Citizenship for Children: Derived Citizenship and Form N-600

Updated: October 30, 2026

A child who is a green card holder usually becomes a U.S. citizen automatically when a parent naturalizes. This happens if the child is under 18 and living in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent. No application or test is needed. Form N-600 doesn't make the child a citizen. It gets a Certificate of Citizenship that proves it, which is why many families file it, or simply apply for a U.S. passport instead.

The rule: INA 320 (Child Citizenship Act)

Since the Child Citizenship Act took effect on February 27, 2001, a child born outside the United States automatically becomes a citizen once all of these are true at the same time, before the child's 18th birthday:

At least one parent is a U.S. citizen, by birth or naturalization
The child is under 18
The child is a lawful permanent resident (has a green card)
The child lives in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent

The order doesn't matter. A child who gets a green card after the parent naturalizes becomes a citizen on the day all conditions are met, for example the day the child enters the United States as a permanent resident.

Typical scenarios

A parent naturalizes while the child has a green card and lives with them. The child becomes a citizen on the day of the parent's oath, provided the child is under 18.
A parent is already a citizen, and the child immigrates later. The child becomes a citizen when admitted as a permanent resident and living with the citizen parent.
The child turned 18 before the parent's oath. No automatic citizenship. The child, now an adult, can apply for naturalization with an N-400 after meeting the usual requirements. See how to become a U.S. citizen.
The parents are divorced. The citizen parent must have legal custody, for example under a custody order, and physical custody of the child. If the citizen parent doesn't live with the child, the child doesn't qualify under INA 320 until that changes.

Adopted children and stepchildren

Adopted children can derive citizenship if the adoption meets immigration law definitions. That generally means it was finalized before the child turned 16, or 18 for certain siblings, plus the other INA 320 conditions. Some children who enter the United States on IR-3 or IH-3 immigrant visas receive a Certificate of Citizenship automatically, without filing an N-600.

Stepchildren who haven't been legally adopted by the citizen parent generally don't derive citizenship from the stepparent. Check with an attorney about the specific rules.

Children born before 2001: older rules

The Child Citizenship Act isn't retroactive. If a person was already 18 or older on February 27, 2001, the older law in effect at the relevant time applies. Under that law, citizenship often required both parents to naturalize, or the custodial parent after a legal separation. These cases are complex, so get legal help or review the USCIS Policy Manual's chapters on acquisition and derivation.

Children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents

A different rule applies to children who are citizens at birth: those born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent who met certain U.S. residence or physical presence requirements before the birth. These children are usually documented with a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240) at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If they live outside the United States and didn't acquire citizenship at birth, a citizen parent may be able to apply for them under INA 322 using Form N-600K.

Form N-600: proving citizenship

Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, asks USCIS to confirm the child's citizenship and issue a certificate. Key facts as of October 2026:

Fee: $1,385 on paper, $1,335 online (from the USCIS fee schedule). A fee waiver may be available.
No fee for current or former members of the armed forces requesting a certificate for themselves, and for certain adopted children. Children of service members don't get the military fee exemption.
Who signs: for a child under 14, a parent or legal guardian signs.
Filing: online through a USCIS account in most cases. Paper is required for applicants outside the United States, fee waiver requests, and military members or veterans filing for themselves.
Evidence: the child's birth certificate, the parent's proof of citizenship (naturalization certificate or birth certificate), the parents' marriage certificate if applicable, the child's green card, and proof of legal and physical custody.
Interview: USCIS may schedule an interview. Children don't take the English or civics tests. Whether the child also keeps another nationality depends on that country's law (see dual citizenship).

If approved, the child takes an oath (if 14 or older) and receives the Certificate of Citizenship.

The cheaper alternative: a U.S. passport

A U.S. passport is also proof of citizenship. Many families apply for the child's passport with Form DS-11, using the parent's naturalization certificate, the child's birth certificate and green card, and custody evidence. A passport is usually much cheaper than an N-600, and it's needed for travel anyway. The certificate has one advantage: it doesn't expire. Check current passport fees at travel.state.gov. See our after-naturalization checklist for the parent's own passport and other steps.

Common pitfalls

Assuming a child turning 18 next month will still qualify. All conditions must be met before the 18th birthday. If your oath is close to that date, ask USCIS about expediting, or plan for the child's own N-400.
Children living abroad with a grandparent. The child must live in the United States with the citizen parent.
Lost green cards. The child's permanent resident status must be documented.
Paternity for children born outside marriage. Additional legitimation or relationship evidence may be needed. USCIS may suggest DNA testing to support a claimed genetic relationship.

Frequently asked questions

Does my child need to take the citizenship test?

No. Children who derive citizenship under INA 320 don't take the English or civics tests and don't file an N-400.

Is filing Form N-600 required?

No. Citizenship is automatic if the conditions are met. The N-600 just gives you a Certificate of Citizenship as proof. A U.S. passport also proves citizenship.

My child got a green card after I naturalized. Is my child a citizen?

If the child was under 18 when admitted as a permanent resident and lives with you in the United States in your legal and physical custody, the child became a citizen automatically at that point.

What if my child is already 18?

Automatic citizenship under INA 320 is no longer possible. Your child can apply for naturalization with Form N-400 once they meet the requirements, usually after 5 years as a green card holder.

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Informational article, not legal advice. Civio is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency; always check current requirements at uscis.gov.