What is a certificate of citizenship?

[CitizenJ 5]

Because I wasn't born in the U.S., I need to clarify on the I-130 form if I have obtained a certificate of citizenship in my own name. My mother is and has always been a USC so when I was born abroad I automatically received U.S. citizenship. I had never thought I ever obtained (or needed to obtain) a certificate of citizenship. I asked my mom about this and she said that she had no knowledge about certificates of citizenship - that I had indeed received U.S. citizenship automatically. It seems like this would mean that I should state on the form that I have not received a certificate of citizenship in my own name. However, wouldn't this imply that my mother has a certificate of citizenship (she does not)? Can anyone help clear this up for me?

Thanks.

Edited August 21, 2014 by CitizenJ

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

A certificate of citizenship is for naturalized citizens. You are not naturalized, you were a USC at birth based on USC "bloodline."

You might have a CRBA, A Consular report of birth abroad. If not, then just use your passport.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Your US passport - or your CRBA - is your proof of US citizenship.

[CitizenJ 5]

[NikLR 13,220]

Do you have a US passport?

Check parents and no.

[jayjayj 571]

Please clarify the situation. I'm assuming the answers to the questions below are "no", since you appear to be filing an I-130.

Age?

Are you currently located in the U.S?

Do you have a U.S. passport?

Do you have a U.S. Consulate Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) (similar to a birth certificate)?

Edited August 22, 2014 by jayjaym

[CowBoE 429]

Since you don't have certificate of citizenship, looks like you will check the "Parents" box,

and below it, you will check "No".

And if you read the "What Documents Do You Need to Show That You Are a U.S. Citizen?"

section in this instruction, you can use one of the following...

1. Copy of Form FS-240 (report of birth abroad of a US Citizen)

2. Copy of unexpired US passport

3. Original statement from a U.S. consular officer

Even if you don't have any of those, there is a section on

"What If a Document is Not Available", which gives you alternate options.

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-130instr.pdf