Listing Physical Presence in the U.S.
Our office regularly receives inquiries asking how to list the times of physical presence in the United States. The forms require parents to list all times they were physically present in the United States, as to the best of their knowledge. If you are unsure of the exact dates of travel in and out of the U.S. list the dates to your best estimate (even if this only lists the month and year). We appreciate that for frequent travelers the list may be comprehensive, but the information is required for the Consular Officer to determine your child’s eligibility for U.S. citizenship.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
Refer the Department of State’s information for U.S. citizens who have used ART to conceive their child. ART includes in-vitro fertilization, surrogacy arrangements and the use of egg and sperm donors. If ART was used and you are unsure how to proceed with an application, please contact the U.S. Consulate General serving your area.
We recommend that parents apply for the CRBA as soon as possible after the child’s birth. For applicants older than 18 who have never been issued a CRBA, refer to Possible Derivative Claim to U.S. Citizenship.
If the U.S. citizen parent does not meet the transmission requirements and the child is under 18 years of age, the child may be eligible for expeditious naturalization under the Child Citizenship Act 2000.
Replacement/Duplicate CRBA certificates
Should you require a replacement Consular Report of Birth Abroad for yourself or your child, please refer to the Department of State’s website for instructions. U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world cannot issue replacement/additional CRBA certificates.
What is eCRBA?
eCRBA is the Department of State’s new online application for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). eCRBA does not require any new information or processes – applicants enter the same information in eCRBA as in the paper application. This new application method, however, will allow you to enter your data, upload required documents, pay the fees, and schedule your appointment all online. Additionally, you will be able to check the status of your application online.
How will eCRBA affect me?
Submitting your application electronically is more efficient than paper processing. It saves time by allowing you to upload your documents, pay your fees, and schedule your appointment all in one convenient online location. Further, it is more transparent as you will be able to check the status of your application at any time.
Can I still apply for CRBA with a paper application?
Yes, you will still be able to complete a paper application (DS-2029).
How do I make changes to an eCRBA application?
You won’t be able to access your application online after it is submitted. If you need to make subsequent changes, you must contact the Consulate General serving your area for help. You can also let consular staff know of changes during your interview
How does eCRBA work?
You will start by opening a MyTravelGov account. Once you have an account, you can create an eCRBA application, which will guide you step by step through the process of applying online, including uploading supporting documents to ensure that the application is complete. Once the application is complete, you need to pay the eCRBA fee online. Once the payment is complete, you will be prompted to schedule an in-person interview at the Consulate General serving your area. You must bring the child and the originals of all supporting documents to the in-person interview, where a consular officer will interview you to verify the information provided, review the original documents, and decide whether to approve the application.
What is a “MyTravelGov” account?
A “MyTravelGov” is an online account that applicants can use to request consular services. You must register for a MyTravelGov account to use the eCRBA application. You can find the MyTravelGov portal here (MyTravelGov | Department of State).
Is eCRBA secure?
Yes. Security is an important priority for all services provided by the Department of State. Electronic processing is very secure and has been developed with stringent security considerations built into each design and development step. Only authorized users will be able to access the online CRBA application and supporting documents.
How do I upload photos and attach documents in eCRBA?
Throughout the eCRBA application, there are several places where you can provide required documents by uploading a file from your computer. The maximum allowable file size is 10MB. You can click “attach a file” or “add” to bring up a document upload pop-up and then click the “select a file” button to choose the file you wish to upload. When choosing documents to upload, focus on uploading only required documents.
What are my payment options?
eCRBA requires payment using the U.S. government’s official payment site “pay.gov”, which accepts payments in U.S. dollars from a credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover) or U.S. bank account.
What if I do not have a U.S. bank account/credit card?
The payment can be made online using a non-U.S. credit card (eg: an Australian credit card is acceptable)
If you are not able to pay online, then you must complete a paper CRBA application and pay the fees at the (embassy/consulate) during your interview.
What if I have a problem making my online payment?
If you cannot complete the online payment, then you must complete a paper application and submit it along with your payment in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
How do I know if my eCRBA/payment has been received?
After successfully submitting an eCRBA application and payment, you will see a confirmation screen. You will also receive a follow-up email, confirming receipt of your application.
How do I schedule an appointment online?
After completing the online application and making a payment online, you will be directed back to our website to schedule an appointment. Please allow 72 hours between payment submission and CRBA interview appointment time. This provides time for your payment to be processed.
Can I make one appointment for the CRBA and passport?
Yes, you can schedule one appointment for your child’s passport and CRBA. Other services may require separate appointments.
How can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Please see our appointments page for details on how to cancel or reschedule your appointment online. You may also contact the Consulate you scheduled your appointment with to cancel or reschedule.
Can I apply for an SSN/passport through my eCRBA?
No. Applicants cannot apply for a passport or a Social Security number through the eCRBA application at this time. However, at the end of the eCRBA application, you will be directed to online resources detailing the process for completing the passport and Social Security number applications separately. Those applications can be submitted in person at the time of the interview.