Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) – How to Register a U.S. Citizen Child Born in Pakistan
Introduction
If you are a U.S. citizen parent living in or visiting Pakistan and your child is born in the country, you may be eligible to transmit U.S. citizenship to your child. To document this, you must apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) — an official U.S. government record of a child’s birth abroad to American citizen parent(s).
In Islamabad, the U.S. Embassy offers CRBA services through its American Citizen Services (ACS) unit. The process is essential for acquiring a U.S. passport and other benefits for your child.
🇺🇸 What is a CRBA?
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) is:
Issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate
A proof of U.S. citizenship for a child born outside the U.S.
Based on transmission of citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent
Once approved, it is equivalent to a birth certificate issued in the U.S. and is recognized by all U.S. government agencies.
✅ Who Is Eligible to Apply for a CRBA?
To qualify:
At least one parent must be a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth.
The U.S. citizen parent must have physical presence in the U.S. for a specific period (typically 5 years, 2 of which after age 14).
The child must be under 18 years of age and born in Pakistan.
The birth must be biological or via a legal surrogacy arrangement with documentation.
Note: For children born through IVF or surrogacy, additional documentation is required.
📝 Required Documents for CRBA Application (Islamabad)
To apply at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, bring originals and one photocopy of the following:
✅ Child’s Pakistani birth certificate (NADRA Form-B / hospital certificate)
✅ Valid passports of both parents
✅ Parents’ marriage certificate
✅ Proof of U.S. citizen parent’s physical presence in the U.S. (school records, tax returns, pay slips, etc.)
✅ Proof of relationship (e.g., prenatal records, hospital records)
✅ Photos of the child with both parents
✅ Fee: $100 USD, payable via credit card or U.S. dollar cash
Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances.
📍 Where to Apply in Islamabad
U.S. Embassy Islamabad – American Citizen Services (ACS)
Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad, Pakistan
CRBA Applications are by Appointment Only
Use the ACS Appointment System to schedule
Walk-ins are not accepted
📆 Timeline
Appointments: Typically available within 2–4 weeks
Processing time: Approximately 10–15 business days
Delivery: You can pick up the CRBA and passport (if applied together) from the embassy
🛂 Can You Apply for a U.S. Passport at the Same Time?
Yes. You are strongly encouraged to apply for your child’s U.S. passport when submitting the CRBA application.
Bring:
U.S. passport application form (DS-11)
One passport-size photo (2×2 inches, white background)
$135 passport fee (child under 16)
Both parents must appear in person unless one has signed Form DS-3053 (notarized consent).
📌 Important Notes
Unmarried parents: Additional legal documents may be required to establish paternity and U.S. citizenship transmission.
DNA Testing: In certain cases where evidence of biological relationship is insufficient, the Embassy may require a DNA test from an AABB-accredited lab (cost and time-consuming).
CRBA is not automatic: Even if one parent is a U.S. citizen, you must formally apply for the document.
⚖️ Do You Need a Lawyer for CRBA in Islamabad?
While many applicants do not need legal representation, consider hiring a U.S. immigration lawyer in Islamabad if:
You’re unsure about the physical presence requirement
You’re using surrogacy or IVF
You’re a single parent or divorced and facing custody issues
DNA testing may be required
Top legal consultants in Islamabad for CRBA and related services include:
SJ Law Expert – +92 335 4112288 (specializes in CRBA, child custody, and U.S. immigration documentation)
Right Law Associates – With family law and immigration advisory in Islamabad
📄 Benefits of Having a CRBA
Proof of U.S. citizenship for the child
Eligibility for U.S. passport, Social Security number, and U.S. consular support
Recognition of citizenship for future education, travel, and inheritance
Use for dual nationality rights in Pakistan (child can also hold NICOP or Pakistani passport)
❌ What If You Missed the CRBA Application Before Age 18?
You cannot apply for a CRBA after the child turns 18. However:
You may apply for U.S. citizenship through N-600 (Certificate of Citizenship) or N-400 naturalization, depending on eligibility.
🧾 Need Help?
If you need help:
Filling out Form DS-2029 (CRBA application)
Preparing proof of physical presence
Booking appointments or translating documents
Let me know — I can help you with sample forms, templates, and legal guidance.
Conclusion
The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is the most important document for U.S. citizen parents seeking to secure American citizenship for their child born in Pakistan. The process, while formal, is straightforward if you’re prepared with the correct documents and timelines.
If you’re in Islamabad, make sure to book an appointment with the U.S. Embassy’s ACS unit and begin the process early. A CRBA is more than just paperwork — it’s your child’s passport to a lifetime of rights as a U.S. citizen.