For American citizens living abroad, the birth of a child is a joyous occasion. But beyond the celebrations, there's an important legal process to ensure your child’s U.S. citizenship is recognized: applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). This document is essential for confirming your child’s status as a U.S. citizen and securing their legal rights, including eligibility for a U.S. passport and other government benefits.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the CRBA—from eligibility and documentation to the application process and common pitfalls—particularly for those applying from countries like Pakistan.

What is a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)?

The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) is an official document issued by the U.S. Department of State to children born outside the United States to American citizens. It serves as proof of U.S. citizenship and is functionally equivalent to a U.S. birth certificate for most legal purposes.

Unlike a local birth certificate issued by the country of birth, the CRBA is a federal document that demonstrates a child was a U.S. citizen at birth.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a CRBA?

To qualify for a CRBA, the following basic conditions must be met:

1. The child must be born outside the United States.
   
   

2. At least one parent must be a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth.
   
   

3. The U.S. citizen parent must meet physical presence requirements in the U.S. prior to the child’s birth. These vary depending on marital status and the citizenship of the other parent.
   
   

Example:

For a child born abroad to two married U.S. citizen parents, one must have lived in the U.S. at some point.
For a child born to one U.S. citizen parent and one non-citizen parent, the citizen parent typically must have lived in the U.S. for at least five years, with two of those years after age 14.

Why is the CRBA Important?

A CRBA provides the following benefits:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship
  
  

• Required for obtaining a U.S. passport
  
  

• Essential for Social Security number applications
  
  

• Helps with U.S. school enrollment, inheritance, and other legal matters
  
  

• Acts as a permanent, lifetime citizenship document
  
  

Documents Required to Apply for a CRBA

While the exact requirements can vary slightly depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate, typical documents include:

1. Child’s original foreign birth certificate (with English translation, if applicable)
   
   

2. Evidence of the U.S. citizen parent's citizenship
   
   

   • U.S. passport
     
     

   • Naturalization certificate
     
     

   • Birth certificate
     
     

3. Proof of the U.S. citizen parent’s physical presence in the U.S.
   
   

   • School transcripts
     
     

   • Tax records
     
     

   • Employment history
     
     

   • Utility bills or lease agreements
     
     

4. Marriage certificate (if applicable)
   
   

5. Proof of termination of previous marriages (if applicable)
   
   

6. Evidence of biological relationship, especially for children born through assisted reproductive technology or surrogacy
   
   

7. Completed DS-2029 (Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad)
   
   

How to Apply for a CRBA

1. Schedule an Appointment

Applications must be submitted in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate. For Islamabad residents, appointments are made through the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad’s online system.

2. Prepare Documentation

Ensure that all required original documents and photocopies are organized and translated into English if needed.

3. Pay the Application Fee

As of 2025, the fee for filing Form FS-240 is $100. Payment methods vary by country but typically include credit card, bank draft, or local currency.

4. Attend the Interview

Both parents (if available) and the child must attend the interview. A consular officer will verify all documents, ask questions to confirm eligibility, and take a photo of the child for the official record.

5. Wait for Processing

Processing time can vary from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the embassy or consulate’s workload. Once approved, you'll receive:

• The CRBA (Form FS-240)
  
  

• The child’s U.S. passport (if applied for simultaneously)
  
  

• A Social Security application form, if requested
  
  

CRBA in Islamabad, Pakistan

The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates in Karachi and Lahore handle CRBA applications for residents of Pakistan. Due to high demand, it’s advised to book an appointment well in advance.

The embassy may require additional documentation for Pakistani citizens due to local birth registration practices, and security measures mean only pre-approved individuals can enter for the interview.

Local Tips:

• Confirm the exact list of documents on the official website before your appointment.
  
  

• Bring original and two sets of copies for each document.
  
  

• Ensure all documents are in English or accompanied by certified translations.
  
  

• Arrive early, as embassy security checks may delay entry.
  
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incomplete documentation – Missing even one document can delay your application.
   
   

2. Incorrect translations – Non-English documents must be accurately translated.
   
   

3. Insufficient proof of physical presence – The U.S. parent must show they met the legal requirements.
   
   

4. Delaying the application – CRBA must ideally be applied for before the child turns 18.
   
   

What If You Missed the CRBA Window?

If a child over 18 never received a CRBA, they may still be eligible to claim citizenship through Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) or apply for a U.S. passport directly with strong documentation.

Final Thoughts

Securing a Consular Report of Birth Abroad is a critical step for any U.S. citizen parent who has a child overseas. It ensures your child enjoys all the rights and protections of U.S. citizenship and simplifies future legal processes. Whether you’re in Islamabad or anywhere else in the world, acting promptly and following the correct procedure can make this process smooth and stress-free.

For official guidance, always refer to the website of the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan or consult a qualified immigration or family lawyer if your situation involves special circumstances like adoption, surrogacy, or disputed parentage.