CRBA vs. N-600: Which One Should I File to Prove My Child’s US Citizenship? Is It Necessary to Obtain Proof of My Child’s US Citizenship?
CRBA vs. N-600: Which One Should I File to Prove My Child’s U.S. Citizenship?
I’ve recently received more inquiries about how children born outside the United States can acquire or derive U.S. citizenship from a U.S. citizen parent. Some parents are concerned due to current discussions about ending birthright citizenship, while others want to ensure their child has the proper documentation to prove their U.S. citizenship if ever questioned. Whatever the reason, having official proof of US citizenship is crucial—especially for minors who do not yet have documents confirming their status.
Understanding Acquired vs. Derived Citizenship
A child born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent (who was a citizen at the time of the child’s birth) can acquire U.S. citizenship automatically, provided certain conditions are met. The parent or legal guardian should apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) at a U.S. embassy or consulate. This serves as official proof of the child's U.S. citizenship.
Alternatively, a child who was born outside the U.S. and later became a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) may derive U.S. citizenship if at least one parent naturalizes before the child turns 18 and the child resides in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of that U.S. citizen parent. In such cases, applying for an N-600, Certificate of Citizenship, is recommended to secure formal documentation of the child's U.S. citizenship.
When to File for a CRBA
If a child was born abroad in wedlock (in marriage) and at least one parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of birth, the child acquires U.S. citizenship automatically. The best way to document this is by filing for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before the child turns 18. The US citizen parent or a legal guardian can apply for the application with supporting documents on behalf of the minor child. Once approved, the child will receive a certified CRBA, which serves as proof of U.S. citizenship, along with a U.S. passport and Social Security number (if applied for at the same time). A CRBA and an unexpired U.S. passport are sufficient proof of U.S. citizenship. However, if the U.S. citizen parent has lived primarily outside the U.S., it is essential to check the residency requirements, as additional factors may apply.
When to File for an N-600
An N-600, Certificate of Citizenship, is typically needed when a child derives citizenship through a naturalized U.S. citizen parent. To be eligible for an N-600, all of the following conditions must be met before the child turns 18:
One of the child’s parents is a U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization).
The child is that U.S. citizen parent's biological (or adopted) child. (Stepchildren do not qualify.)
The child was lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident (green card holder).
The child resides in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent.
Common N-600 Scenarios
If a child was born abroad and one parent was not a U.S. citizen at birth but later naturalized before the child turned 18, the child may derive U.S. citizenship and apply for an N-600. Similarly, if a child was born abroad but was adopted by a US citizen parent, and the adoption was finalized before the child turned 18, the child may derive U.S. citizenship through the adoptive parent and apply for an N-600 to obtain a certificate of US citizenship.
It’s important to note that if a child only resides outside the U.S., they are generally not eligible for N-600. Instead, they may qualify for an N-600K (under INA 322) with different requirements. Also, if the child was born out of wedlock and the U.S. citizen parent is the father, the child must be legally legitimated before turning 18, and more evidence would be required.
Why Filing an N-600 Matters
While a U.S. passport can serve as proof of citizenship, it is not a permanent document—it can be lost, stolen, or expired. Many individuals who derived citizenship as minors later struggle to obtain proof because they never applied for an N-600 and no longer have access to their parent’s naturalization records. In such cases, you may need to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request or apply for replacing lost or stolen naturalization records with USCIS, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Real-Life Consequences of Not Filing an N-600
Adults who never obtained a Certificate of Citizenship may face difficulty proving their U.S. citizenship when renewing a passport, applying for a government job, or undergoing background checks for security clearance.
Some clients have struggled to replace a lost passport due to missing parental naturalization records.
Others faced delays and legal issues when trying to prove citizenship later in life.
For these reasons, even if a child has a U.S. passport, it is best to apply for an N-600 as soon as possible. While the process can be costly, the Certificate of Citizenship does not expire and serves as permanent proof of U.S. citizenship.
Key Takeaways
If a child is born outside the U.S. and at least one parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of birth, the child may acquire citizenship and should apply for a CRBA before turning 18.
If a child was born outside the U.S. but later obtained a green card and had a parent naturalize before the child turned 18, the child may derive citizenship and can apply for an N-600 to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship.
A U.S. passport alone may not always be sufficient for proving citizenship later in life, so securing a Certificate of Citizenship is strongly recommended.
If the U.S. citizen parent does not meet the physical presence requirements, the child may need to explore N-600K or other options.
It is worth considering starting an N-600 process to avoid complications in proving your child’s citizenship later in life.
Each client's situation is unique, and a case-by-case analysis is essential to provide tailored legal advice. If you are unsure about which process applies to you or your child’s situation, consulting with an immigration attorney can help ensure your child’s U.S. citizenship is properly documented.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult an attorney. Immigration Law Office of Amy Chung, PLLC, is NOT responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided on our website without the firm’s legal representation. Legal representation is ONLY established upon the mutual signing of a Legal Services Agreement AND the prospective client’s payment of the required attorney fee.