Registering a Child

Reporting a Birth Abroad

The American parents of a child born in China should report the birth to the Embassy or a Consulate General. The Embassy or Consulate will issue a Consular Report of Birth Abroad  (CRBA) and a U.S. passport, which will be needed for the child to depart China. The Report of Birth Abroad may be used as a birth certificate for school, work, or other purposes.  

The application for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad includes an application for a social security number. The number will be mailed to you approximately four months after registration.

Original documents must be presented with the applications. An affidavit acknowledging that at least one parent meets the physical presence in the United States requirement for transmitting citizenship to the child must be filled out as part of the application. All original documents will be reviewed by a consular officer and returned to the applicant.  Please bring the following:

1. An original child's Chinese birth certificate
2. Proof of applicant's identity - some form of photo identification card or record (generally not required for newborns)
3. Applicant's parents' passports, or other proof of their citizenship and identity
4. Original marriage certificate or certified copy of marriage certificate of child's parents
5. In the event that only one parent is a U.S. citizen, proof of the U.S. citizen parent's physical presence in the United States as required by the law (INA Sec. 301g), such as travel documents with entry/departure stamps, U.S. school transcripts (not diplomas), rent and utility receipts, tax returns, etc.
6. Two recent 2x2" (5x5 cm) photos, see photo requirements
7. The baby/child must appear in person with the parents
8. Complete application form DS-2029, and Affidavit of Physical Presence.

 
 
Additional Instruction:

In cases where the American citizenship of a child is to be established, consular officers may require other documentation before a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or passport can be issued. The consular officer will inform you of what documents may still be required.

Documents should not be mailed to the Consular Section. They should be presented in person at the time an application is filed at the Embassy or Consulate, which has jurisdiction over the applicant's place of birth or current place of residence.

There is a fee of:

• $25 USD (or equivalent RMB) for registration as a U.S. citizen and/or first time application for a passport
• $60 USD (or equivalent RMB) for issuance of a passport, and
• $65 USD (or equivalent RMB) for the Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

If you have any questions feel free to email us, or call (024) 2322-1198.