The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is a document certifying the acquisition of United States citizenship at birth for individuals born outside the U.S. to American citizen parents who meet certain requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Non-citizen nationals are also eligible for this report using a non-citizen option. Applications must be submitted before the child turns 18, and it is recommended that parents apply soon after birth. The application process can now be initiated online.
To apply, parents must create or sign in to a MyTravelGov account, an encrypted portal. A Login.gov account is necessary to access eCRBA services on this platform. Instructions for creating such an account are available on MyTravel.state.gov. If there is already an ongoing eCRBA application, use the same email address as previously used to ensure continuity between profiles.
After creating a MyTravelGov account, applicants can submit their CRBA application online and pay any applicable fees through the eCRBA system. The online process provides step-by-step guidance for completing the application. Applicants need to upload specific documents in separate .pdf files: the child's Guatemalan birth certificate from RENAP with a QR code, valid identity documents for both parents, marriage certificates if applicable, and proof of termination of prior marriages if relevant.
Applicants should not upload proof of physical presence or residence in the U.S.; these documents should be brought to the interview instead. Original uploaded documents must also be presented at the interview; failure to do so may lead to rescheduling.
Once payment is confirmed, applicants should wait 72 hours before emailing GuatemalaACSVerify@state.gov to request an in-person appointment with only the child's full name in the subject line. Confirmation of complete applications will occur within five business days.
For those wishing to apply simultaneously for a U.S. passport book or card for their child, they should complete form DS-11 and attach it as a .pdf along with their appointment request email. They should also bring printed copies of all forms and payment confirmations to their appointment.
At the interview, original documents will be reviewed and returned, and both parents generally attend alongside their child. Proof of physical presence or residence in the U.S., evidence of parental relationship such as photos or financial records, and pregnancy documentation are required at this stage.
Physical presence requirements vary based on parental citizenship status at birth and marital status when transmitting citizenship overseas. Generally, one parent must show prior residency in the U.S., while single-parent scenarios require proof of five years' physical presence stateside before childbirth.
Social Security Number applications can only proceed post-receipt of CRBA and passport through contact with Costa Rica's Federal Benefits Unit.
Eligibility criteria include being born in Guatemala under age 18 with at least one U.S.-citizen parent who meets residency requirements until childbirth. Alternative paths exist if transmission criteria aren't met via immigrant visas or grandparental routes like N-600K forms; legal counsel is advised for exploring these options.
Information about replacing or amending CRBAs can be found on relevant government websites.