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Report of Birth Abroad

Proving Physical Presence in the United States

  • If only one parent is an American citizen and your child was born before November 14, 1986, the American parent must prove that he or she resided in the United States for a total of 10 years prior to the birth of the child, at least 5 of those years after the parent turned 14 years old.
  • If your child was born after November 14, 1986, the American parent must prove a total of 5 years of physical presence in the United States prior to the birth of the child, at least 2 of those years after the parent turned 14.
  • Documents usually accepted as primary evidence include original signed and sealed school transcripts or report cards, tax returns stamped by the IRS, or W-2 Forms. U.S. passports bearing entry and exit stamps are accepted as secondary evidence. Other types of secondary evidence include immunizations records, evidence of medical treatment or court appearance, or bank statements demonstrating checking account activity.


PLEASE NOTE:

  • The burden of proof lies on the American citizen parent and not on Consulate staff who may adjudicate your case. You should make every effort to bring the required documents in order to obtain citizenship for your child. If you cannot meet the physical presence requirement or cannot obtain sufficient evidence that you were in the United States, you may wish to apply for a non-immigrant visa or immigrant visa for your child, depending on the purpose of your trip.
  • Alternatively, if you are unable to confer citizenship to your child, your parents may be able to apply for expedited naturalization for your child if they are both American citizens. See http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/info/info_458.html for more information.

As always, please contact us by e-mail at jerusalemacs@state.gov, by phone at 02-628-7137 or 02-622-7219,or by fax at 02-627-2233 if you need further information. If you have read the information on applying for a CRBA and are ready for the next step, click here to make an appointment.