U.S. Citizenship Through Parents: When to Use Form N-600
U.S. Citizenship Through Parents: When to Use Form N-600
At Law Offices of Monica Jara-Aguirre, we help families secure Certificates of Citizenship (Form N-600) for children who automatically acquired U.S. citizenship through their parents—providing lifelong proof of status for passports, education, and government benefits.
What Is Form N-600?
- A Certificate of Citizenship is legal proof that your child is a U.S. citizen through derivation (not naturalization). It’s used when:
- Child was born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent
- Child automatically gained citizenship through a parent’s naturalization
- No age limit—can be filed for minors or adults
- Note:This is not for applying for citizenship—only for documenting existing citizenship rights.
1. Automatic Citizenship (INA §320)
- For children who:
- Entered the U.S. as green card holders
- Had a parent naturalize while they were under 18
- Were in the legal & physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent
2. Citizenship at Birth (INA §301/309)
- For children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents who:
- Met physical presence requirements in the U.S. before birth
- Can prove parent’s citizenship at time of birth
When to File Form N-600
- No deadline, but we recommend filing if your child needs:
- A U.S. passport (alternative to certificate)
- School enrollment or financial aid
- Government benefits (Social Security, etc.)
- Future family sponsorship
- Processing Time: 6–18 months (varies by USCIS workload).
For All Applicants:
- Child’s birth certificate (translated if not in English)
- Proof of parent’s U.S. citizenship (passport, naturalization certificate)
- Child’s green card (if applicable)
Additional Proof May Include:
- Marriage/custody documents
- School/medical records (to prove physical custody)
- Parent’s U.S. residence history (for children born abroad)
Common Issues & Solutions
- Problem: Parental custody disputes
- Solution: Provide court orders or guardianship proof
- Problem: Missing physical presence evidence
- Solution: Use tax returns, employment records, or affidavits
- Problem: Adopted child’s foreign birth records unavailable
- Solution: Submit adoption decrees and re-adoption paperworkf
Form N-600 vs. N-600K
| Form N-600 | Form N-600K |
|---|---|
| For children living in the U.S. | For children living abroad |
| Documents existing citizenship | Grants citizenship via short U.S. visit |
| No age limit | Must file before child turns 18 |
Why Work With Us?
- Eligibility Assessment–Confirm if your child is already a citizen
- Document Preparation– Ensure no delays due to missing evidence
- Application Tracking – Monitor USCIS processing
- Appeal Support –Fix RFEs or denials
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. 1 :Is a Certificate of Citizenship required if my child has a U.S. passport?
No—but it’s recommended for permanent documentation (passports expire).
Q. 2 : Can I file N-600 for my adult child?
Yes! No age limit if citizenship was acquired automatically.
Q. 3 : Where is your office located?
Our primary office is at:
820 San Fernando Road, Suite 203A, San Fernando, CA 91340
We also have a mailing address in Encino:
4930 Balboa Blvd #261938, Encino, CA 91426
Q. 4 : Do you charge for consultations?
We denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms.
Q. 5 : What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring any relevant documents related to your case (court papers, notices, contracts, identification, etc.) and a list of questions or concerns you have. This helps us better understand and assess your legal situation.