A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) serves as proof of U.S. citizenship for children born outside the United States to American parents who fulfill specific requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Parents are advised to apply for a CRBA promptly after their child's birth, with applications required before the child turns 18.
To apply for a CRBA, several documents must be uploaded to the system. Notably, if the application is completed online, there is no need to print form DS-2029. The necessary documents include:
1. A completed printed Form DS-2029, if not done online.
2. The child's birth certificate from local authorities in Niger, which must list biological parents' names. If not in English, an informal translation by a parent should accompany it.
3. Photo ID of the child, where applicable.
4. Evidence of parents’ citizenship and identity such as a U.S. passport or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate.
5. If both parents are U.S. citizens, evidence showing one parent's residence in the U.S., using documents like driving licenses or utility bills.
Additional documentation may be needed based on specific circumstances:
- Marriage certificates and divorce decrees or death certificates may be required to show termination of prior marriages.
- For children born out of wedlock with a U.S.-citizen father listed on the birth certificate, evidence such as a notarized affidavit of parentage and agreement for child support must be provided.
- If only one parent is a U.S. citizen, primary evidence establishing physical presence in the U.S., like military separation statements or wage statements, is needed for at least five years—two years after age 14.
Secondary evidence may also be submitted if primary evidence is insufficient and includes items like former passports with stamps or airline ticket stubs.