Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

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October 16, 2023

Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

OVERVIEW

A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is a formal document certifying the acquisition of United States citizenship at birth for a person born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents who meet the requirements to transmit citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). U.S. non-citizen nationals are also eligible for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, using the non-citizen option.

CRBA applications must be made before the child’s 18th birthday. We recommend that parents apply for the CRBA as soon as possible after the child’s birth. To apply, your child must have been born abroad (outside the U.S. or its outlying possessions). Your child, and generally both parents, must attend the in-person interview at U.S. Embassy Singapore.

By U.S. Embassy Singapore

HOW TO APPLY

There are two ways to apply:

If you are eligible, you can complete the CRBA application online, upload all required documents, and submit payment prior to the in-person interview. To be eligible to apply for a CRBA online, you MUST be able to answer all the following questions with YES:
- Was the child born outside the U.S. or its outlying possessions?
- Is the child under the age of 18?
- Was at least one parent a U.S. citizen or U.S. non-citizen national when the child was born?
- Can you use an internationally accepted credit/debit card or a direct payment method from a U.S. dollar denominated bank account (also known as “ACH”) to pay online for your Consular Report of Birth Abroad application?
- Are you a biological parent of a child born abroad who is applying for that child?
- Can you allow five business days between your payment and the appointment?

Note: Applicants must have a Login.gov account to access eCRBA services on the MyTravelGov portal. Instructions for creating a Login.gov account are available at MyTravel.state.gov. If you already have an eCRBA application in progress, use the same email address previously used to access the MyTravelGov website to create an account. This ensures a streamlined linkage between your existing profile and the new authentication system.

2. If you answered NO to any of the statements above, or if you prefer, complete the paper application, the DS-2029, and bring it along with required documentation from the CRBA Checklist below and payment to your in-person interview appointment.

Apply Online for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

You can apply for a CRBA electronically at U.S. Embassy Singapore. This online feature allows U.S. citizen parents to complete a CRBA application online, upload all required documents, and submit payment prior to the in-person interview.

Before beginning the online CRBA application, please carefully read the CRBA Checklist below to ensure you have the required documentation prepared to upload and ready to take with you on the day of your interview.

After familiarizing yourself with the CRBA Checklist, create a MyTravelGov account. MyTravelGov is a secured, encrypted portal. Access eCRBA to submit your application and upload your documents.
Once you complete the online application and submit payment, you will then be directed to schedule your appointment at U.S. Embassy Singapore. Please schedule your appointment at least 5 working days after the date of submission to allow payment processing to be completed. Your child, and generally both parents, must attend the interview.
Attend your scheduled in-person interview with your original documents and any required photocopies. Original documents will be returned to you after reviewing your application. You must provide English translations for all foreign language documents.

Need Help?

For step-by-step instructions on using the eCRBA system, please click here.

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions visit our FAQs section.

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us at SingaporeACS@state.gov.

Other Important Information

Applications for Social Security numbers can only be submitted after receiving the original Consular Report of Birth Abroad and Passport. To obtain a Social Security Number for your child, see further details.
Normally, parents will apply for their child’s CRBA and first passport at the same appointment. Complete the Form DS-11 and bring a 2-inch by 2-inch photo of your child, as the photo booth at the Embassy is not suitable for taking infant photos. If your child’s Singaporean birth certificate was only issued to you in digital form, please print and bring a copy.
Application fees that are paid at U.S. Embassy Singapore may be paid by credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express) or the equivalent in Singapore dollars. Locally issued credit cards must have the capability to make payments in US dollars. The current consular exchange rate is USD $1.00 = SGD $1.40. Check with your card issuer in advance of your appointment. The Embassy does not accept U.S. currency as payment for any service.
According to Singaporean Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA), parents of foreign children born in Singapore are required to obtain a travel document for the child from the Embassy or the High Commission of their nationality within 42 days from the child’s date of birth and to apply for the appropriate immigration pass with ICA as soon as possible. For complete information contact ICA.

By U.S. Embassy Singapore

CRBA CHECKLIST

Consular Report of Birth Application

Click here to complete and submit the application and the fee online.
If you are unable to use the online application, complete form DS-2029, print it single-sided, and bring it to your interview. Handwrite any information that does not appear correctly.
Applicants using online eCRBA application will pay for the CRBA online, Fee is $100USD (see additional information above regarding applications fee payments).

Passport Application

Complete form DS-11, entering “000-00-0000” for the social security number.
Prepare a U.S. passport photo (2 inches by 2 inches)
Original birth certificate. If your child’s Singaporean birth certificate was only issued to you in digital form, please print it.
Both parents’ passports and a photocopy of the photo/biographical page for each.
Fee of $135 USD (see additional information above regarding applications fee payments). Applicants using online eCRBA application will pay for the CRBA online, but will pay for the passport at the time of the interview.

Child’s Birth Certificate

This document must show the name(s) of the parent(s). If your child’s Singaporean birth certificate was only issued to you in digital form, please print and bring a copy for the passport application.

Evidence of U.S. Citizenship and Identity

Unexpired, full validity U.S. passport(s) for the U.S. citizen parent(s) is preferred. U.S. birth certificate or a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship are also acceptable if you present a valid U.S. government- or state government-issued photo identification document as well.

Passport/Identification Document for Non-U.S. Citizen Parent

An unexpired foreign passport or other valid government-issued photo identification document.

Parents’ Current Marriage Certificate (If Applicable)

Original or certified copy issued by the city/county/state/country’s authorities.
Certified translation if the certificate is in a language other than English.
If you are completing the paper version of the DS-2029, please also bring one photocopy of the marriage certificate.

Marriage Dissolution Documentation (If Applicable)

Documentation that shows termination of a prior marriage can include divorce decrees, annulments, or death certificates showing that the marriages have ended, and when they ended.
Certified translation if the certificate is in a language other than English.
If you are completing the paper version of the DS-2029, please also bring one photocopy of the marriage certificate.

Proof of Physical Presence or Residence in the U.S.

In all cases, either the U.S. citizen parent(s) or their alien spouse must be a genetic or gestational parent of the child to transmit U.S. citizenship to the child. U.S. citizen parents must also establish that they have spent certain periods of physical presence or residence in the United States prior to the birth of the child.
To prepare your proof of physical presence or residence, please review the citizenship transmission requirements according to the parents’ wedlock and citizenship status at the time of the child’s birth.
Physical presence is the actual time when the parent was physically present in the U.S.
Primary evidence of physical presence includes:
- School transcripts (high school, university, graduate school, etc.)
- Records of military service (DD-214) showing nature of discharge (if any)
- Social Security income statements
- Employment records
Additional (secondary) evidence can include: U.S. federal and/or state income tax returns, utility bills, medical records, former/current passports with stamps, airline ticket stubs, credit card bills, or notarized affidavits from former/current employers.

Affidavit of Physical Presence or Residence, Parentage and Support (If Applicable)

If the parents were not married at the time of the child’s birth, the U.S. citizen father may complete and bring DS-5507 Affidavit of Physical Presence or Residence, Parentage and Support (pdf).
If the U.S. citizen parent who is transmitting citizenship to the child is not present when applying for a CRBA, that parent should complete Form DS-5507 as supporting evidence, which can be used to list the periods of time they spent in the United States.

By U.S. Embassy Singapore

Electronic CRBA Frequently Asked Questions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Who is eligible to use eCRBA?

You can use eCRBA if you meet the following criteria:

The child was born outside of the U.S. or its outlying possessions.
The child born abroad must be under the age of 18.
At least one of the child’s parents must have been a U.S. citizen or U.S. non-citizen national at the time of the child’s birth.
The biological parents of the child, the child’s legal guardian, or the child him/herself, are/is completing the application. No third-party applicants or facilitators can use eCRBA.
Applicant can pay online via the U.S. Government’s official payment site, pay.gov, using a credit card or a U.S. bank account.

5. Can I still apply for CRBA with a paper application if I prefer?

Yes, you will still be able to complete a paper application (DS-2029).

6. 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.

After 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 U.S. Embassy Singapore. 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.

7. 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. 

8. What are the password requirements for a MyTravelGov account?

MyTravelGov uses Login.gov to provide secure access your account. Login.gov passwords must be at least 12 characters and you cannot use common words or phrases.

9. How do I reset my Password?

Follow these steps to reset your password for Login.gov.

10. Why should I create a MyTravelGov account?

MyTravelGov allows for secure, individual access to online services offered by the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Through your MyTravelGov account, you can start an application, review an existing application, see status updates, and view messages from us about your application.

11. I didn’t get a confirmation email when I tried to set up my MyTravelGov account. What should I do?

Recheck your inbox and look in your spam folder. Look for a confirmation email sent from Login.gov. If you did not receive a confirmation email, you can try to create the account again or call Login.gov for help at (844) 875-6446. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

12. What if I get an error message when I try to sign into MyTravelGov?

If you get the message “We’re sorry. Something went wrong on our end,” take these steps:

An outdated browser might be the cause of your error. Try updating your browser to the latest version.
Clear your internet browser’s cookies and cache. Depending on your browser, you will find this information referred to as “Browsing Data,” “Browsing History,” or “Website Data.”
Make sure your cookies are enabled in your browser settings. Depending on the browser you’re using, you will usually find this information in the “Tools,” “Settings,” or “Preferences” menu.

If you’ve taken these steps and still cannot sign in, call Login.gov at (844) 875-6446 or submit a contact form here Contact us | Login.gov. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit the Login.gov Help Center. Login.gov can only resolve issues related to account sign in, they cannot help you with consular services.

13. I requested an eCRBA before October 2023 and the transition to Login.gov and now want to check the status of my eCRBA application or complete my in-progress application. What do I do?

Beginning October 2023 we have transitioned to a new log-in system (Login.gov). To access your previous application or continue an application already in progress, you will need to recreate a MyTravelGov account using the same email address you used for your previous MyTravelGov account. You must use the same email address in order to view the pre-existing application in the new system.

14. What documents do I need to apply for eCRBA?

The eCRBA application will guide you through the process and will help you understand which documents to provide, as well as what type of documents are acceptable. You must provide supporting documents to show:

Record of child’s birth
Evidence of biological relationship between the child and parents
Parents’ citizenship and identification (typically, passports)
Evidence of parents’ marriages and/or termination of marriages by death or divorce
Evidence of legal relationship and financial support (only in certain cases)
Residence and physical presence in the United States, its outlying territories, or qualifying U.S. government service overseas prior to the child’s birth

You can scan, save, and upload documents in each section of the eCRBA application. You must bring the originals to the in-person interview where a consular officer will verify all original documents.

15. Is there a deadline to report my birth or my child’s birth overseas to obtain a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)?

Yes. Currently, the birth of a U.S. citizen overseas must be reported to a U.S embassy or U.S. consulate before the child turns age 18. Prior to November 1990, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad must have been issued by a U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate before the child turned age 5.

16. How do I complete the Physical Presence section in eCRBA?

The Physical Presence section of the eCRBA form is the most complicated part of the form. You need to list all dates you have been physically present in the United States. The transmitting U.S. citizen parent will have to write down all the dates that s/he has been physically present inside the United States. This means that if you left the U.S. for even one day, on vacation to Canada, Mexico, or any other place outside the U.S. or any of its outlying possessions, these dates should not be included on this list.

Tips and tricks for completing the Physical Presence Section of the form are below:

U.S. citizen parents should include ALL physical presence in the U.S., even if it occurred before they became a U.S. citizen. This can include physical presence in the U.S. as a Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), B1/B2 tourist, F1 student, J1 intern, etc. This also includes time spent in the U.S. without status.
Use previous and current passports with passport stamps, previous airline tickets, itineraries, or reservations to confirm your dates.
It is important to remember you must include only time you were physically present in the United States. If you spent five years abroad, then your timeline will have a 5-year gap between when you left the U.S. and resuming when you returned to the U.S.
For example, if you were born and raised in your home state, and you only did a study abroad during your 2010 spring semester, then you would list your physical presence as:
City, State Birth date – Date you left the U.S.
City, State Date you returned to the U.S. – Date you left the U.S. again

Additional tips for American parents born and raised in the U.S.:

Start from your date of birth and list the dates chronologically.
If you moved a lot in your life, then write down when you moved to a different city. Moves within the same city should not be given their own line.
It’s fine if you don’t remember the exact dates of your trips abroad when you were a child. Try to at least include the month/year that you left and returned to the U.S. Look for the entry and exit stamps in your old passports for reference.
While in high school or college did you ever do a study abroad program or vacation abroad during summer/winter break?

Additional tips for American parents who were not born and raised in the U.S.

Start from the first date that you entered the U.S. and list the dates chronologically.
If you moved a lot while in the U.S., write down when you moved to a different city. Moves within the same city should not be given their own line.
If you spent time in the U.S. as a child and want the time to be counted towards your Physical Presence in the U.S., then you may be asked to provide documented evidence of the time: old passports with entry/exit stamps, plane tickets, school documents, etc.
If you studied in the U.S., did you go abroad during summer or winter breaks? Did you visit relatives who lived abroad?

17. 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.

18. Can I request duplicate copies of the CRBA through the eCRBA system?

No, you will need to request additional copies of your child’s CRBA through the Vital Records section at the State Department by filling out this form.

19. Can I apply for a Social Security number and passport through my eCRBA application?

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. Passport application can be submitted in person at the time of the interview. Please note that an application for a Social Security Number can only be submitted after receiving the original Consular Report of Birth Abroad and Passport. To obtain a Social Security Number for your child, see further details.

20. How do I replace or amend a CRBA?

You can request to replace or amend a CRBA from the State Department’s Vital Records section. Only the individuals listed below can request to replace or amend a CRBA:

The individual listed on the birth record (if age 18 or older)
A parent (for minors under age 18)
An authorized government agency, or ·
A person with written authorization from the individual listed on the birth record You can request to amend or replace a CRBA by filling out this form.

21. What system requirements must my computer meet to use eCRBA?

You will need access to the internet and the ability to scan, save, and upload documents in the eCRBA application. eCRBA also works through a mobile phone or a tablet, using your device’s camera to create images of documents to upload.

22. What if I don’t have a computer or internet connection at home?

If you don’t have a computer or internet connection at home, a local library, university, or internet café may provide computers and internet for a small fee. You can also use the computers provided in any American Center. Local charities or religious organizations may also have computers to use for the application process.

23. 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.

24. How secure is the payment option?

The payment system is secure. The payment occurs through pay.gov an online payment system used by many U.S. government agencies.

25. What if I do not have a U.S. bank account or credit card?

If you are not able to pay online, then you must complete a paper CRBA application and pay the fees at the U.S. Embassy Singapore during your interview.

26. 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.

27. How do I know if my eCRBA 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.

28. How do I make changes to my eCRBA information once it has been submitted?

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 U.S. Embassy Singapore for help. You can also let consular staff know of changes during your interview.

29. How do I schedule an appointment online?

After completing the online application and making a payment online, you will be directed to the U.S. Embassy Singapore website to schedule an appointment. Please allow 5 business days between payment submission and CRBA interview appointment time. This provides time for your payment to be processed.

30. Can I make one appointment for my child’s passport and CRBA?

Yes, you can schedule one appointment for a passport and CRBA. Other services may require separate appointments.

31. How can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?

If you schedule your appointment online, you will receive a confirmation that includes instructions on how to cancel or reschedule your appointment online. You may also contact the U.S. Embassy Singapore to cancel or reschedule.

32. Can I apply for a Social Security number and passport through my eCRBA application?

33. Whom do I contact if I have additional questions?

Contact U.S. Embassy Singapore for additional questions at SingaporeACS@state.gov.

Birth, Consular Report of Birth Abroad

U.S. Citizen Services

U.S. Embassy in Singapore