Eligibility for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad

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  1. Eligibility for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  2. Transmitting Citizenship

Parents who are U.S. citizens at the time of their child’s birth in Guyana may be able to transmit U.S. citizenship to their child.

In order to process a child’s claim to U.S. citizenship, the U.S. parent must establish that s/he is the biological parent, present proof of sufficient physical presence in the U.S., and evidence to confirm the child’s identity.   In certain cases, the consular officer may require additional documentation.

  • Applicants MUST schedule an appointment for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad online. Click HERE to do so.
  • Applications must be made in person.

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS MUST BE PRESENTED AT THE TIME OF THE APPLICATION:

1.   Child’s Guyanese Birth Certificate

2.   Parents’ Marriage Certificate – Certified copies are acceptable if issued in the U.S.

3.   Evidence of dissolution of previous marriages.  If applicable, divorce decrees or death certificates of any prior marriages of either parent should be presented.  These certificates should be originals.  Certified copies are only accepted if issued in the U.S.

4.   Evidence of parent’s U.S. citizenship – Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship or U.S. Passport. (only certified copies are accepted)

5.   Proof of Identification of Foreign Parent – National Identification Card or Passport.

6.   Fees:  The total fee is $100.00 for the consular report of birth application. Fees may be paid in U.S. dollars or the equivalent in Guyanese dollars.  The entire fee must be paid in one currency.  Credit Card payments are accepted.  The fee is non-refundable.

7.   Proof of Physical Presence in the United States.    The Immigration and Nationality Act specifies that in order to transmit citizenship to a child, the U.S. citizen parent must have been physically present in the United States for a specific amount of time prior to the child’s birth.  (Note: If both parents are U.S. citizens, no proof of physical presence is required.)

  • If you were a single mother at the time of your child’s birth you only need to present proof of one year continuous physical presence in the United States prior to the child’s birth.
  • If only one of the parents is an American citizen:

and the child was born before November 14, 1986: the American citizen would have to present proof that he/she was physically present in the United States or its outlying possessions for a period or periods totaling not less than ten years prior to the child’s birth, at least five of which were after attaining the age of fourteen years.

and the child was born after November 14, 1986: the American citizen would have to present proof that he/she was physically present in the United States or its outlying possessions for a period or periods totaling not less than five years prior to the child’s birth, at least two of which were after attaining the age of fourteen years.

NOTE: If the U.S. citizen parent transmitting citizenship to the child is not present, he or she may complete Form DS-5507 – Affidavit of Parentage Physical Presence and Support and submit separately.  The parent completing this application provides as much information on the parent completing Form DS-5507 as he or she has). Click to view a Sample DS-5507.

8.   Application Forms.  Use BLACK INK. 

  • Affidavit of Parentage and Physical Presence Form. Download from the internet athttp://www.state.gov/documents/organization/126018.pdf.   The U.S. citizen parent must detail dates and places where s/he has resided or visited since the day s/he was born, indicating purpose of trips, vacations, residence, business, studies, U.S. military service, etc…This form is divided into two main sections:

The upper portion asks for all the times that you have been physically present in the United States since the day of your own birth.  Continue on separate sheet, if necessary.

The lower portion asks for all the times that you have been physically present abroad (anywhere outside the United States) since the day of your own birth. Continue on separate sheet, if necessary.

9.     When filing a Report of Birth application both parents and the child should be present

If the U.S. citizen parent has passed away: the original death certificate of that parent must be submitted.

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