Child Citizenship Act of 2000

[J_d_Petitioner 17]

I am about to visit the country clerk to get my passport and hopefully, my son's as well. I didn't get N600 for my son cos I've heard he doesn't need one (i think) since he is a minor and he should be able to get a passport.

Has anybody here applied for a passport for their dependent child (who acquired citizenship through parent's naturalization)? How was it?

I'm wondering if you experienced any issues because they don't know about the Child Citinzenship Act of 2000 - Sections 320 and 322 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows child to be a citizen even without the proof of citizenship (N600) as long as he falls under their requirements.

[aaron2020 11,651]

It's been done plenty of time.

As long as the child meets all 4 requirements under the CCA, US citizenship is automatic and nothing needs to be filed.

However, it's always a good idea to get proof that the child is a US citizen. Some people will file the N-600 for a certificate of citizenship. Some will file only for the US passport. Others will do both.

Don't forget to bring your child's green card when applying for his passport. Also, bring a copy of the CCA in case the clerk is unfamiliar with the CCA. Very easy to get a US passport.

Edited April 29, 2014 by aaron2020

[J_d_Petitioner 17]

It's been done plenty of time.

As long as the child meets all 4 requirements under the CCA, US citizenship is automatic and nothing needs to be filed.

However, it's always a good idea to get proof that the child is a US citizen. Some people will file the N-600 for a certificate of citizenship. Some will file only for the US passport. Others will do both.

Don't forget to bring your child's green card when applying for his passport. Also, bring a copy of the CCA in case the clerk is unfamiliar with the CCA. Very easy to get a US passport.

Good to know aaron2020. Thank you for confirming this. Yes, ive heard success stories but some were having issues.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Why would she bring the GC - the minor child has become a citizen the moment their parent obtained citizenship (the child's GC became effectively null and void then).

It's been done plenty of time.

As long as the child meets all 4 requirements under the CCA, US citizenship is automatic and nothing needs to be filed.

However, it's always a good idea to get proof that the child is a US citizen. Some people will file the N-600 for a certificate of citizenship. Some will file only for the US passport. Others will do both.

Don't forget to bring your child's green card when applying for his passport. Also, bring a copy of the CCA in case the clerk is unfamiliar with the CCA. Very easy to get a US passport.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Why would she bring the GC - the minor child has become a citizen the moment their parent obtained citizenship (the child's GC became effectively null and void then).

One of the CCA requirements is that the child has been admitted as an LPR. Children here on visitor visas with US citizen parents do not automatically gain citizenship.

The GC is necessary to prove the child was an LPR and meets the requirements of the CCA.

If they don't show up with the GC, how would the passport office at USPS know if the child meets the LPR requirement?

[J_d_Petitioner 17]

Here is the statement supporting that from the Department of State website:

How Does the Child Get a Passport Under the Child Citizenship Act?

You will need the following when the child applies for a passport:

• Proof of the child's relationship to the U.S. citizen parent. For the biological child of the U.S. citizen this will usually be a certified copy of the foreign birth certificate (and translation if not in English). In circumstances where it is not clear that the birth certificate is adequate proof of a biological relationship between the child and the U.S. citizen parent, other types of evidence, including medical and/or DNA tests, may be required. For an adopted child, it is a certified copy of the final adoption decree (and translation if not in English);
• The I-551 stamp endorsed in the child's foreign passport showing that the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services admitted the child for lawful permanent residence , or the child's permanent resident card (green card);
• Proof of identity of the U.S. citizen parent(s)
• Passport application, passport photographs and fees. Go to Passport Services for forms and full instructions.

One of the CCA requirements is that the child has been admitted as an LPR. Children here on visitor visas with US citizen parents do not automatically gain citizenship.

The GC is necessary to prove the child was an LPR and meets the requirements of the CCA.

If they don't show up with the GC, how would the passport office at USPS know if the child meets the LPR requirement?

Why would she bring the GC - the minor child has become a citizen the moment their parent obtained citizenship (the child's GC became effectively null and void then).

Edited May 1, 2014 by J_d_Petitioner