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If You Are Not Eligible to Apply with eCRBA
7 MINUTE READ
May 12, 2023

(also available as a pdf) 

Follow these steps to apply for a CRBA: 

  • Complete the CRBA application form DS-2029. The parents need to be present for the interview to sign the form in front of a Consular Officer, or the form can be signed in the United States before a U.S. notary. Do not leave any item blank. If a question does not apply, mark “N/A” (not applicable). Important: Accurately complete the physical presence dates of the U.S. citizen parent(s) prior to the child’s birth on item 2j, page 2.
  • Complete the form DS-5507 for some cases. The DS-5507 can be used to provide detailed information about a U.S. citizen parent’s physical presence in the United States and travel dates. This form is not a requirement for the CRBA but may help you provide a full picture of your eligibility to transmit citizenship. The DS-5507 can only be signed before a Consular Officer, a Passport Specialist, or a Designated Acceptance Agent.
  • Complete the DS-11 if you want to apply for a U.S. passport for your child at the same time you apply for your child’s CRBA.
  • Complete the DS-3053 if you are a parent who will not be present at the interview. Your signature on the form must be notarized in the United States or at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
  • Gather all the supporting evidence as listed on the CRBA checklist
  • Schedule your interview appointment at this link. Select Nigeria and then your city from the drop-down menus.
  • Appear for your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The interview is your opportunity to explain to the officer why your child qualifies for a CRBA.
  • If your case is not complete, you will need to provide additional information. You have 90 days from the date of the interview to provide the requested information. The consular officer will indicate whether you need to schedule a new appointment or not. This will depend on the evidence the officer requires.
  • Once all the information has been submitted and reviewed, the consular officer will make a determination about whether you were able to transmit U.S. citizenship to your child. If your case is denied, you will be given a letter explaining why. If your case is approved, you will be given information about how and where to pick up the Consular Report of Birth Abroad and Passport.

Documents you must bring to the interview: 

  • DS-2029 – Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad (required for all applicants)
  • DS-5507 – Proof of Affidavit of Parentage, Physical Presence, and Support (not required)
  • DS-11 – Application for U.S. passport (Must be completed using the passport wizard. Complete the form, hit submit, and then print out a copy that has the barcode in the upper left corner.)
  • Valid government-issued ID, such as a passport or a Nigerian national ID, for each parent (Bring the original and a copy to the appointment.)
  • National Population Commission (NPC) birth certificate for the child
  • Marriage certificate, if relevant
  • U.S. citizenship evidence for the transmitting parent (i.e., an original U.S. passport or naturalization certificate)
  • A signed CRBA checklist indicating you have collected the appropriate evidence of biological relationship and physical presence (Refer to the checklist for the types of evidence we will accept.)