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Report Birth Abroad

Obtaining a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) establishes a child's U.S. citizenship.

A child born abroad may acquire U.S. citizenship at birth only if one (or both) of his or her natural parents were U.S. citizens at the time of child's birth. The exact requirements vary depending on the year the child was born, the marital status of the parents, and which parent (if not both) was a U.S. citizen. More information about transmission of citizenship can be found at the Department of State website.

U.S. citizens who wish to know if their Russian-born child has a claim to U.S. citizenship should contact the Consular Section to request an interview appointment and complete form DS-2029, Application for Consular Report of Birth. It will be necessary for both the parent(s) and child to be present at the interview.
The following documents will also be required:

  • The child's local birth certificate.
  • The parent or parents' proof of U.S. citizenship
  • The parents' photo IDs.
  • The parents' marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • Documents showing legal termination of previous marriages of either parent (if applicable).
  • Evidence of the American parent's physical presence the U.S. prior to the birth of the child. In most cases it is necessary to prove five years of physical presence in the U.S. to transmit citizenship. School transcripts, military records or employment records are often the easiest way to prove physical presence.

If a determination is made that the child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth, the Consul will issue a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America . This document is recognized by U.S. law as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship and is acceptable evidence of citizenship for obtaining passport, entering school, and most other purposes. The fee for this document is $65.00 or the equivalent in Russian rubles. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover) are also accepted.

U.S. law requires that all U.S. citizens enter the United States using their U.S. passport, so we recommend that parents apply for a passport when they apply for the Consular Report of Birth Abroad. See the section on minor passports for procedures and fees.

Parents or guardians may also apply for a Social Security Number at time of registration. Complete the Application for Social Security Card form and the Consulate will forward it to the Social Security Administration.