Overview
As U.S. citizen parent(s), you should report your child’s birth abroad as soon as possible to the U.S. Embassy to establish an official record of the child’s claim to U.S. citizenship at birth. The official record will be the Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Form FS-240, which is a United States citizenship document.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
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).
CRBA applications must be made before the child’s 18th birthday, and we recommend that parents apply for a CRBA as soon as possible after the child’s birth. Parents can apply for a CRBA and a U.S. passport for their child at the same time. 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 the person has citizenship of another country.
Eligibility for a CRBA
Transmission of U.S. citizenship depends on all three of the following conditions.
- At least one parent having the nationality of the United States at the time of the child’s birth.
- The existence of a blood relationship between the child and U.S. citizen parent(s).
- Documentary evidence demonstrating the U.S. citizen parent(s)’ presence in the United States prior to the child’s birth, as specified in the Transmission Requirements Table below.
Examples of Documentation
- Wage and tax statements (W-2)
- Academic transcripts
- Employment records
- Rental receipts
- Records of honorable U.S. military service, employment with U.S. Government or certain intergovernmental international organizations; or as a dependent, unmarried child and member of the household of a parent in such service or employment (except where indicated)
- U.S. passport stamps may be considered a part of the evidence submitted, but should not be the sole documentary evidence. Drivers’ licenses do not constitute evidence of physical presence.
- Other children issued with a Consular Report of Birth Abroad may be considered as supplemental evidence.
Transmission Requirements
The information below is intended for use only as a general reference guide. Final adjudication authority rests with the consular officer. Sufficient documentation should be submitted which adequately demonstrates that these periods of time have been met.
- If parents are married at time of child’s birth – both are U.S. citizens
At least one parent must have held residence in the U.S. or its possessions for any length of time.
Proof of Residence may include a U.S. drivers license, U.S. marriage certificate, or documents which are considered evidence of physical presence
(This is only for children born on or after January 13, 1941.)
- If parents are married at time of child’s birth – only one is a U.S. Citizen
The U.S. citizen parent must have had physical presence in the U.S. or its possessions for at least five years, two of which must be after the age of 14.
(This is only for children born on or after November 14, 1986.)
- If parents are unmarried at time of child’s birth – mother is a U.S. citizen & child was born before June 12, 2017
The mother must have had physical presence in the U.S. or its possessions for one continuous year.
(This is only for children born on or after December 24, 1952.)
- If parents are unmarried at time of child’s birth – mother is a U.S. citizen & child was born on or after June 12, 2017
The mother must have had physical presence in the U.S. or its possessions for at least five years, two of which must be after the age of 14.
- If parents are unmarried at time of child’s birth – father is a U.S. citizen
The father must have had physical presence in the U.S. or its possessions for five years, two years of which were after the age of 14; and blood relationship established between father and child; and father (unless deceased) agrees in writing, prior to the child turning 18, to support child while child is under age 18. Conditions include:- child is legitimated; or
- father acknowledges paternity under oath; or
- paternity is established by court adjudication.
(This is only for children born on or after November 14, 1986.)
Transmitting Citizenship
If the transmission requirements have been met, the following documentation is required for a CRBA application.
- The applicant (child) and at least one parent, preferably the U.S. citizen parent, must be present at the U.S. Consulate.
- Completed (but not signed) CRBA application (Form DS-2029) (PDF 110 KB) — all questions must be answered; to assist, please see information to the right of this page regarding physical presence in the United States.
- If the U.S. citizen parent is not able to attend the appointment, they must complete the Affidavit of Parentage, Physical Presence and Support (PDF 56 KB), have it notarized by a Public Notary (in the U.S.) which must be submitted in their absence.
- Child’s birth certificate
- Parents’ registered marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Evidence of termination of any previous marriages (if applicable)
- U.S. citizen parent(s)’ evidence of U.S. citizenship (U.S. passport or naturalization certificate)
- U.S. citizen parent’s documentary evidence of physical presence in the United States prior to the child’s birth
- Applicable fee (USD$100 payable to the U.S. Embassy, Suva, via cash or bank check. No personal check or credit card payment is accepted. Please contact the ACS Unit at the U.S. Embassy for the current Fiji Dollar equivalent should you wish to pay in Fiji dollars.)