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 basic United States citizenship document. You can establish U.S. citizenship for your child by applying for a CRBA or by applying for a U.S. passport.

Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

A Consular Report of Birth (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. If you decide to apply for a CRBA, you should do so as soon as possible after the child’s birth. For applicants older than age 18 who have never been issued a CRBA, please contact us about applying for a passport.

A CRBA is not a travel document. You can also submit an application for your child’s U.S. passport at the same time that you apply for a CRBA. 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.