We’ve been experiencing an increase in requests related to adoptee citizenship, which has prompted us to reshare this information about the importance of, and process for, obtaining proof of citizenship.
A Certificate of Citizenship (COC) is a document that proves U.S. citizenship. It is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship (COC) is important for international adoptees in the U.S.
- The COC provides legal proof of the child’s status as a U.S. citizen, which is necessary for many administrative and legal processes.
- A U.S. Passport will expire, but a COC will not expire.
- Without a COC, adoptees may have difficulty obtaining essential documents such as driver’s licenses, passports, and social security cards.
- Having a COC can prevent future legal issues. Adoptees without proof of citizenship may be required to go through a lengthy naturalization process. In some extreme cases, they could face arrest, detainment, or even deportation to their birth country.
- According to the G-1055, Fee Schedule, there is no fee for filing an N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Child Citizenship Act (CCA) of 2000.
According to the U.S. Department of State: The CCA took effect on February 27, 2001. Children who were 18 or older on this date cannot obtain U.S. citizenship under this law. These children may have obtained U.S. citizenship under the former Section 321 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. They also may apply for naturalization with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Children who were under 18 or after February 27, 2001 can obtain U.S. citizenship under the CCA if they meet the law’s requirements. To obtain U.S. citizenship, a child born outside the United States must meet all of these requirements before age 18:
- Have at least one U.S. citizen parent by birth, naturalization, or adoption
- Be a lawful permanent resident of the United States
- Show a permanent resident card or an 1-1551 stamp in the child’s passport.
- Reside (or have resided) in the United States in the legal and physical custody of a U.S. citizen parent
