Application for Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600)
Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is an application for a Certificate of Citizenship. You are not required to obtain evidence of your U.S. citizenship. If you want evidence of your U.S. citizenship you may submit Form N-600 to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship. This form is used by individuals who acquired U.S. citizenship through their U.S. citizen parent(s) either at birth or after birth but before the age of 18.
You were born abroad to at least one U.S. citizen parent
You derived citizenship through the naturalization of your parent(s) while you were under 18
You are a U.S. citizen claiming citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent or grandparent
You are a permanent resident child who automatically became a citizen under the Child Citizenship Act
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Regulatory Criteria
Purpose of Form N-600
Form N-600 is used to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship as evidence of U.S. citizenship acquired or derived through U.S. citizen parents.
Examples
Obtain documentary evidence of U.S. citizenship
For those who acquired citizenship at birth through U.S. citizen parent(s)
For those who derived citizenship through parent's naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship is official proof of U.S. citizenship
Acquisition of Citizenship at Birth
You may have acquired U.S. citizenship at birth if you were born outside the United States to U.S. citizen parents.
Examples
Born abroad to two U.S. citizen parents
Born abroad to one U.S. citizen parent who met physical presence requirements
Citizenship is automatic at time of birth if requirements are met
Different rules apply depending on date of birth and parents' citizenship
Derivation of Citizenship
You may have derived U.S. citizenship automatically when your parent(s) naturalized while you were under 18.
Examples
Parent naturalized while child was under 18 and a lawful permanent resident
Child was residing in the United States in legal and physical custody of citizen parent
Child Citizenship Act of 2000 applies to children who met requirements on or after Feb. 27, 2001
Different rules may apply for those who derived citizenship before Feb. 27, 2001
Child Citizenship Act of 2000
The Child Citizenship Act provides automatic citizenship to certain children of U.S. citizens.
Examples
Applies to biological and adopted children
Child must be under 18 and a lawful permanent resident
Child must be residing in the United States in legal and physical custody of U.S. citizen parent
Citizenship is automatic when all conditions are met
Who May File Form N-600
Certain individuals may file Form N-600 to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship.
Examples
U.S. citizen parent on behalf of a biological child under 18
U.S. citizen parent on behalf of an adopted child under 18
An adult (18 or older) who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship
U.S. citizen grandparent or legal guardian on behalf of child in certain cases
Supporting Documentation
You must submit evidence to establish your claim to U.S. citizenship through your parent(s).
Examples
Birth certificate showing U.S. citizen parent(s)
Evidence of parent's U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, passport)
Evidence of parent's physical presence in U.S. prior to your birth
Marriage certificate of parents (if applicable)
Evidence of legal custody and residence (for derivation cases)
Adoption decree (for adopted children)
Interview and Oath
USCIS may require an interview and administer an oath of allegiance.
Examples
USCIS may schedule an interview to review your application
Applicants 14 and older may be required to take an oath of allegiance
Children under 14 are generally not required to take the oath
Oath may be waived for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities
Certificate of Citizenship
If approved, you will receive a Certificate of Citizenship as evidence of your U.S. citizenship.
Examples
Certificate is official documentary evidence of citizenship
Can be used to apply for a U.S. passport
Certificate shows name, date of birth, and citizenship claim basis
Keep certificate in a safe place; replacement requires filing Form N-565
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Application Process
Determine Eligibility
Confirm you acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through your parent(s).
Gather Evidence
Collect documents proving your and your parent's citizenship and relationship.
Complete Form N-600
Fill out the Application for Certificate of Citizenship.
Submit Application
File Form N-600 with USCIS and pay the required fee.
Biometrics
Attend biometrics appointment if required.
Interview
Attend interview if scheduled by USCIS.
Oath of Allegiance
Take oath if required (applicants 14 and older).
Receive Certificate
Receive your Certificate of Citizenship if approved.
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Key Benefits
Official documentary evidence of U.S. citizenship
Proof of citizenship for passport applications
Evidence for employment eligibility verification
Documentation for government benefits requiring citizenship
Permanent record of citizenship status
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Documents Needed
Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Your birth certificate (with certified English translation if needed)
Evidence of U.S. citizen parent's citizenship
Evidence of parent's physical presence in U.S. before your birth
Marriage certificate of parents (if applicable)
Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable)
Adoption decree (if applicable)
Evidence of lawful permanent resident status (if claiming derivation)
Evidence of legal and physical custody (if claiming derivation)
Filing fee
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between acquiring and deriving citizenship?
Acquisition of citizenship occurs at birth if you were born abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s) who met certain requirements. Derivation of citizenship occurs after birth when your parent(s) naturalize while you are under 18 and a lawful permanent resident residing in their custody.
Do I need a Certificate of Citizenship?
No, you are not required to obtain evidence of your U.S. citizenship. However, if you want documentary evidence of your citizenship, you may submit Form N-600 to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship. You may also apply for a U.S. passport as evidence of citizenship.
Can I apply for a passport instead?
Yes. A U.S. passport is also evidence of U.S. citizenship. Some people apply for a passport directly rather than obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship. However, a Certificate of Citizenship provides a permanent record that does not expire.
What if my parent was not a U.S. citizen when I was born?
If your parent was not a U.S. citizen at your birth, you may have derived citizenship if your parent later naturalized while you were under 18 and a lawful permanent resident residing in their legal and physical custody.
Can I file for my child?
Yes. A U.S. citizen parent may file Form N-600 on behalf of their biological or adopted child who is under 18 and claims to have acquired or derived U.S. citizenship.
What happens at the interview?
At the interview, the USCIS officer will review your application and supporting documents, verify the information you provided, and may ask you questions about your claim to citizenship. Applicants 14 and older may be required to take an oath of allegiance.
How long does it take to get a Certificate of Citizenship?
Processing times vary. Check the USCIS website for current processing times for Form N-600. You will receive a receipt notice after filing and can track your case online.
Need help with your immigration case?
Hasan Legal PC attorneys handle USCIS petitions, family immigration, employment-based green cards, and naturalization across Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland.