How to Apply for Citizenship for a Child
Children can be granted U.S. citizenship under several categories
- The child is born in the U.S.
- At least one parent is a U.S. citizen
- Naturalization of the parents
- Naturalization of the child
Learn how to apply for citizenship for a child under each category.
Steps to Get American Citizenship
Child born in the U.S.:
Children born in the U.S. are automatically granted citizenship. The child remains a U.S. citizen unless they choose to renounce their citizenship.
Child born to U.S. citizen (acquired citizenship):
1. Register birth abroad.
If one or both parents are U.S. citizens, then the child becomes a U.S. citizen (even if the child was born outside the U.S.) through acquired citizenship. The simplest way is give a child of U.S. citizen parentage U.S. citizenship is to register the birth abroad. This can be done until the child is 18 years of age. If the child is older than 18, he/she must apply to adjust status or for an immigrant visa.
2. Apply for a passport or Certificate of Citizenship for the child.
A U.S. passport or Certificate of Citizenship provide proof of the child`s citizenship.
Through naturalization of parents (derived citizenship):
If one or both parents are naturalized as U.S. citizens, then the child gets derived citizenship if:
- The child is under 18 years of age
- The child has a green card
- The child is living with the naturalized parent(s)
If the child is over 18 years of age, he or she may apply for a green card as an immediate relative of a citizen. After five years as a permanent resident, he/ she can naturalize.
Through naturalization of child:
1. Complete Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship.
2. Collected required documents:
- Two passport-style color photographs of the child
- Copy of the child’s green card
- Birth Certificate of child
- Parent’s marriage certificat
- Proof of U.S. residence
- Copies of any other documents required
3. Mail the application package to the appropriate USCIS District or field office along with the required fee.
4. Wait for a letter from the USCIS.
Once the USCIS has processed the application, the parents will receive a letter informing them of the place and time to bring the child to complete the naturalization process.
5. Go to the location on the given date with the appointment letter and collect the naturalization certificate of the child.
