Do Children Become Citizens When a Parent Naturalizes

In many cases, yes. Under INA Section 320 (the Child Citizenship Act of 2000), a child who meets specific conditions automatically acquires U.S. citizenship on the same day a parent naturalizes. The citizenship is legally effective at the moment the parent takes the Oath of Allegiance, even though the child is not at the ceremony. However, the child still needs official documentation to prove their citizenship.

The Four Required Conditions Under INA Section 320

All four conditions must be met simultaneously on the date the parent naturalizes:

1. The child is under age 18. The child must be under 18 years old on the date the parent naturalizes. If the parent naturalizes after the child turns 18, automatic acquisition does not apply.
2. The child is a lawful permanent resident (LPR). The child must already have a Green Card at the time of the parent's naturalization. Children who are abroad without LPR status do not automatically acquire citizenship.
3. The child is residing in the United States. The child must be living in the United States at the time of naturalization. A child who is temporarily abroad at the moment of the parent's oath ceremony generally does not automatically acquire citizenship, though special rules may apply in some circumstances.
4. The child is in the legal and physical custody of the naturalizing parent. This condition is relevant primarily for divorced or separated parents. Legal custody means a court has granted the naturalizing parent custody rights. Physical custody means the child primarily lives with that parent.

Adopted Children

Adopted children can also automatically acquire citizenship under INA Section 320, but additional conditions apply. The adoption must have been legally finalized in a court of law. The type of adoption (domestic, international via the Hague Convention, or international via the orphan process) affects which rules apply. If you have an adopted child, consult an immigration attorney to confirm whether your specific adoption qualifies.

What "Automatically" Means in Practice

Automatic acquisition means the citizenship is legally in effect the moment the parent takes the oath, without any separate application by the child. However, the child does not receive any document proving their citizenship on that day. To obtain official proof, you must apply for either a U.S. passport or a Certificate of Citizenship using Form N-600.

Form N-600: Certificate of Citizenship

Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) is the formal application to receive a Certificate of Citizenship for a child who automatically acquired citizenship. As of 2025, the filing fee is approximately $1,170. Processing times vary but typically range from eight to twenty-four months.

An alternative to Form N-600 is applying for a U.S. passport for the child using Form DS-11. If approved, the passport serves as proof of citizenship and costs less than Form N-600. The passport application requires the parent's Certificate of Naturalization, the child's birth certificate, the child's Green Card, and evidence of the parental relationship.

If the Child Turns 18 Before the Parent Naturalizes

If your child reaches age 18 before you naturalize, they cannot acquire citizenship automatically under INA Section 320. At that point, they must pursue naturalization as an adult on their own, which requires them to meet the full residency, presence, and other requirements independently.