From creating the eCRBA to walking out of U.S. Embassy Manila with a citizenship document on the way. Plus who must attend, and how DNA testing works if it’s needed.
Sort the U.S.-citizen parent’s physical-presence evidence and order PSA records. Resolve any “no record” issue before you book. This is the longest phase — give it weeks.
At mytravel.state.gov, complete the application (generates Form DS-2029) and upload supporting documents.
Through the portal. Keep the proof of payment.
Send proof of payment to ManilaCRBAappt@state.gov (Cebu: ACSInfoCebu@state.gov). Wait at least 72 hours after paying. The embassy replies with a date and instructions.
Bring the child, both parents (ideally), originals + copies, photos, and Form DS-11 for the passport. Details below.
If approved, the CRBA (FS-240) and the child’s first U.S. passport are produced and returned by courier (peso fee).
Families in the Visayas can use the U.S. Consular Agency in Cebu, which also accepts electronic CRBA applications (payment via Pay.gov).
The consular officer’s job is to confirm three things: that the U.S.-citizen parent is a U.S. citizen, that there is a genuine parent-child relationship, and that the parent met the physical-presence requirement. Expect questions about that parent’s life in the U.S. and their time with the family.
If documentary proof of the biological relationship is weak (common in out-of-wedlock cases), the consular officer may recommend DNA testing. It is voluntary and a last resort — but the process is strict, and a self-arranged test will not be accepted.
DNA is used only when the officer determines other evidence is insufficient. You then choose an AABB-accredited lab from a list.
The lab sends the test kit directly to the embassy with a pre-paid return envelope. The kit is never released to the family — that protects the chain of custody.
A physician collects a cheek (buccal) swab at the embassy’s designated facility (e.g., a St. Luke’s extension clinic). Bring passport + photo. You pay the lab and collection fees.
The lab returns results directly to the consular post — never through the applicant. Acceptance threshold: 99.5%+ probability of paternity.
Only an embassy-directed test with proper chain of custody counts. Home or third-party tests you arrange yourself will be rejected. Plan for several extra weeks if DNA is required.
Source: U.S. Dept. of State — U.S. Citizenship and DNA Testing.
Document-gathering and appointment availability often dwarf the official processing time. CRBA timelines above are community-reported, not guarantees. Check the live USCIS processing times for N-600/N-600K.