Applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) just got easier. U.S. citizen parents applying for a CRBA for their child born overseas can now utilize the MyTravelGov portal, integrated with Login.gov for a secure and streamlined online experience. This update simplifies the process, ensuring you can efficiently establish your child’s U.S. citizenship.
What is a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)?
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is an official document confirming that a child born outside of the United States to a U.S. citizen parent or parents has acquired U.S. citizenship at birth. This is based on meeting the criteria for citizenship transmission under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Non-citizen U.S. nationals can also apply for a CRBA through a specific non-citizen option. It’s recommended to apply for a CRBA as soon as possible after your child’s birth, but applications are accepted until the child’s 18th birthday.
Login.gov and MyTravelGov: Your Gateway to eCRBA
To access the online eCRBA application, you’ll need both a Login.gov and a MyTravelGov account. This integration enhances security and simplifies access to various online services offered by the U.S. Department of State, including CRBA applications.
Creating Your Accounts:
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Login.gov Account: If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create a Login.gov account. This secure account acts as your single sign-in for various government services. You can find detailed instructions on the MyTravel.state.gov website. If you’ve previously started an eCRBA application using the MyTravelGov website, be sure to use the same email address when creating your Login.gov account. This will link your existing profile to the new system seamlessly.
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MyTravelGov Account: Once you have your Login.gov account, you can create or access your MyTravelGov account. This portal is your central hub for managing your CRBA application and other travel-related services.
Are You Eligible to Apply Online for a CRBA?
Before you begin the online application process through MyTravelGov, ensure you meet the following eligibility criteria. You MUST answer “YES” to all these questions to apply online:
- Was your child born outside the United States or its outlying possessions?
- Is your child under 18 years of age?
- Was at least one parent a U.S. citizen or U.S. non-citizen national when the child was born?
- Do you have an internationally accepted credit/debit card or a U.S. dollar denominated bank account (ACH) for online payment of the CRBA application fee?
- Are you the biological parent of the child applying for the CRBA?
If you answer “NO” to any of these questions, you will need to complete a paper application (Form DS-2029) instead of the online process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for eCRBA via MyTravelGov
Applying for a CRBA online through MyTravelGov involves these straightforward steps:
Step 1: Account Setup. Begin by creating your Login.gov account and then your MyTravelGov profile. Resources and video tutorials are available on the travel.state.gov website to guide you through this initial setup.
Step 2: Online Application. Access the eCRBA application through your MyTravelGov account. The portal provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help you complete each section of the application accurately. It’s recommended to review a checklist of required documents beforehand to ensure you have everything ready.
Step 3: Payment and Appointment Scheduling. After completing the online application and submitting your payment through the portal, you can schedule your mandatory in-person interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Remember to schedule your appointment at least 72 hours after submitting your payment to allow processing time. Avoid making duplicate payments at the Embassy, as the online payment covers the $100 CRBA fee.
Step 4: In-Person Interview. Attend your scheduled interview, bringing all original documents with you. These original documents will be returned after verification. Ensure you provide certified English translations for any documents in a foreign language. Both parents and the child must be present at the interview.
Utilizing MyTravelGov for your eCRBA application offers a secure and efficient way to navigate the process. By following these steps and ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements, you can confidently apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad for your child. Visit mytravel.state.gov today to begin your application.
