Consular Certificate of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
What Is a CRBA
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), also known as Form FS-240, is an official document issued by the U.S. government to children born outside the United States to U.S. citizen parents. This document serves as proof of U.S. citizenship or nationality for the child. If you are a U.S. citizen and your child was born abroad, applying for a CRBA is essential to confirm their status as a U.S. citizen. The CRBA must be obtained at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the child was born, and the application process must be completed in person, with the parent signing the necessary forms before a consular officer or notary.
Who Is Eligible for a Consular Certificate of Birth Abroad?
Eligibility for a CRBA depends on several factors, including the parent’s citizenship, the child’s age, and the relationship between the parent(s) and the child. Typically, the child must be under the age of 18 when the application is submitted, making it essential to apply as soon as possible after the birth. Below, we outline the specific eligibility criteria based on different family situations:
If Both Parents Are Married U.S. Citizens
A child born abroad to two married U.S. citizens can receive a CRBA if at least one parent is biologically related to the child and lived in the U.S. before the birth. If one parent is a U.S. national, they must have lived in the U.S. for at least one year before the birth.
If One Parent Is a U.S. Citizen and Married to a Non-Citizen
A CRBA can be issued if the U.S. citizen parent lived in the U.S. for at least five years before the child’s birth, including two years after age 14. This applies even if the child was born through IVF or surrogacy.
If the Male Parent Is Unmarried and a U.S. Citizen
An unmarried male U.S. citizen can pass on citizenship if he agrees to support the child financially and meets the five-year physical presence requirement, with at least two years after age 14.
If the Female Parent Is Unmarried and a U.S. Citizen
For children born before June 12, 2017, the unmarried mother must have lived in the U.S. for one year before the birth. For children born after June 11, 2017, she must meet the five-year physical presence requirement, with two years after age 14, as mandated by the Supreme Court ruling in Sessions v. Morales-Santana.
How to Apply for a Consular Certificate of Birth Abroad
To apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, you can begin the process online at the U.S. embassy or consulate’s website where the birth occurred. You can create a MyTravelGov account to submit the application digitally or download and complete Form DS-2029 if online submission is unavailable.
If one parent is not a U.S. citizen or cannot be present during the application, they should fill out Form DS-2029. This form is also required if the child was born out of wedlock and the father is a U.S. citizen or national. The father must sign this form before an authorized U.S. embassy or consulate official.
Required Documents for CRBA Applications
When applying for a CRBA, you must provide several documents, including:
- The child’s birth certificate
- The parents’ marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship for the parent(s) (such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous CRBA)
- Evidence of the parent’s physical presence in the U.S. before the child’s birth (such as utility bills, rental agreements, or employment records)
- Proof that any prior marriages have ended (divorce papers or death certificates)
- Legal guardianship documents or affidavits (if applicable)
Need Assistance With a CRBA? Contact 360 Immigration Law Group for Support
We provide free consultations via phone, Zoom, or WhatsApp. Contact us today at 954.667.3660 to schedule your consultation and get started on your CRBA application.