How to Register Your Child as a U.S. Citizen Born Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide. When your child is born in another country to one or more U.S. citizen parents, they may be eligible for U.S. citizenship. To officially recognize this status, you can apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), known as Form FS-240. Think of this document as your child’s official proof of U.S. citizenship, which you will need to apply for their first U.S. passport. You must complete this application before your child turns 18, though we strongly advise starting the process as soon as possible. ### Quick Checklist: Are You Ready? 1. Are you a U.S. citizen? 2. Can you prove your physical presence in the U.S. for the required duration before your child’s birth? 3. Do you have a MyTravelGov account? If you answered ‘yes’ to these, you are ready to begin. ### Determining Eligibility. Your child’s eligibility for citizenship at birth depends on whether you can meet specific ‘transmission requirements.’ In short, you must demonstrate that you lived in the United States for a certain number of years before your child was born. These rules are governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), specifically sections 301 and 309. Because these requirements vary based on your personal history, please verify your eligibility using the U.S. Department of State official resources before you pay any fees. ### The eCRBA Process. The State Department now uses an online system called eCRBA to help parents manage their applications. #### Step 1: Create a MyTravelGov Account. Head to the MyTravelGov portal to create your secure account. This portal is the central hub where you will upload your digital documents and pay the application fee. #### Step 2: Submit Documents. Once your account is ready, fill out the application and upload your documents. You will typically need: Your child’s official birth certificate (showing both parents). Proof of your U.S. citizenship (such as a valid passport). Evidence of your physical presence in the U.S. (examples include university transcripts, employment records, or tax returns). Your marriage certificate, if applicable. * A valid photo ID for the non-U.S. citizen parent. #### Step 3: Pay Fees and Schedule Your Interview. After paying the $100 CRBA application fee online, check your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website to understand their scheduling policy. While some posts require a short waiting period after payment, others have different local procedures. Always prioritize instructions provided by the specific embassy where you plan to attend your interview. #### Step 4: The In-Person Appointment. Bring the original copies of all uploaded documents to your appointment. Generally, both parents and the child should be present. A consular officer will review your documents and verify that your child meets the legal requirements for citizenship. ### Applying for a Passport and Social Security. We recommend applying for your child’s first U.S. passport (Form DS-11) during the same visit to avoid extra trips. Note that passport fees are separate from the $100 CRBA fee and vary based on your child’s age. If you need a Social Security Number, this is a separate, secondary process. Check with the Federal Benefits Unit at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, as application procedures for these numbers vary by region. ### Final Thoughts. Securing a CRBA is a major milestone in your child’s life, providing them with a clear path to U.S. citizenship. While the process requires careful documentation, staying organized with your records will make the experience much smoother. If you encounter difficulties, the U.S. Embassy finder is your best tool for getting local guidance.
