Effective on February 27, 2001, certain foreign-born children (including adopted children) of U.S. citizens are qualified to obtain US citizenship.

Your child may be qualified if he or she:

1) is less than 18 years of age; and

2) has at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen (whether by birth or naturalization).

Qualifying children who immigrate to the United States with a U.S. citizen parent automatically acquire U.S. citizenship;

Children who live abroad acquire citizenship by application.

What Forms To File

If you are want a Certificate of Citizenship for a biological child, you file Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship;

If you want a Certificate of Citizenship for an adopted child, you file Form N-643, Application for Certificate of Citizenship in Behalf of an Adopted Child;

If you are applying for a Certificate of Citizenship for a biological or adopted child who currently lives outside the United States, you may also need to file Form N-600/N-643, Supplement A,

Application for Acquisition of Citizenship Through a Grandparent, with the Form N-600 or Form N-643.

What To Submit With The Forms

• For a  foreign born biological child who lives in the United States

For children who have immigrated to the United States, parents will not be required to submit any evidence that is already contained in the INS file, including translations of documents.

• Photographs of your child

• Fee

• For a foreign born adopted child who lives in the United States

If your child has immigrated to the United States (has a "green card") after a full and final adoption abroad, you should submit:

• Photographs of your child

• Fee

If your child has immigrated to the United States (has a "green card") to be adopted or re-adopted, you must submit:

• Photographs of your child

• Fee

• Evidence of a full final adoption

• Evidence of all legal name changes (if applicable)

• For a child who lives abroad

If your child has not immigrated to the United States (does not have a "green card"), you should submit:

• Photographs of your child,

• Fee,

• Your child’s birth certificate,

• Your birth certificate or naturalization certificate,

• Your marriage certificate (if applicable),

• Evidence of termination of previous marriages (if applicable),

• Evidence of a full and final adoption (if applicable),

• Evidence of all legal name changes (if applicable), and

• Form N-600/N643 Supplement A (if applicable).