U.S. citizen parents may transmit U.S. citizenship to their children (under the age of 18) born abroad, depending on their situation.
Transmission of U.S. citizenship depends on:
- At least one parent being a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth
- The existence of a blood relationship between the child and the U.S. citizen parent(s)
- Documentary evidence demonstrating the U.S. citizen parent’s presence or parents’ residence in the United States prior to the child’s birth, as specified in the situations described below
Below are brief descriptions of the various circumstances under which a child born abroad may acquire U.S. citizenship through their parents. For further information please select the description below that best fits your family circumstances.
Child born in wedlock to two U.S. citizens
A child born outside the United States or its outlying possessions to two U.S. citizen parents, in wedlock, is entitled to citizenship, provided one parent has, prior to the birth of the child, been resident in the United States or one of its outlying possessions. No specific period of time is required.
NOTE: A child born to two U.S. citizens, out of wedlock should refer to one of the categories below (whichever applies favorably).
For children not covered in the above categories, please contact this office or see section on Acquisition of U.S. Citizenship.
Please read the information about proof of residence in the U.S.
Child born in wedlock to one U.S. citizen parent
A child born outside the United States to one U.S. citizen parent and one non-U.S. citizen parent may be entitled to citizenship providing the U.S. citizen parent has been physically present in the United States or one of its outlying possessions for five years, at least two years of which were after reaching the age of fourteen, prior to the birth of the child. These five years do not need to be consecutive.
Please read the information on proof of physical presence in the U.S.
Child born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen mother
A child born outside the United States, out of wedlock, before June 12, 2017, to a U.S. citizen mother may be entitled to U.S. citizenship providing the U.S. citizen mother has been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of at least one year (365 days uninterrupted) at some time prior to the birth of the child.
A child born outside the United States, out of wedlock, on or after June 12, 2017, to a U.S. citizen mother may be entitled to U.S. citizenship providing the U.S. citizen mother has been physically present in the United States for a minimum of five years total, two at least must have been after age 14. All must be prior to the birth of the child.
Note: Periods spent overseas with the U.S. government/military or as a government/military dependent, are NOT considered as physical presence in the U.S. for transmission under this category.
Please read the information on proof of physical presence in the U.S.
Child born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen father
A child born outside the United States out of wedlock to a U.S. Citizen father may be entitled to U.S. Citizenship providing the U.S. citizen father has been physically present in the United States or one of its outlying possessions for five years, at least two years after age 14.
In addition, the U.S. citizen father must acknowledge paternity and agree in writing to provide financial support for the child until s/he reaches the age of 18 years.
Please read the information on proof of physical presence in the U.S.
NOTE:
All residence or physical presence must have taken place prior to the birth of the child.
Children under 18, born to U.S. citizens who are not eligible for U.S. citizenship as described above may be eligible under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. Further information is available from the Department of State’s website.
To prepare for an application for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, click here.
If you are over 18 and believe you have a claim to U.S. citizenship, please review our citizenship information page.
