How to apply for U.S. citizenship for child
A child can be granted U.S. citizenship if the child is born in the U.S., the parents are U.S. citizens, or parents become citizens through naturalization. Children will automatically be granted citizenship either by being born in the U.S. or, as long as they are under 18, through their parents (derived citizenship). They do not have to apply for citizenship but they should get proof of it. To get proof of citizenship in the form of a Citizenship Certificate,the applicant (child) or the applicant’s parentt should file Form N-600.
Steps to Apply for U.S. Citizenship for a Child
1. The applicant completes Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship.
The child or the parent or legal guardian can file Form N-600.
2. The applicant includes the following documents with the application:
- Color photographs of the child
- Copy of the child’s green card (if applicable)
- Birth certificate of child
- Applicant’s marriage certificate
- Proof of U.S. residence (if applicable)
- Copies of any other documents required
3. The applicant includes the filing fee of $600.
There are certain exceptions to the filing fees, and they are;
- The fee is $550 if filing for an adopted child.
- There is no fee if filing for a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces – proof of service required.
However, the fee for a child of a veteran or member of the U.S. Armed Forces is the normal $600 fee ($550 if child is adopted).
4. The applicant mails the application to USCIS Phoenix Lockbox facility.
The address is:
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
P.O. Box 20100
Phoenix, AZ 85036
For USPS Express Mail/Courier:
USCIS
Attn: Form N-600
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
5. The applicant awaits confirmation from USCIS.
If the applicant has attached a completed Form G-1145, Notification of Acceptance of Application/Petition with the application, they will receive an email/text message, when the application has been accepted. Applicants will be issued a receipt number, which can be used to track the application.
6. The applicant receives a Citizenship Certificate in the mail.
