Applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) from the United Kingdom

Applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) from the United Kingdom

If you are a U.S. citizen residing in the United Kingdom and your child is born here, you should apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) as soon as possible after birth. A CRBA is the official proof of U.S. citizenship for a child born outside the United States to at least one U.S. citizen parent. It is required for the child to obtain a first U.S. passport. Applications must be made before the child turns 18. All CRBA applications in the UK are processed by the U.S. Embassy in London, and both parents (if applicable) and the child must attend the appointment in person.

Eligibility Overview

A child may acquire U.S. citizenship at birth if one parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of birth and meets the physical presence and parental relationship requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

If the Parents Are Married

• Both parents are U.S. citizens (or one U.S. national): At least one parent must have resided in the U.S. before the birth and have a genetic or gestational connection to the child.

• One U.S. citizen parent and one foreign national: The U.S. parent must have been physically present in the U.S. for 5 years before the birth, with 2 years after age 14.

If the Parents Are Not Married

• U.S. citizen father: Must prove a blood relationship, acknowledge paternity, agree to support the child until age 18, and meet the 5-year / 2-after-14 physical presence rule.
• U.S. citizen mother:

• Child born before June 11, 2017 → 1 continuous year of U.S. presence required
• Child born on/after June 11, 2017 → 5 years / 2 after 14 required

Application Steps in the United Kingdom

1. Complete Online Forms

• Submit the eCRBA application via MyTravelGov

• Complete Form DS-11 for the child’s passport (do not sign)

• Optional: request a Social Security Number

2. Gather Required Documents

Bring originals and photocopies, including:

• A UK birth certificate (long form)

• Child’s U.S. passport photo (2x2in)

• Proof of U.S. citizenship

• Evidence of the U.S. parent’s physical presence in the U.S.

• Parents’ IDs and marriage/divorce records if applicable

• Prepaid return envelope (PostNL)

3. Pay Fees

• $100 eCRBA application fee
• Passport fee (under 16): $135

• Pay online or at the appointment

4. Attend the Appointment at the U.S. Embassy in London

Both parents and the child must attend. If one parent cannot attend, a DS-3053 notarized at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate is required.

CRBA and passport issuance typically take about four weeks. Social Security cards are mailed separately by the SSA.

We Can Help You Today

At Blue Lake Law, we have experience guiding clients through the CRBA process. No matter what immigration problems you might be facing, we understand how critical precision and speed are to your case. 

We’ll help you determine your child’s eligibility, gather the required documentation, prepare you for your interview, and prepare any necessary forms, ensuring that your petition is submitted correctly and efficiently. At Blue Lake Law we take pride in clear & effective communication with our clients and U.S. immigration services.

Contact us today to help you get started applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad for your child.