At Truong Law Firm, PLLC, we are committed to helping families navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration and citizenship processes. For parents who have obtained a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for their children born outside the United States, understanding how to maintain and prove their child’s U.S. citizenship is critical. One essential step for many families is applying for a Certificate of Citizenship through Form N-600. This article explains why this step is important, especially for children who may face challenges renewing or replacing their U.S. passports, and how our services can assist you.

Do Children Born Abroad to U.S. Citizen Parents Automatically Become U.S. Citizens?

Yes, under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 and sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), children born abroad to at least one U.S. citizen parent may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship at birth, provided specific requirements are met. These include:

• At least one parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth.
• The U.S. citizen parent meets the physical presence or residence requirements in the U.S. prior to the child’s birth (as outlined in INA Sections 301 or 309).
• The child is under 18 years of age and, in some cases, resides in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent.

For children who meet these criteria, a CRBA (Form FS-240) is typically issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate to document their citizenship. This document, along with a U.S. passport, serves as proof of U.S. citizenship. However, issues can arise when renewing or replacing a passport, especially if the child’s citizenship status is not fully documented in U.S. systems.

Why Might Your Child Face Passport Renewal Issues?

A common misconception is that a CRBA and a U.S. passport are always sufficient to maintain proof of citizenship. While a valid U.S. passport generally serves as evidence of citizenship, there are situations where children born abroad may encounter difficulties when renewing or applying for a new passport. These include:

• Incomplete Records in U.S. Systems: The U.S. Department of State or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may not have complete records linking your child’s CRBA to their citizenship status, especially if the original CRBA application was processed many years ago or if records were not properly updated.
• Lost or Missing CRBA: If the CRBA certificate is lost, stolen, or never issued, it may be challenging to provide proof of citizenship without additional documentation.
• System Errors or Verification Issues: During passport renewal, the Department of State may require additional evidence of citizenship if their systems cannot verify the child’s status, particularly for those born abroad.
• Specific Agency Requirements: Some government agencies or employers may require a Certificate of Citizenship in addition to a passport for certain benefits, such as applying for a Social Security Number, immigration benefits for family members, or federal employment.

To avoid these challenges, USCIS recommends applying for a Certificate of Citizenship using Form N-600. This document provides official proof of your child’s U.S. citizenship and ensures their status is fully recognized in U.S. systems.

What is Form N-600, and Why Is It Important?

Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is a USCIS form used to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship, which serves as definitive proof of U.S. citizenship for individuals who acquired or derived citizenship through their parents. Unlike a CRBA, which is issued by the Department of State and is not a travel document, the Certificate of Citizenship is a critical document for:

• Proving citizenship for passport applications or renewals.
• Accessing certain government benefits, such as Social Security or immigration sponsorship for family members.
• Providing evidence of citizenship for employment or educational purposes.
• Ensuring your child’s citizenship is fully documented in USCIS records, reducing the risk of future delays or complications.

For CRBA clients, filing Form N-600 is especially important if:

• Your child’s CRBA was issued many years ago, and records may not be easily accessible.
• You are concerned about potential issues with passport renewals or replacements.
• You want to ensure your child has multiple forms of citizenship documentation for future needs.

How to Apply for Form N-600: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a Certificate of Citizenship is straightforward with the right guidance. Here’s what you need to know:

1. 1. Eligibility Check: Confirm that your child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth through a U.S. citizen parent or derived citizenship before age 18 (e.g., through a parent’s naturalization or under the Child Citizenship Act). If your child resides abroad, you may need to file Form N-600K instead, which is for children who regularly reside outside the U.S.
   2. Gather Required Documents: You’ll need to submit evidence such as:
      • Your child’s foreign birth certificate (with a certified translation if not in English).
      • Proof of the U.S. citizen parent’s citizenship (e.g., U.S. passport, birth certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization).
      • Evidence of the parent’s physical presence in the U.S. before the child’s birth (e.g., school records, tax returns, or passport stamps).
      • Proof of legal custody or adoption (if applicable).
      • Marriage or divorce records of the parents, if relevant.
   3. Complete Form N-600: Fill out the form accurately, providing details about your child’s birth, the U.S. citizen parent’s status, and residency information. Parents can complete the form on behalf of children under 18.
   4. Submit the Application: File the form with USCIS, along with the required documents and the filing fee of $1,385 (as of 2025, fee waivers may apply for military members or veterans). If residing in the U.S., USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment to take photographs (no longer requiring applicants to submit photos unless residing abroad).
   5. Attend an Interview (if Required): USCIS may request an in-person interview to review your application and documents. Not all applicants are required to attend an interview.
   6. Receive the Certificate: Processing times for Form N-600 can range from 3.9 to 22 months, depending on the USCIS Service Center. Once approved, your child will receive a Certificate of Citizenship.

Recent Updates to the Form N-600 Process (2025)

USCIS has introduced changes to streamline the Form N-600 process, including:

• Biometrics for U.S. Residents: Applicants residing in the U.S. no longer need to submit photographs with their application. Instead, USCIS will take photos at a local Application Support Center (ASC) during a biometrics appointment.
• Updated Fee Structure: The filing fee for Form N-600 is $1,385, payable by money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit/debit card using Form G-1450. Fees are non-refundable, even if the application is withdrawn or denied.
• Residency Clarifications: Children residing abroad should pursue a U.S. passport application through the Department of State rather than Form N-600 unless they are temporarily in the U.S. under lawful admission. For those abroad, Form N-600K may be more appropriate.