Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
Updated 2026-05-29 · General information, not legal advice.
A child born in Vietnam to at least one US citizen parent may acquire US citizenship at birth. The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, Form FS-240) is the official record of that citizenship, issued by the US Consulate. You typically apply for the CRBA and the child's first US passport together.
Who Qualifies
Acquisition depends on the parents' citizenship and the US citizen parent's physical presence in the United States before the birth. The exact requirement differs for married vs. unmarried parents and has specific time thresholds.
What You Generally Bring
- The child's Vietnamese birth certificate (with certified translation)
- Parents' passports and proof of the US parent's citizenship
- Evidence of the US parent's prior physical presence in the US (school, work, tax, travel records)
- Parents' marriage certificate, or proof of parentage if unmarried
After Approval
The CRBA and US passport serve as proof of US citizenship for life. Keep the CRBA in a safe place — it is an important civil document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I apply for a CRBA in Vietnam?
At a US consular section in Vietnam (such as the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City or the Embassy in Hanoi), usually by appointment.
Does the child get a US passport too?
Yes. Families typically apply for the CRBA and the child's first US passport at the same appointment.
What is the key eligibility factor?
The US citizen parent's physical presence in the US before the birth, which varies by whether the parents are married and other factors.