A certificate of citizenship helps many individuals provide proof of U.S. citizenship for themselves or their child. Individuals born abroad can file Form N-600 to claim citizenship through their parents. Those made U.S. citizens by operation of law after their birth but before turning eighteen can also file a Form N-600 as proof of U.S. citizenship.
Benefits of having proof of U.S. citizenship range from simplifying access to government services to protection from immigration actions. Having proof of citizenship on hand greatly decreases the chances of being incorrectly detained by immigration authorities. It also provides a permanent record of citizenship, offering its holder an extra degree of security and peace of mind.
Importantly, United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not issue certificates of citizenship for individuals born in the country. The certificate mainly serves as proof of citizenship to people born abroad to U.S. parents or individuals who became citizens between birth and turning eighteen.
If a person’s U.S. parent is deceased, this will not affect their ability to apply for certificate if they became citizens before their parent’s death. If they didn’t, then their ability to apply may be affected unless they meet section 322 of the Immigration Nationality Act (INA). Compliance with section 322 doesn’t grant automatic citizenship, but it does allow for naturalization before the age of 18 through their U.S. grandparents instead.
An individual’s claims may be affected if their mother was unmarried at the time of their birth. People born out of wedlock after December 23, 1952, are automatically granted citizenship at birth, provided their mother was physically present in the U.S. or one of its territories for at least a year beforehand. Additionally, those born out of wedlock and under the age of eighteen on February 27, 2001, can acquire U.S. citizenship so long as they’re in the custody of their U.S. mother and are admitted as a lawful permanent resident.
People born out of wedlock after November 14, 1986, claiming citizenship through their father must provide sufficient evidence of the following:
- Their U.S. father was physically present in the United States for five years, at least two of which were after fourteen years of age.
- A blood relationship with their father by clear and convincing evidence.
- Proof of father’s citizenship at the time of their birth.
- An agreement in writing that their U.S. father will provide financial support until they turn eighteen.
- Legitimated under the law of their residence before turning eighteen.
- That their U.S. father recognized their legitimacy in writing under oath or if it was established by a court of law.
Individuals born after or under eighteen on February 27, 2001, can only claim they acquired citizenship after birth if they were in the custody of their U.S. citizen father. The individual must also be admitted as a lawful permanent resident.
While not required for passport holders, a certificate of citizenship may be required when applying for other benefits. These include Social Security, state issued ID, financial aid, employment, and passport renewal. Not all applicants for a certificate of citizenship are required to appear for an in-person interview. The need for one is determined on a case-by-case basis.
As always, ImmigrationUSA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.