Is Your Child a US Citizen if Born Abroad?

Having a child while abroad raises many questions about the citizenship status of the child. Here are some crucial things US citizen parents should know about transmitting citizenship to children born outside the United States.

Citizenship Requirements for Children Born Abroad to US Citizens

Generally, a child born abroad may acquire US citizenship at birth if at least one parent is a US citizen who meets specific residency requirements. In general, the requirement depends on whether the US citizen parent is either the father or mother.

For births where both parents are married, if the US citizen parent has been in the US for more than 5 years, and at least 2 of those years have passed since the child was age 14, the child is automatically a US citizen as of birth. In births involving unmarried parents, the residency requirements are stricter on a US-citizen father than on a mother.

Steps to Document the Child’s US Citizenship

The parents will have to claim proof of the birth of their child within the nearest US consulate and apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. This is one of the proofs that the child is a US citizen.

The parents will have to request for the US passport of their child. This will allow the child to travel into the US, and again, provide a proof of citizenship.

There can be no compromise in translations that the USCIS will accept. Translations that are USCIS-certified can supply only such assurance of accuracy and adherence to their strictures, and it is essential that such linguists be entrusted with your documents. Through USCIS certified translation services, be sure that your document will easily meet the required criteria to make a successful application process.

Benefits of US Citizenship for Children Born Abroad

Ensuring the acquisition of US citizenship at birth for your child born abroad has its benefits. These include:

• Right to enter and live in the US for a lifetime without any immigration restraints
• Eligibility for a US passport and protection abroad as a US citizen
• Ability to transmit U.S. citizenship to their own children born abroad
• Eligibility for certain U.S. government jobs and security clearances that are restricted to U.S. citizens

Considerations If the Child Is Not a US Citizen

A child not born an American citizen may later become a US citizen by naturalization, but only after arriving in the US. Naturalization entails more than qualification and does not occur automatically.

Non-citizen children face limits on immigration into the US. They cannot obtain a US passport. In addition, they cannot transfer US citizenship to any children they may have while remaining a non-citizen.

US Passport Renewal for a Child

If a child carries a US passport then, it needs to get renewed every few years. For children below the age of 16, US passports are issued for five years during which time the passport has to be renewed.

Renew a child’s U.S. passport with Application Form DS-11, and present it at an acceptance facility with new passport photos and proof of citizenship. Ensure the renewal takes place in processing time plus any overseas travel. Apply six months before expiration for hassle-free traveling. Full guidance on US passport renewal for a child can be found by clicking the link.

Children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents often acquire citizenship at birth. Proper steps in documenting this citizenship will assure your child’s full access to all rights and privileges in the United States. For parents, the best source to understand all the implications from their unique situation is consulting U.S. consular officers abroad.