Similarly, the U.S. Embassy relies on these documents for visa issuance, federal benefit eligibility, and consular services, including issuing Consular Reports of Death Abroad (CRODA) and aiding in criminal investigations. To streamline this process, prevent fraud, and facilitate international travel and migration, the PSA and the U.S. Embassy have partnered to establish clear commitments and procedures.

This collaboration is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the partnership’s details. The signing event occurred in Manila on 03 May 2024 with Consul General Mark G. McGovern of the U.S. Embassy Manila, Philippine Consular Section, and Officer-In-Charge Deputy National Statistician (OIC-DNS) Clemente S. Manaog representing Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa of the PSA, together with Assistant National Statistician Marizza B. Grande of the PSA Civil Registration Service.

The memorandum aims to facilitate requests for civil registry documents of the U.S. Embassy, particularly for visa applications, federal benefits, and investigations into fraud and crimes. It also includes verifying a U.S. citizen’s death when there are no family members present in the Philippines to obtain the death certificate. This ensures the timely processing of applications, segregating those related to pending U.S. visa applications and facilitating document pickup by authorized officers.

The service channels available for obtaining civil registry documents include in-person requests and online applications.

The MOU will facilitate the issuance and verification of civil registry documents in relation to U.S. documentation requirements to prevent fraud and facilitate international travel and lawful migration.