N-600, Derivative Citizenship of Minor Children

When you become a U.S. citizen, will your child also become a U.S. citizen?

Maybe. There are a few requirements for your child to become a U.S. citizen; your child must:

1. Be under 18 years old when you become a citizen;
2. Be a legal permanent resident (have a green card);
3. Not be married; and
4. Live in the U.S. with you in your legal and physical custody.

Your child will automatically become a citizen when they fulfill all these requirements. If everything happens before your child turns 18, these requirements may occur in any order. These cases can be complicated, and each case is different. Contact Project Citizenship with any questions about your situation.

How can you get proof of your child’s citizenship?

Suppose your child automatically becomes a citizen when you naturalize. In that case, you have two options: You may apply for a Certificate of Citizenship or a U.S. passport for your child.

What is a Certificate of Citizenship? How do you apply for one?

The Certificate of Citizenship is like your naturalization certificate, which proves your child is a citizen of the United States. You may apply for a Certificate of Citizenship by completing Form N-600. In addition to the application, you will need to submit additional supporting documents, which may include:

• A copy of the U.S. citizen parent’s birth certificate (with translation, if necessary);
• A copy of the child’s birth certificate (with translation, if necessary);
• Proof of the parent’s U.S. citizenship (a copy of the Naturalization Certificate);
• A copy of the parent’s marriage certificate (with translation, if necessary);
• Proof of legal custody (if the child’s parents are divorced or separated);
• A copy of the child’s green card and
• Proof of residence or physical presence in the U.S. (ex., school records, leases, employment).

How much does the Certificate of Citizenship cost?

The application fee for the Certificate of Citizenship is $1,170. However, if you receive public benefits, your household income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or you have some other financial hardship, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.

What are the benefits of a Certificate of Citizenship?

The Certificate of Citizenship is documentary proof of your child’s citizenship and a U.S. government-issued photo identification. Unlike a U.S. passport, a certificate of citizenship never expires. Even if your child’s passport is lost, they can use the Certificate of Citizenship for life to show their citizenship and request a copy from the USCIS if they lost it.

What are the benefits of getting a U.S. passport?

Your child can use a passport to travel abroad and prove their U.S. citizenship. However, the passport must be renewed every five years (while the child is under 16) and then every ten years once the child is an adult. When a passport is lost, the child must submit all supporting documents again proving that they are U.S. citizens, and the Certificate of Naturalization is the best evidence for that purpose.

 Fil Am Law Firm recommends getting both a passport and a Certificate of Citizenship to ensure your minor child has proof that they are automatically a U.S. citizen immediately after you become a naturalized Citizen.

Source: USCIS

You may refer to your personalized filing instructions from Fil Am Law Firm based on your specific situation. Our simple instructions provide details on supporting documents with samples if you need them. Upon hiring and providing Fil Am Law Firm with your information and supporting documents, our legal team will organize the package and mail it to the USCIS with your prepaid government filing fee.