If you are a US Citizen residing in a foreign country and have a child while abroad, there is a possibility that your child has a claim to US Citizenship. A consular report of birth abroad is an official record of the birth of a US citizen in a foreign country. We discuss the consular report of birth abroad (CRBA) for children born to US citizens abroad here.
What is a consular report of birth abroad (CRBA)?
A consular report of birth abroad, or a CRBA, is an official record that the child of a US citizen was born in a foreign country. A CRBA is proof of the acquisition of US citizenship at birth it is not proof of the identity of the child’s legal parents. A CRBA is issued to a child born outside the United States who acquired U.S. citizenship or nationality at birth and is under the age of 18 at the time of the application. Children 18 and older no longer qualify for a CRBA. However, a child over 18 may still qualify for a US Passport.
How do I apply for a consular report of birth abroad (CRBA)?
You can apply for a consular report of birth abroad (CRBA) with Department of State Form DS-2029 Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. Each US Embassy or US Consulate has specific procedures for the submission of Form DS-2029. Make sure you check with the US Embassy or US Consulate in the country where your child was born for instructions on the application process.
We have specific experience assisting US citizens to obtain CRBAs for their children born abroad. In many cases, the US citizen’s parents’ physical presence in the United States prior to the child’s birth is a major factor in qualifying for the CRBA. If you have questions about the process or require assistance, we can help.
US Citizenship & Naturalization
How do I obtain proof of US Citizenship?
How do I apply for a US passport?
Additional Outside Resources
- DS-2029 – Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States
- US Embassy Locator
We Can Help!
The US immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik Immigration Law have more than 30+ years of experience helping US citizens obtain CRBAs and US passports. Contact us today for an assessment of your legal situation.
