How to Certify U.S. Citizenship
When applying for a job, or when immigration benefits of any kind are needed, a person may be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship. So it is good to know what documents to keep handy as proof of U.S. citizenship.
Steps to Certify U.S. citizenship
1. U.S. passport
A U.S. passport is usually the best evidence of citizenship. It is accepted virtually everywhere when proof of citizenship is required.
If the applicant does not already have a U.S. passport, he/she can apply for a passport as soon as he/she becomes a citizen, regardless of how the citizenship was acquired.
The applicant has to prove his/her citizenship when applying for the first U.S. passport (using one of the documents mentioned below).
2. U.S. Birth Certificate
If the applicant was born in the United States, he/she became a U.S. citizen by birth, regardless of the parents’ immigration status. The birth certificate itself acts as proof of citizenship.
Since a birth certificate does not have a photo on it, the applicant will often be asked to present a government-issued photo ID to prove his/her identity.
3. Certificate of Citizenship
The applicant may apply for a Certificate of Citizenship to claim U.S. citizenship and also to use as future proof. This can be done by filing Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, with USCIS.
4. Naturalization Certificate
Form N-550, Certificate of Naturalization, is issued to a person who becomes a U.S. citizen through naturalization. As an immigrant, the applicant can file Form N-400 to become a citizen. Once the application is approved and the Oath of Allegiance is taken, the applicant will receive a Certificate of Naturalization as proof of U.S. citizenship.
