U.S. Citizenship and Individuals Born Abroad to U.S. Citizens

1. What is the process for obtaining U.S. citizenship for individuals born abroad to U.S. citizens?


Individuals born abroad to U.S. citizens may obtain U.S. citizenship through birthright citizenship or through the process of naturalization. For those born abroad, the process to obtain U.S. citizenship involves:

1. Application for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240): This form must be completed and submitted to the Department of State with proof of the parents’ U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or valid passport.

2. Application for a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600): This form must be completed and submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with proof of the child’s foreign birth, such as a birth certificate, proper documentation of the parents’ marital status, and the parents’ valid identification.

3. Oath of Allegiance: The child must then take an oath of allegiance at a naturalization ceremony to become a U.S. citizen.

4. Obtaining a U.S. Passport: After taking the oath of allegiance, the child can apply for a U.S. passport from the Department of State.

2. How does U.S. citizenship for individuals born abroad to U.S. citizens differ from birthright citizenship?


U.S. citizenship for individuals born abroad to U.S. citizens does not grant them the same rights as birthright citizenship. Birthright citizenship grants individuals born on U.S. soil the right to automatically become U.S. citizens, while individuals born abroad to U.S. citizens must go through the process of registering for a Certificate of Citizenship or going through a naturalization process in order to gain U.S. citizenship.

3. Are there different requirements for those born in the U.S., and those born abroad to U.S. citizens?


Yes, there are different requirements for those born in the U.S. and those born abroad to U.S. citizens. Those born in the U.S. are considered U.S. citizens by birth and are automatically granted citizenship, while those born abroad to U.S. citizens must go through a more complex process to gain citizenship.

4. What documents are required to establish U.S. citizenship for individuals born abroad to U.S. citizens?


Individuals born abroad to U.S. citizens typically need to provide the following documents to establish U.S. citizenship: a birth certificate, passport, and a certified Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). For individuals born prior to November 14, 1986, a Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization may also be required.

5. How does a child obtain a passport if they were born abroad to U.S. citizens?


If a child was born abroad to U.S. citizens, they can obtain a passport by having their parents submit a passport application and supporting documents to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The parents should include a birth certificate, proof of citizenship (such as a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship) and two identical passport photos. The parents will also need to present valid photo identification and proof of parental relationship.

6. What is the difference between a Certificate of Citizenship and a Certificate of Naturalization?


A Certificate of Citizenship is given to someone who had or acquired U.S. citizenship at birth, usually through being born in the United States, having a parent who is a U.S. citizen, or having been adopted by a U.S. citizen.

A Certificate of Naturalization is granted to someone who has gone through the process of becoming a naturalized citizen, usually by meeting a set of requirements such as residency and language tests.

7. How does an individual prove their U.S. citizenship if they were born abroad to U.S. citizens?


Individuals born abroad to U.S. citizens can prove their U.S. citizenship by obtaining a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certification of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350). In some cases, individuals may also be able to obtain a U.S. passport, which serves as proof of U.S. citizenship.

8. What is the age at which an individual must apply for naturalization if they were born abroad to U.S. citizens?


The age requirement for naturalization is 18 years old.

9. Is it possible for an individual born abroad to a U.S. citizen to have dual citizenship with another country?


Yes, it is possible for an individual born abroad to a U.S. citizen to have dual citizenship with another country.

10. Do individuals born abroad to U.S. citizens have any special rights or privileges in the United States?


Yes, individuals born abroad to U.S. citizens have certain rights and privileges in the United States. These include the right to obtain proof of U.S. citizenship, the right to a U.S. passport, the right to petition for certain family members to come to the United States, and the right to vote in federal elections if certain requirements are met.

11. What are the requirements for consular processing of an immigrant visa for an individual born abroad to U.S. citizens?


In order to complete consular processing of an immigrant visa for an individual born abroad to U.S. citizens, the applicant must provide several documents, including a valid passport, an immigrant visa application form, two passport-style photos, a birth certificate, evidence of citizenship for the U.S. citizen parent(s), and proof of any name changes. Additionally, the applicant may need to provide evidence of their relationship to the U.S. citizen parent(s). Depending on the individual’s circumstances, additional documents or forms may be necessary.

12. Are there any benefits of obtaining U.S naturalization for an individual born abroad to U.S citizens?


Yes, there are many benefits to obtaining U.S naturalization for an individual born abroad to U.S citizens. These include the right to vote in national elections, access to federal jobs, eligibility for Social Security benefits, the ability to apply for U.S passports, and the right to travel freely between the U.S and their home country. Additionally, naturalized citizens can sponsor family members to immigrate to the U.S and become citizens themselves.

13. Does an individual who was born abroad to a U.S citizen need to register with the Selective Service System upon turning 18 years old?


Yes, an individual who was born abroad to a U.S citizen must register with the Selective Service System upon turning 18 years old.

14 What are the effects of automatic acquisition of citizenship on persons born abroad to U.S citizens?


Automatic acquisition of citizenship can have a variety of effects, both positive and negative, on persons born abroad to U.S citizens.

The primary benefit is that those persons become U.S citizens automatically, which gives them access to many of the rights and privileges associated with U.S citizenship. This includes the right to live and work in the United States, the ability to vote, and eligibility for government benefits such as Social Security and Medicare. It can also make it easier for them to apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship in the United States.

On the other hand, some persons born abroad to U.S citizens may not be prepared to deal with the responsibilities that come with U.S citizenship. For example, they may not be familiar with the country’s laws and customs, or they may not understand their obligations to pay taxes or serve in the military if required. Furthermore, they may not have an understanding of their new rights and privileges as citizens, such as the right to petition for family members or access government services.

15 How does the process of obtaining dual citizenship differ for those born in the US and those born outside the US?


For those born in the United States, dual citizenship is not automatically granted and must be actively sought out. Those born outside the US may be eligible for dual citizenship depending on the country’s laws or their parents’ citizenship status. Generally, those born outside the US may be eligible for dual citizenship if one or both of their parents are citizens of the country in which they were born, or if they were born in a country that allows for dual citizenship by birth.

16 Are there additional costs associated with obtaining dual citizenship if one is born outside the US?


Yes, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining dual citizenship if one is born outside the US. Different countries have different rules and regulations regarding dual citizenship, and some may require additional fees or paperwork to be filed in order to officially obtain dual citizenship. Some countries may even require that the individual renounce their previous citizenship in order to be eligible for dual citizenship. It is important to research the specific country’s laws and regulations in order to determine what additional costs may be associated with obtaining dual citizenship.

17 Are there any exceptions or special provisions in immigration laws regarding naturalization for individuals born abroad to US citizens?


Yes, certain exceptions and special provisions in immigration laws may apply to individuals born abroad to U.S. citizens regarding naturalization. Generally, a person born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent may obtain U.S. citizenship through the process of naturalization if they meet certain requirements established by law. An individual may be eligible for naturalization if they have been lawfully admitted as a permanent resident, have continuously resided in the United States for five years, and have been physically present in the United States for at least half of that five-year period. Additionally, U.S. citizens who serve honorably in the U.S. armed forces may qualify for expedited naturalization, even if they have not yet been lawfully admitted as permanent residents. Other exceptions may apply to children born abroad to U.S. citizens, such as those born out of wedlock or through adoption.

18 How long must an individual reside in the US before they can apply for naturalization if they were born abroad to US citizens?


Individuals born abroad to US citizens must reside in the US for at least five years as a permanent resident before they can apply for naturalization.

19 Are there restrictions or limitations on voting rights if one was born abroad to US citizens and naturalizes as an adult?


Yes. The laws governing voting rights for naturalized citizens vary from state to state. In some states, naturalized citizens may be eligible to vote in federal elections, but may not be eligible to vote in state or local elections. Some states may also require naturalized citizens to fulfill certain additional requirements before they can vote, such as proving their residency in the state or passing a civics test. Additionally, some states may disqualify naturalized citizens who have been convicted of certain felonies from voting.

20 Are there any additional screenings required when applying for naturalization if one was born abroad to US citizens?


Yes, certain applicants for naturalization may need to undergo additional security screenings. This includes applicants who were born outside of the United States to U.S. citizens, those who have traveled outside the United States for extended periods of time, and those who have certain foreign relatives.