A U.S.-citizen parent — mother or father — generally passes citizenship to their child at birth, even when the child is born overseas to a Filipino parent. This guide walks the exact route: the law, the forms, the documents, the interview, and the road through U.S. Embassy Manila.
If the U.S.-citizen parent meets a U.S. physical-presence test, the child was a citizen the instant they were born. The paperwork documents existing citizenship — it doesn’t grant it.
Did the U.S.-citizen parent live in the U.S. long enough before the birth? Generally 5 years, with 2 after age 14. Proving it is the heart of the case.
A CRBA is only issued before the child’s 18th birthday. Out-of-wedlock paternity steps also have a hard age-18 deadline. Start early.
Answer a few questions about the U.S.-citizen parent’s history and the child’s situation. We’ll point you to the right route and forms. Nothing is stored — it stays in your browser.
Educational guidance based on INA §§ 301, 309, 320 & 322. Not a legal determination.
Sources: USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 12, Pt. H · U.S. Dept. of State — Acquisition of Citizenship
The child acquired citizenship at birth and is under 18. File an eCRBA with their first passport at U.S. Embassy Manila. The cleanest, most direct route.
Same citizenship-at-birth claim, but documented through USCIS. Works at any age — the route once the child is 18+, or as extra lifelong proof.
The father falls short, but a U.S.-citizen grandparent qualifies. A child under 18 gets citizenship under INA 322 — and travels to the U.S. for the oath.
If citizenship didn’t pass at birth, the U.S.-citizen parent petitions (I-130). The child immigrates, and — if under 18 in that parent’s custody — becomes a citizen automatically on arrival.
The single most common reason cases stall is weak proof of the U.S.-citizen parent’s physical presence — and disorganized Philippine civil records. Front-load both.
Use the pathway finder and read the law. Pin down marriage status at birth and the parent’s presence.
Transcripts, W-2s, tax transcripts, and a Social Security earnings statement covering the 5-year window. See what counts →
Get PSA (not LCR) copies of the birth and marriage certificates. Resolve any “no record”/late-registration issue early. PSA guide →
Submit the eCRBA via MyTravelGov, pay, email for an appointment, and appear in Manila. Walk the process →
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad cannot be issued once the child turns 18. For an unmarried U.S.-citizen father, legitimation/acknowledgment and the written support agreement must also be completed before 18. Miss it and the case shifts to slower, costlier routes.
Consular officers routinely send people away to gather more physical-presence proof. Bring originals and copies, and cover the full five-year span with overlapping records.
The child can hold both Philippine and U.S. citizenship. Enter/leave each country on that country’s passport. More on dual citizenship →
Everything is organized so you can move from “which path?” to “what do I file and where do I go?” without getting lost.