United States
Citizenship by descent, in plain words.
- Furthest routine descent
- Parent (at birth)
- Fee
- $100 (CRBA)Check with the consulate
- Watch out
- The US parent must have lived in the US 5 years, 2 of them after age 14.
The rules
- Citizenship at birth through a parent only (INA §§301 and 309).
- For births after 14 November 1986: the US parent needs 5 years' physical presence in the US, 2 of them after age 14.
- Apply with Form DS-2029, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).
- Fee $100.Check with the consulate
Documents to check
Check the official application checklist for this route before ordering records. It may ask for birth records linking each generation, name-change or marriage records, and proof of the ancestor’s citizenship. Special routes may need additional evidence. The consulate can confirm which documents, translations and certifications apply to you.
Official source
Checked 8 November 2026.
Verify before applying. Rules and fees change. This page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Check the official source above, or ask the country's embassy or consulate, before you send anything.