Define: Certificate Of Citizenship

A Certificate of Citizenship is an official document issued by the U.S. government that serves as proof of a person’s U.S. citizenship. It is typically granted to individuals who acquire or derive citizenship through their parents or through the naturalization process.

To obtain a Certificate of Citizenship, you must file Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form must be accompanied by the required supporting documents and the appropriate filing fee.

You may be eligible to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship if you were born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, were adopted by U.S. citizen parents, or if you have acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through other means, such as through your parents’ naturalization.

No, if you were born in the United States, you are already considered a U.S. citizen by birthright. Therefore, you do not need to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship.

The processing time for a Certificate of Citizenship can vary depending on various factors, such as the volume of applications and the complexity of your case. Generally, it can take several months to receive a decision on your application.

Yes, if your Certificate of Citizenship is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement by filing Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, with the USCIS. There is a fee associated with this application.

No, a Certificate of Citizenship is not a travel document. To travel internationally, you will need to obtain a U.S. passport from the U.S. Department of State.

Yes, a Certificate of Citizenship can be used as one of the acceptable documents to prove your eligibility to work in the United States. However, it is important to note that you may also need to provide additional documents, such as a Social Security card, when completing the employment eligibility verification process.

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen parent, you can apply for a Certificate of Citizenship on behalf of your child by filing Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322, with the USCIS. This form is specifically designed for children who regularly reside outside the United States.

Yes, if your application for a Certificate of Citizenship is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You must file Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings, within 30 days of receiving the denial notice. The appeal will be reviewed by an immigration officer, and if necessary, a hearing may be scheduled to further evaluate your case.