For families navigating the U.S. immigration process, one of the most exciting milestones is becoming a U.S. citizen. If you are a parent who recently naturalized or is in the process of doing so, you may be wondering: Can my child automatically become a U.S. citizen, too? The answer is yes—but there are specific requirements that must be met.
Automatic Citizenship for Children Under the Child Citizenship Act (CCA)
Under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA), certain children automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when their parent(s) naturalize—without needing to go through the naturalization process themselves. This law applies only to children who meet all of the following conditions before they turn 18:
- At least one parent is a U.S. citizen – This can be through birth or naturalization.
- The child is under 18 years old – If the child turns 18 before the parent naturalizes, they will not qualify for automatic citizenship and would need to apply for naturalization independently.
- The child is a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) – They must have been admitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident before turning 18.
- The child is residing in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent – The child must live with the parent who naturalized.
If all these conditions are met, the child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen on the day the parent naturalizes. There is no need to file a separate naturalization application (Form N-400).
What Happens After Automatic Citizenship?
Even though citizenship is automatically granted under the law, children do not receive a certificate of citizenship unless a parent applies for one. To obtain proof of their child’s automatic U.S. citizenship, parents should:
- Apply for a U.S. passport – A passport serves as official proof of U.S. citizenship and is often the easiest option.
- File Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) – This is optional but can provide an additional document confirming the child’s U.S. citizenship.
What If My Child Was Born Outside the U.S. and Lives Abroad?
For children who were born abroad and do not reside in the U.S., automatic citizenship does not apply under the CCA. However, they may still be eligible to acquire U.S. citizenship through their U.S. citizen parent under different provisions of U.S. immigration law.
Here, there are a few ways to obtain evidence of citizenship for a child, including obtaining a Consular Report of Birth Abroad from a U.S. embassy or consult, applying for a passport, and/or filing an application (Form N-600K) with USCIS and taking a trip to the U.S. to complete the process.
Final Thoughts
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 makes it easier for children to obtain U.S. citizenship when their parents naturalize, helping families stay together with the benefits of U.S. citizenship. If you believe your child qualifies, take steps to ensure they have official documentation, such as a passport or Certificate of Citizenship, to avoid any issues in the future. If you have any questions about your child’s eligibility, we’re here to help!
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