Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Form N-600

Citizenship law has changed over the years and different laws apply to determine whether you automatically became a U.S. citizen at birth, or after birth but before you turned 18 years of age. If you are claiming U.S. citizenship based on your birth abroad to U.S. citizen parents, the law in effect on the date of your birth applies. For purposes of these provisions, you must be the biological child of your U.S. citizen parent, and different provisions apply depending on whether you were born in wedlock or out-of-wedlock.

If you are claiming U.S. citizenship after birth, but before you reached 18 years of age, the law in effect when the last qualifying condition was met is the law that applies to you. Generally, the conditions are listed below.

These conditions must be met before you turn 18 years of age:

• Your parent must be a U.S. citizen;
• You must be the biological child of that U.S. citizen parent;
• You must be lawfully admitted to the United States for lawful permanent residence; and
• You must be living in the United States in the legal and physical custody of your U.S. citizen parent.

You can file Form N-600 at any time if you became a U.S. citizen at birth or after birth, but before you turned 18 years of age. Filing this application is NOT a request to become a U.S. citizen. Filing this application is ONLY a request to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship which recognizes that you became a citizen on a particular date.

You must submit all evidence requested in these Instructions with your application. If you fail to submit required evidence, USCIS may reject or deny your application for failure to submit requested evidence or supporting documents in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these Instructions.

Unless specifically noted otherwise, you must submit each of the documents listed below for you and your U.S. citizen parent through whom you are claiming U.S. citizenship at the time of filing to avoid delays in processing your Form N-600. USCIS may require verification for any or all information provided with Form N-600. Additionally, if you are scheduled for an interview with USCIS, you must bring in documentation if information has been updated or has changed after filing.