Information for Parents of Foreign-Born Biological Children Residing in the U.S.
Information for Parents of Foreign-Born Biological Children Residing in the U.S., January 2004
The Child Citizenship Act (CCA) declares that children who are younger than 18 years of age and have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen whether by birth or naturalization will acquire automatic citizenship. Under the CCA, qualifying children who immigrate to the United States with a U.S. citizen parent automatically acquire U.S. citizenship upon entry; children who live abroad acquire citizenship on approval of an application and the taking of the oath of allegiance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does my child qualify for automatic citizenship under the CCA?
Under the CCA, your child will automatically acquire U.S. citizenship on the date that all of the following requirements are satisfied:
- At least one parent is a U.S. citizen,
- The child is under 18 years of age, and
- The child is admitted to the United States as an immigrant.
2. Do I have to apply to USCIS for my child’s citizenship?
No. If your child satisfies the requirements listed above, he or she automatically acquires U.S. citizenship by operation of law on the day he or she is admitted to the United States as an immigrant. Your child’s citizenship status is no longer dependent on USCIS approving a naturalization application.
3. What documentation can I get of my child’s citizenship?
If your child permanently resides in the U.S, you can obtain evidence of your child’s citizenship by applying for a Certificate of Citizenship. You will need to file Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) and submit it to the local USCIS District Office or Sub-Office that holds jurisdiction over your permanent residence. You can also apply for a U.S. Passport from the Department of State.
4. Will USCIS automatically provide me with documentation of my child’s citizenship?
At the present time, USCIS is not able to automatically provide biological parents with documentation of their child’s citizenship. USCIS will continue to implement programs that streamline processes to more rapidly issue Certificates of Citizenship to qualifying children.
5. Is automatic citizenship provided for those who are 18 years of age or older?
No. Individuals who are 18 years of age or older on February 27, 2001, do not qualify for citizenship under the CCA, even if they meet all other criteria. If they wish to become U.S. citizens, they must apply for naturalization and meet eligibility requirements that currently exist for adult lawful permanent residents.
6. What forms do I file and what are the fees?
If your child permanently resides in the U.S., you can apply for evidence of citizenship by filing form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship). If you are filing on behalf of an adopted minor child, the fee is $420 (all other applicants must pay $460).
7. Where should I file the forms?
If your child permanently resides in the U.S., you can file form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) at any USCIS District Office or Sub-Office that that holds jurisdiction over your permanent residence.
8. What resources are available to answer questions about the Child Citizenship Act?
For more information about the CCA application procedures and forms, you may go to the USCIS Web site at http://uscis.gov or contact our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. USCIS has also made available field guidance and public materials to all information officers and other front line staff to aid them in answering questions.
Please also read the following for more information:
Child Citizenship Program Fact Sheet, 1/22/04
Information for Adoptive Parents of Foreign-Born Orphans Residing in the U.S., January 2004
Information for Parents of Foreign-Born Children Residing Abroad, January 2004
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