Citizen guide
Citizenship through parents
We can't tell you whether you're a citizen
Two general ways
At birth, when born outside the U.S.
Often called acquired citizenship
Some children born in another country are U.S. citizens from birth because a parent was a U.S. citizen. The law in effect on the child's birth date decides this. In general, at least one parent was a U.S. citizen who had lived in the United States for a certain time.
After birth, before age 18
Often called derived citizenship
Some children born abroad become citizens after birth — for example, when a parent naturalizes while the child is under 18 and living in the U.S. as a permanent resident in that parent's custody. People who turned 18 before February 27, 2001, fall under older rules.
Documents and next steps
Children born abroad: the Consular Report of Birth Abroad
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) documents that a child was a U.S. citizen at birth. It is issued to children under 18 through a U.S. embassy or consulate. It is not a birth certificate.
- Apply through the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the child was born. Many accept online applications.
- Keep the CRBA with the child's other important papers. The State Department can replace a lost one.
Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600)
People who got citizenship through a parent can ask USCIS for a Certificate of Citizenship. Adults can apply too — for example, someone who became a citizen as a child but never received documents.
- Read the USCIS page for children of U.S. citizens.
- Review Form N-600 and its current fee on uscis.gov.
- Get legal advice before filing if anything about your history is unclear.
Children who live outside the U.S.
Some children of U.S. citizens who live abroad can apply for citizenship through a separate process, Form N-600K.
- Read the official Form N-600K page and its instructions.
A U.S. passport is also proof
A valid U.S. passport is proof of citizenship. Many people apply using their CRBA or Certificate of Citizenship.
- Review the passport application steps on travel.state.gov.
If you think you may already be a citizen
Some adults learn they may have become citizens as children through a parent. Before applying for naturalization or other immigration benefits, it helps to find out.
- Write down your parents' citizenship or naturalization dates and your own Green Card history.
- Read the USCIS Policy Manual section on children of U.S. citizens.
- Talk to a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative — never a "notario".
We do not decide whether anyone is a U.S. citizen. The rules depend on the date of birth and many family details. For your situation, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.Your rights and responsibilities
Citizens through parents have the same civic rights and responsibilities as other citizens — voting, jury service, and, for many men ages 18 through 25, Selective Service registration.
- Read the Turning 18 guide for a simple list of next steps.