Were you born abroad but have a US-citizen parent? Did you become a citizen after birth but before you turned 18? In either case you likely have US birthright citizenship. Despite already being a US citizen by law, you will have to take extra steps to ensure that the United States government is aware of your citizenship status. In this case you’ll need to fill out the N-600 form to receive your Certificate of Citizenship.
If you do not file the N-600 form, you will be listed as a lawful permanent resident in the USCIS database, rather than as a US citizen. Failing to file the N-600 could result in deportation proceedings if you get in trouble with the law. Failing to get the certificate could also make it impossible to vote or exercise your other unique rights as a US citizen.
Once you complete the process, you will be a citizen, with all the rights and responsibilities that come along with citizenship.
If you need help completing your N-600 and obtaining US citizenship, contact me, Boston immigration attorney Giselle M. Rodriguez. I help clients with the full range of immigration challenges, including citizenship. I am bilingual (English & Spanish), and work with clients throughout Greater Boston and Massachusetts. Contact me today to discuss your case, or read on to find out more about the N-600.
Requirements for a Certificate of Citizenship
You must have:
- At least one parent who is a US citizen.
- You must be the biological child or adopted child of that parent.
- You must be lawfully admitted to the US for lawful permanent residency.
- You must be living in the United States.
- You must have been under the legal and physical custody of your US citizen parent.
If you’re not sure whether you meet any of those criteria, you should consult with me before filling out your application. I can help verify your eligibility before you spend time and money filling out and submitting your N-600. I can also help you understand the evidence you must include with your form, like proof of your parents’ citizenship.
What is the difference between Form N-600 and Form N-600K?
The N-600 is for citizenship applicants who live in the US, whereas the N-600K is for citizenship applicants who mainly live abroad.
The N-600K is the form used when the child applicant regularly resides abroad, and in the physical and legal custody of the US citizen parent. The US citizen parent must have resided in the United States for at least five years, two of which must have been after the US citizen parent’s fourteenth birthday. The child has just been lawfully admitted to the US and will be present within the country during the interview.
Do you need a USCIS interview after filing Form N-600?
Yes. USCIS will use the interview to verify all the information you’ve reported on your form and clarify any questions they have. You have the right to bring your attorney to this interview (I can help with the entire process).
Get Help on Your Form N-600 Today
My office routinely helps people get Certificates of Citizenship.
By working with me, you minimize the potential for mistakes that could delay or deny your application. And it is easy to make mistakes (even leaving a blank where you should add an “N/A” could affect your chances of getting approved). Contact my office in Boston today to schedule a consultation.