Consular Notification thingy of Birth Abroad

I didn't have any transcripts at all for either of my children's appointments and was fine.

Just wanted to add a followup. The transcripts we provided were fine, and despite being 15 minutes late we were seen promptly and out in about two hours. All in all the consulate experience was by far the easiest part, negotiating around central London with a three month old was a far bigger challenge!

Thanks to all who replied originally.

Going in a week to our appointment for our newest little one, arrived Dec 17th! I don't have transcripts, but it seems others haven't had a problem with that? We have other documentation I can bring that may help, but the website says that our UK Visas (we are here for 3 years for husband's work) should suffice in that they have a leave date on them?

What is the situation with the courier envelope...I tried to read through this thread but didn't see an explanation from anyone. Do we need to buy their envelope to have stuff mailed back, were people saying you can bring your own pre-paid that is cheaper? Help....lol

My husband and I were planning on going back to the States quite soon after our baby is born. Probably 2-3 months after its born. Would it be advisable to get the US passport sorted first and then worry about the British passport later?

It's more than advisable, it's compulsory. Your baby can't move back to the US without their US passport -- all US citizens must enter the US on a US passport.

Suppose I should have worded that differently. We're going back to the States to visit, not moving. I'd never move back. We've discussed it many times and always come to the conclusion we like it much better here  From reading  through the forum I get that I need to have the US stuff sorted in order to travel back to the US with baby. Just wondering if I can hold off on the British passort and all that jazz until after we return from our holiday?

You'll need to get both UK and US passports for the baby before you travel.

The US passport is an absolute requirement because it is illegal for a US citizen to enter the US on a foreign passport (as the US officially 'does not recognise' dual citizenship).

The UK passport is not mandatory, but in order for the baby to be let into the UK as a UK citizen, you need proof of their UK citizenship. A UK birth certificate presented at the border may suffice, but it could be risky - so I would get their UK passport sorted before travel, so there is no question of their UK citizenship.

Otherwise you risk the baby only being stamped into the UK on their US passport as a visitor - which means no NHS access and only 6 months allowed in the UK, or you might be told you need to apply for a Child Dependent visa for them, to go into their US passport... which would be silly, as they are a UK citizen.

Thanks! That's very helpful albeit a massive pain in the rear! Ha! I would assume they can't be applied for simultaniously as they would both need original documents. Hopefully, the time frame for getting each sorted isn't too long. Thankfully the whole thing still seems much easier than the faf I went through to get where I am today

We had our Consular Birth Abroad/Passport/Social Security appointment last week in London, so wanted to give a recent update for anyone else going soon.

Our appointment was for the 10:30am slot. We arrived around 10am assuming there would be a line to go through security, but while the line for NON-US citizens was long, the US Citizens line had nobody so we were able to go right through. We had our 3 year old and the newborn with us and had no problems bringing in snacks, stroller, etc. There are lots of stairs and no lifts, so be prepared to lift the stroller up and down stairs as needed. When we walked in, a man checked our paperwork, said it looked good and then we were able to pay for the courier service if needed. After that we went up more stairs the waiting room. There were TVs there (one with kid's show and the other was CNN) and there is also a soft play area for toddlers with other puzzles/toys. Changing room/toilet is down 2 flights of stairs but there is a water fountain. We didn't bring any electronics with us (left it all at our hotel) so I don't know if they would've held anything for us if we had accidently brought it.

When they call yoru number you go to the window to give your paperwork. Then you go to another window to pay for the services, and finally, they call your number to meet with the officer and get the approval. At the first window, they specifically asked for our transcripts (which I almost didn't bring because others said not needed, but printed them last minute). I am sure it would've been fine with other documentation we had, but it was nice we had them (college ones) since they asked specifically for them. Overall, the whole process was streamlined and easy. We enjoyed talking to the other Americans with little ones about life int he UK. The whole process took us an hour and a half and we were out the door. Easy Peasy She said to expect the passport in 2 weeks and social security in 6-8 weeks.

Update to my post above:

We just received our papers in the mail - so that means  2.5weeks from appointment in London to receiving the documents.

We went to the Embassy today for our younger twins; process was pretty smooth. Although annoyingly they refused to accept my pre-paid Special Delivery envelope and said I had to use the Courier service instead. I pointed out that their website says Royal Mail Special Delivery was acceptable - was told that the website needs to be updated then! 

Oh well, at least it's all done!

When did that change? I hate their courier. I found it much better to do the special delivery. That's annoying!

When did that change? I hate their courier. I found it much better to do the special delivery. That's annoying!

I know, it is annoying.  Not only is it cheaper but if you miss a delivery you can just pick it up from your local RM delivery office. 

Just started this process again for Little Miss, born on 28-Jan.  I had sort of forgotten that we needed a form notarized as my Dh can't attend in person.  Why oh why is notarization so expensive in the UK?  £50??

Update: rec'd social security card in the post- making it about 5 weeks from embassy appointment