Citizenship by Acquisition (N-600)

Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is filed to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship that serves as evidence of your or your child’s U.S. citizenship. You may file Form N-600 if you were born abroad and are claiming to be a U.S. citizen through your parents. You may also file Form N-600 to obtain evidence of citizenship if you automatically became a U.S. citizen through an operation of law after your birth but before you turned 18 years old. A parent or guardian may also file Form N-600 on behalf of a minor child. 

Requirements

You should file the form N-600 if:

1. You are requesting a Certificate of Citizenship because you were born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent.
2. You are requesting a Certificate of Citizenship because you automatically became a citizen of the United States after birth, but before you turned 18 years of age.

If you are claiming U.S. citizenship after your birth but before you reach 18, the laws that were in effect when the last qualifying condition was fulfilled will apply to you. Generally, the following conditions must be satisfied before you turn 18:

1. Your parent must be a U.S. citizen.
2. You must be the biological child of that U.S. citizen parent.
3. You must have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
4. You must be living in the United States under the legal and physical custody of your U.S. citizen parent.

You may file this application if:

1. You claim to have acquired U.S. citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent and are now over 18 years of age.
2. You are the U.S. citizen parent or legal guardian who has legal and physical custody of an adopted or biological child (under 18 years of age).

Adopted Child

An adopted child can also obtain U.S. citizenship through their adoptive U.S. citizen parent, depending on the applicable laws. At present, an adopted child may gain U.S. citizenship through their U.S. citizen parent. However, stepchildren are NOT eligible to acquire U.S. citizenship under this provision.

Duration

The O-1 and O-2 visa may be valid for an initial period of three years and may be extended indefinitely in one-year increments.

N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship Process

To complete the N-600 application process, accurately fill out Form N-600, ensuring all required information is provided and the form is signed. Then, submit your completed application either online through the USCIS website or by mail to the appropriate USCIS address, including any necessary fees and supporting documents.

After USCIS processes your application, you will receive a receipt notice confirming its receipt. Depending on your situation, you may also be scheduled for a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photographs, and your signature. In some cases, you might need to attend an interview with a USCIS officer who will review your application and ask questions about your eligibility. USCIS will then notify you of their decision regarding your application, and if approved, you will receive your Certificate of Citizenship. If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal filing the form I-290B.

Benefits of Application for Certificate of Citizenship

The N-600 provides a formal Certificate of Citizenship, serving as undeniable proof of your U.S. citizenship. With this certificate, you gain access to rights and benefits associated with U.S. citizenship, including the right to vote, eligibility for federal jobs, and access to government programs.

Having a Certificate of Citizenship provides protection from deportation, ensuring greater security in your residency.

The N-600 application process is a vital step in securing and formalizing your citizenship status, offering numerous benefits that enhance your rights and opportunities as a U.S. citizen.

At McFarling Cohen Fic & Squires, we can help ensure that the N-600 form is filled out correctly, minimizing the risk of errors that could lead to delays or denials. An attorney can assist you in gathering and organizing the necessary supporting documents, ensuring all required information is included.

Having legal representation during any necessary interviews can offer reassurance, as your attorney can advocate for you.