Certificates of Citizenship
Although children who are born outside of the United States may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, no proof of citizenship will be issued to the child’s parents unless such proof is requested. Parents may obtain proof of citizenship for their child by applying for a Certificate of Citizenship from the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Procedure for Obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship
(1) Biological children who reside in the U.S. Parents who want to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for a biological child who is residing in the U.S. must file a Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) and a filing fee with the USCIS.
* If the child has immigrated to the U.S. and has a green card, the parents must submit a photograph of the child, along with the Form N-600 and the filing fee.
(2) Adopted children who reside in the U.S. Parents who want to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for an adopted child who is residing in the U.S. must file a Form N-643 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship in Behalf of an Adopted Child) and a filing fee with the USCIS.
* If the child has immigrated to the U.S. and obtained a green card after a full and final adoption abroad, the parents should submit a photograph of the child, along with the Form N-643 and the filing fee.
* If the child has immigrated to the U.S. and obtained a green card in order to be adopted or re-adopted in the U.S., the parents must submit a photograph of the child, evidence of a full and final adoption, and evidence of any legal name change, along with the Form N-643 and the filing fee.
(3) Biological or adopted children who reside outside of the U.S. Parents who want to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for a biological or adopted child who does not reside in the U.S. must file a Form N-600 (for a biological child) or a Form N-643 (for an adopted child) and a filing fee with the USCIS. In some cases, the parents must also file a Form N-600/N-643, Supplement A (Application for Acquisition of Citizenship Through a Grandparent).
* Along with the Form N-600 or Form N-643 and the filing fee, the parents must submit a photograph of the child, the child’s birth certificate, the parents’ birth certificates or naturalization certificates, the parents’ marriage certificate, evidence of the termination of any previous marriages, evidence of any full and final adoption, and evidence of any legal names changes.