Citizenship through parents.

Acquisition at birth

A child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent (or parents) may acquire citizenship automatically at birth, depending on the law in effect on the date of birth and the parent's physical presence in the U.S. before the birth. The rules have changed over the decades, so the child's year of birth matters a great deal.

Derivation after birth

Under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, a child who is a lawful permanent resident generally derives citizenship automatically when a parent naturalizes, if it happens before the child turns 18 and the child is in the parent's legal and physical custody. No separate application is required for citizenship to vest — but you'll want documentation to prove it.

Proving and documenting it

• Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600) — official proof a person acquired or derived citizenship.
• U.S. passport — the State Department can issue one on proof of citizenship.
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) — for children born abroad to U.S. citizens, obtained through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

How we help

These cases turn on dates, documents, and the precise statute in effect at the relevant time — exactly the kind of analysis that's easy to get wrong alone. We confirm whether citizenship was acquired or derived and prepare the filing to document it. See USCIS: citizenship through parents.