Form N-600K: Citizenship for Children Living Abroad

Secure U.S. Citizenship for Your Child — Even If They Live Outside the United States

Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322, is a special pathway that allows certain U.S. citizen parents or grandparents to apply for U.S. citizenship on behalf of a child who lives outside the United States.

This unique option helps preserve family ties and ensure children born or residing abroad can receive their rightful U.S. citizenship — even if they didn’t automatically acquire it at birth.

✅ Who Should File Form N-600K?

You should consider filing Form N-600K if you have a child who:
✅ Was born outside the United States.
✅ Lives outside the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of their U.S. citizen parent (or qualifying U.S. citizen grandparent/legal guardian).
✅ Did not automatically acquire citizenship at birth under U.S. law but qualifies through a parent or grandparent.
✅ Meets all requirements under Section 322 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

✅ Key Eligibility Requirements

To qualify under INA Section 322:
✅ The child must be under 18 years old when the application is filed and adjudicated.
✅ At least one parent is a U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization).
✅ The U.S. citizen parent must have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years, 2 of which were after age 14. If the parent does not meet this requirement, a U.S. citizen grandparent’s physical presence can be used instead.
✅ The child must be temporarily present in the U.S. pursuant to a lawful admission and must maintain lawful status.
✅ The child must be in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent (or qualifying grandparent or legal guardian).

✅ How the N-600K Process Works

📌 Step 1 — Confirm Eligibility:
Determine if your child meets the age, relationship, residence, and custody requirements. If a parent does not meet the physical presence requirement, check if a qualifying U.S. citizen grandparent does.

📌 Step 2 — File Form N-600K:
Submit Form N-600K with the required filing fee and strong supporting documents — such as birth certificates, proof of parental citizenship, evidence of physical presence, custody orders, and passport/visa information for the child.

📌 Step 3 — Schedule USCIS Interview in the U.S.:
Your child must travel to the United States for an in-person interview at a designated USCIS field office. During this visit, the child must be lawfully admitted and maintain lawful status.

📌 Step 4 — Decision and Oath of Allegiance:
If USCIS approves the application, your child will take the Oath of Allegiance (unless waived due to age) and receive a Certificate of Citizenship — proving they are officially a U.S. citizen.

✅ Benefits of Using Form N-600K

✅ Secures U.S. citizenship for children born or living abroad.
✅ Preserves the parent-child relationship and connection to the United States.
✅ Provides the child with all rights and protections of U.S. citizenship, including a U.S. passport.
✅ Streamlined path compared to other citizenship or naturalization processes.

✅ How USCIS Expert Helps

Applying for citizenship for a child living abroad can be complex — especially when proving physical presence, lawful entry, and scheduling the required travel to the United States. At USCIS Expert, we guide you every step of the way:

✅ Confirm your child’s eligibility under INA Section 322.
✅ Prepare and file Form N-600K accurately and completely.
✅ Gather strong documentation to support your petition and avoid delays.
✅ Coordinate your child’s travel to the U.S. for the required interview.
✅ Support you through the USCIS interview, Oath of Allegiance, and final citizenship certificate process.

Bring Your Child’s American Future Home

Even if your child was born abroad or lives outside the U.S., they may still have the right to U.S. citizenship. USCIS Expert is here to help you claim that right and secure your child’s future.

Contact us today to learn how to file Form N-600K and ensure your child receives the protection, security, and opportunities of U.S. citizenship.