Who this is for
- People born outside the U.S. to at least one U.S. citizen parent who may have acquired citizenship at birth
- Children who automatically became citizens after birth, generally because they were green card holders under 18 living in the U.S. in the custody of a U.S. citizen parent
- Adopted children who meet the rules for automatic citizenship
- Adults who became citizens as children and never received proof; they can usually file N-600 themselves
- Children under 18 living abroad whose U.S. citizen parent (or, in some cases, grandparent) meets the physical presence rules, through Form N-600K
Forms involved
| Form | Official name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| N-600 | Application for Certificate of Citizenship | Requests a certificate for someone who already became a citizen through a parent, at birth or automatically as a child. |
| N-600K | Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322 | Lets a U.S. citizen parent apply for citizenship for a child under 18 who lives outside the U.S. |
| N-565 | Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document | Used to replace a lost, stolen or damaged certificate, or to correct or update certain information on it. |
Step by step
- Confirm which rule appliesWhether someone is a citizen depends on the law in effect when they were born or when the conditions were met. An attorney can check birth dates, parents' citizenship and residence history.
- Choose N-600 or N-600KPeople who are already citizens use N-600. A child living abroad who is not yet a citizen may use N-600K, which grants citizenship when the process is completed.
- Gather proof of the parent's citizenship and the relationshipCollect the parent's U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate or passport, and the child's birth certificate. Some cases also need proof of the parent's time living in the U.S.
- File the applicationSubmit the form and fee as listed in the official instructions. N-600 can generally be filed online or by mail.
- Attend biometrics or an interview if scheduledUSCIS may ask for fingerprints or schedule an interview with the parent and applicant. N-600K children usually must enter the U.S. lawfully for the interview.
- Take the oath if required and receive the certificateApplicants 14 and older may need to take an oath of allegiance. After approval, USCIS issues the certificate.
Documents usually requested
- The applicant's birth certificate
- The U.S. citizen parent's birth certificate, naturalization certificate or U.S. passport
- Parents' marriage certificate, and divorce or death records if relevant
- Proof of the parent's physical presence or residence in the U.S., such as school, tax or employment records
- The child's green card, if citizenship came after immigrating (N-600)
- Proof of legal and physical custody, such as custody orders or adoption decrees
- Passport-style photos as required by the instructions
- Certified English translations of foreign-language documents
How long it takes
Timing depends on the USCIS office, whether an interview is required and how easily the parent's citizenship and residence can be proven. Check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ for current information.
Government filing fees
Forms N-600, N-600K and N-565 each carry a USCIS filing fee, and some applicants, such as certain members and veterans of the U.S. armed forces, may be exempt. Fees are set by USCIS and change, so check the fee schedule at uscis.gov/g-1055.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a child is not a citizen and filing a green card or naturalization case instead
- Not proving the U.S. citizen parent's time living in the U.S. before the child's birth
- Using today's rules for someone born decades ago, when different laws may apply
- For N-600K, letting the child turn 18 before the oath, which can end eligibility under that process
- Sending copies of foreign documents without certified translations
How MyUSVisa helps
- Answer a guided questionnaire in your language and upload your documents once — we read, sort and assemble them into a clear case file and timeline.
- Your organized case is offered to licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who handle this type of case. Interested attorneys send you offers, and you compare and choose — or don't.
- Once you choose, you and your attorney work in one place: messages, documents, deadlines and automatic USCIS status updates, on the web and in the mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Certificate of Citizenship if I already have a U.S. passport?
No, you are not required to have both. A valid U.S. passport is also proof of citizenship, and many people use it instead. Some people still want a certificate because it does not expire and can be useful for jobs, benefits or later passport renewals.
What is the difference between acquiring and deriving citizenship?
Acquiring citizenship generally means becoming a citizen at birth abroad through a U.S. citizen parent. Deriving citizenship generally means becoming a citizen automatically after birth, usually as a green card holder under 18 living with a U.S. citizen parent. Both can be documented with Form N-600.
Can an adult file Form N-600?
Yes, adults who became citizens as children can usually file Form N-600 for themselves at any age. The rules that decide whether they are a citizen are generally the ones in effect when the conditions were met, not today's rules.
What is Form N-600K used for?
Form N-600K is for a child under 18 who lives outside the U.S. and has a U.S. citizen parent. The parent, or in some cases a U.S. citizen grandparent, must meet physical presence requirements. The child generally must travel to the U.S. lawfully for the interview and oath, and finish the process before turning 18.
What if my Certificate of Citizenship is lost?
You can generally ask for a replacement with Form N-565. The same form is used for certain corrections or legal name changes.
Official sources
Last reviewed: October 2026
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Immigration rules, forms and fees change often — always check the official sources above. MyUSVisa is not a law firm and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency; legal advice comes only from the licensed attorney you choose.