Steps/Forms on how to file for CRBA?

[Jpoy 2]

Hi,

 

I have been searching around here to see if there is a full guide on how-to file/apply for CRBA, but I have not seen any yet. Has anyone posted a thread about it? Thanks! 

[Just Paul 4,591]

It is super easy . . .  https://ph.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/child-family-matters/birth/first-time-report-birth-abroad/

 

[Hank_ 9,171]

11 hours ago, Jpoy said:

Hi,

 

I have been searching around here to see if there is a full guide on how-to file/apply for CRBA, but I have not seen any yet. Has anyone posted a thread about it? Thanks! 

 

https://www.visaconnection-philippines.com/crba.html

 

There are a few topics on CRBA within the Philippines forum, which is more relevant.

Edited January 12, 2020 by Hank_

[Jpoy 2]

19 hours ago, Paul & Mary said:

It is super easy . . .  https://ph.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/child-family-matters/birth/first-time-report-birth-abroad/

 

How long do you think the process is? And how easy/hard is it to schedule an appointment at the embassy to apply for CRBA? Thanks!!!

[Fogi 91]

On 1/12/2020 at 7:30 PM, Jpoy said:

How long do you think the process is? And how easy/hard is it to schedule an appointment at the embassy to apply for CRBA? Thanks!!!

The process for us was just under 4 weeks from mailing stuff to CRBA in hand. If you're not married, they will ask for DNA. That can make it longer. Also a little longer for passport and SSN if you need those. 

 

The paper work is easy, I sent the packet and had an email with an appointment within a few days, appointment was within 2 weeks. Asked for DNA, did DNA the following week, CRBA came the week after, and the passport a few days later. As soon as we had the CRBA I went and got a SSN at USEM (no appt needed). Card was delivered to the Philippines 2 weeks later. 

 

CRBA - 3-4 Weeks

Passport - 5 weeks

SSN - 7 weeks

 

Time frame will vary, i also paid for expedited testing kits to/from the USA. I had heard St. Lukes is slow.  That added some cost, worth it to have the stuff in hand. 

[Jpoy 2]

On 1/20/2020 at 10:31 AM, Fogi said:

The process for us was just under 4 weeks from mailing stuff to CRBA in hand. If you're not married, they will ask for DNA. That can make it longer. Also a little longer for passport and SSN if you need those. 

 

The paper work is easy, I sent the packet and had an email with an appointment within a few days, appointment was within 2 weeks. Asked for DNA, did DNA the following week, CRBA came the week after, and the passport a few days later. As soon as we had the CRBA I went and got a SSN at USEM (no appt needed). Card was delivered to the Philippines 2 weeks later. 

 

CRBA - 3-4 Weeks

Passport - 5 weeks

SSN - 7 weeks

 

Time frame will vary, i also paid for expedited testing kits to/from the USA. I had heard St. Lukes is slow.  That added some cost, worth it to have the stuff in hand. 

Thank you for replying! Do you mind if I PM you about this particular case? Thanks! 

[Just Paul 4,591]

The appointment is scheduled by email.   It is helpful, but not required, for the father to be there.  I've seen them done very quickly.  Passport depends on the consulate.   Ciudad Juarez is very fast.  I'd expect that Manila to be fast too.   SSN can be dome stateside.

[Fogi 91]

8 hours ago, Jpoy said:

Thank you for replying! Do you mind if I PM you about this particular case? Thanks! 

Sure! If you have questions let me know. You can also create new topics, that way your question is documented and can be a resource for others. 

[Jpoy 2]

8 hours ago, Paul & Mary said:

The appointment is scheduled by email.   It is helpful, but not required, for the father to be there.  I've seen them done very quickly.  Passport depends on the consulate.   Ciudad Juarez is very fast.  I'd expect that Manila to be fast too.   SSN can be dome stateside.

Copy. I plan on going back home to see the childbirth and stay in Manila for almost 1.5 months to do the CRBA process. 

 

What I'd like to do while I'm over there is to get CRBA, Passport, & SSN for the baby as well. Can it be done do you think in 1.5 months?

 

Thanks much! 

[Just Paul 4,591]

52 minutes ago, Jpoy said:

Copy. I plan on going back home to see the childbirth and stay in Manila for almost 1.5 months to do the CRBA process. 

 

What I'd like to do while I'm over there is to get CRBA, Passport, & SSN for the baby as well. Can it be done do you think in 1.5 months?

 

Thanks much! 

Maybe but probably not.

 

You need the birth certificate to start.  (get a bunch of them while you are there)  If you are there for the interview it is helpful but not required.  Being on the birth certificate and proof that you were at the same place for conception is often enough.   If they were to ask for DNA it does delay.   Getting passports at bigger consulates is usually pretty fast.  

 

Don't worry about the SSN as it is easy to get stateside.

 

Don't forget the child will also need a Filipino Passport to leave and enter Philippines.

 

Great place for Philippines questions:

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/129-philippines/

[Fogi 91]

22 hours ago, Jpoy said:

Copy. I plan on going back home to see the childbirth and stay in Manila for almost 1.5 months to do the CRBA process. 

 

What I'd like to do while I'm over there is to get CRBA, Passport, & SSN for the baby as well. Can it be done do you think in 1.5 months?

 

Thanks much! 

Doubtful, because you will need to wait for the official birth certificate from the Philippines. Once you have that, you're good to begin the process. If you plan to bring the baby to the USA right way, you can hold off on the SSN, and get that stateside. Baby does not need it to travel. I'd get it before traveling so you can put the baby on your insurance. 

[snmsm 1]

On 1/22/2020 at 4:44 PM, Jpoy said:

Copy. I plan on going back home to see the childbirth and stay in Manila for almost 1.5 months to do the CRBA process. 

 

What I'd like to do while I'm over there is to get CRBA, Passport, & SSN for the baby as well. Can it be done do you think in 1.5 months?

 

Thanks much! 

You can MAYBE do it in 1.5 months IF all the documents are already sent in and have an interview scheduled by the time you are there - and have a little luck on your side. The hangup for us was the DNA test, the process alone took 1 month to complete from end of interview to test results. The waiting game for the DNA appointment was also tough. It might have helped that I sent them a couple of emails to get updates but YMMV. It was probably another week or so for the passport to arrive. In total, the entire process was around 5 months for us, from birth to passport...but I took a bit of time to make sure everything was in order.

Edited February 1, 2020 by snmsm

[Fogi 91]

On 2/1/2020 at 2:01 PM, snmsm said:

You can MAYBE do it in 1.5 months IF all the documents are already sent in and have an interview scheduled by the time you are there - and have a little luck on your side. The hangup for us was the DNA test, the process alone took 1 month to complete from end of interview to test results. The waiting game for the DNA appointment was also tough. It might have helped that I sent them a couple of emails to get updates but YMMV. It was probably another week or so for the passport to arrive. In total, the entire process was around 5 months for us, from birth to passport...but I took a bit of time to make sure everything was in order.

If you get asked to DNA, use the expedited process. We had the test on a Monday or Tuesday (can;'t remember exactly) USEM had results by the end of the week. If you PM me I'll let you know the lab. It was expensive AF, but worth it. 

[RO_AH 1,614]

On 1/22/2020 at 6:44 AM, Jpoy said:

Copy. I plan on going back home to see the childbirth and stay in Manila for almost 1.5 months to do the CRBA process. 

 

What I'd like to do while I'm over there is to get CRBA, Passport, & SSN for the baby as well. Can it be done do you think in 1.5 months?

 

Thanks much! 

I know that I am late to reply, but I will chime in anyways. First off when applying for the birth certificate at your local registrar ask, ask , and ask again if necessary about expediting the PSA birth certificate. We received ours in 2 weeks for our second son and without expediting it took over 4 months for our first son. You MUST have the PSA certificate to apply for the CRBA not the local registrar.

 

Next, It is not often that they will even ask for a DNA test. If all of your documents are in order you should be fine. Follow the the checklist from the embassy website. You are supposed to send that in with your request for an appointment.

 

I had my appointment at the end of February. I accidentally brought a copy of our PSA marriage certificate (not the original) so the required me to send in the original. I did that, then coronavirus hit. I am still waiting for the CRBA and Passport's.

[Jpoy 2]

13 hours ago, RO_AH said:

I know that I am late to reply, but I will chime in anyways. First off when applying for the birth certificate at your local registrar ask, ask , and ask again if necessary about expediting the PSA birth certificate. We received ours in 2 weeks for our second son and without expediting it took over 4 months for our first son. You MUST have the PSA certificate to apply for the CRBA not the local registrar.

 

Next, It is not often that they will even ask for a DNA test. If all of your documents are in order you should be fine. Follow the the checklist from the embassy website. You are supposed to send that in with your request for an appointment.

 

I had my appointment at the end of February. I accidentally brought a copy of our PSA marriage certificate (not the original) so the required me to send in the original. I did that, then coronavirus hit. I am still waiting for the CRBA and Passport's.

Thank you so much for this reply! I love would to PM you, if you don't mind since you know a lot about this CRBA. I have postponed all of my petition papers and have been inactive on this forum due to the pandemic. However, I really do appreciate your reply!