originals or true copies certified by the issuing authority.  

• Parent's proof of U.S. citizenship.  U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or official birth certificate from a U.S. state or territory.
• Child's Chinese birth certificate.  Please provide an English translation of this document.  You may do the translation yourself.
• Evidence of parents' marriage.  If applicable, original or certified true copy of parents’ marriage certificate.
• Evidence of termination of all prior marriages of parents.  If applicable, original or certified true copies of divorce or death certificates.
• Photocopies of the required documents are needed;
• Completed Consular Report of Birth Abroad application: Form DS-2029 (PDF)
•  American Citizen parent's documentary evidence of physical presence in the United States prior to the child's birth.   This is required when only one parent is a U.S. citizen even if that parent was born in the U.S.  Merely maintaining a residence in the U.S. (having a home in the U.S., maintaining voter registration, etc.) is insufficient evidence of physical presence in the United States.   U.S. law requires that you must physically be in the U.S. for a total of five years, with two of those years being after the age of 14.  The following items may be used to demonstrate your presence in the U.S.:  your current and/or old passport(s); original, certified school transcripts, original telephone or utility bills in the name of the American citizen parent.  
• If a U.S. citizen parent transmitting citizenship to the child born out of wedlock is not present, he or she may submit a completed, signed and notarized Form DS-5507 Affidavit of Parentage Physical Presence and Support.
• Completed U.S. passport application: Form DS-11
• One U.S. passport-sized photo:  2" X 2", with a white or light-colored background showing the child's full face with the eyes open.  If the child is being held up in front of a camera, please ensure that no part of the child's head or face is obstructed.

Tips for getting a great picture: Please make sure your child's eyes are open in the photo. One way to do this is to drape a white sheet over one (sitting) parent, who also holds the baby's head and neck upright under the sheet. The other partner takes the photo. A second way is to place the child on a white blanket on the floor and take the photo while standing over him/her. You can also go to a professional photographer if you prefer.

• Fee.  The application fee for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad is USD$100.00.  The application fee for minor U.S. passports is $105.00.   (See Payment Options). 

Step 2:  Please make an appointment online (If you need more than one service during your visit, please be sure to make separate appointments.)

Step 3:  The child must appear in person.  Both parents are encouraged to appear at the Consulate at the time of application.  Should the U.S. citizen parent not be present, Form DS-2029 must be completed, signed and notarized by the U.S. citizen parent and submitted at the time of application.  If you are applying for your child’s first U.S. passport, please see Minor Passports for additional requirements regarding two-parent consent for minor passport applications.

All application forms should be completed, printed out and ready to bring with you to your scheduled appointment.   All supporting documentation must also be prepared for review by a consular officer.   Should you not have the required forms completed, or not have supporting documentation as noted in Step 2 above, please cancel your appointment and reschedule one for when your forms and supporting documents are complete.  Should you arrive at the Consulate for your appointment with unprepared forms or missing documents the Consulate may cancel your appointment and you will be asked to reschedule for a later time. 

Additional Information

In some cases where the American citizenship of a child is to be established, consular officers may request additional evidence of family relationship before a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or passport can be issued. Such documentation may include marriage/family photos, wired funds remittance slips, prenatal records including sonograms,  hospital bills and pregnancy photos.  At the end of your interview, the consular officer will inform you of any additional documentation requirements.

For answers to frequently asked questions, please see CRBA FAQs.