Securing U.S. citizenship for your child is one of the most important gifts a parent can provide. Whether your child was born abroad or is currently a permanent resident in the U.S., U.S. law provides a pathway for them to become a citizen through you automatically.

At Revital Shavit Immigration Law, we specialize in the intricate "Acquisition" and "Derivation" laws that determine a child's status. We guide families through the process of obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship (N-600) or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) to ensure their child's rights are protected for life.

Two Paths to Citizenship for Children

1. Acquisition: Citizenship at Birth

A child born outside the United States may "acquire" citizenship at birth if at least one parent was a U.S. citizen at the time.

• Physical Presence Requirements: In most cases, the U.S. citizen parent must prove they lived in the U.S. for at least five years before the child's birth, with at least two of those years occurring after the age of 14.

• Proof of Status: We assist parents in reporting the birth to the nearest U.S. Embassy to obtain a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).

2. Derivation: Automatic Citizenship After Birth

Under the Child Citizenship Act (CCA), children born abroad can "derive" citizenship automatically after birth if certain conditions are met before they turn 18:

• Legal Custody: The child must be in the legal and physical custody of at least one U.S. citizen parent.

• Permanent Residency: The child must be living in the U.S. as a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).

• Age Limit: All requirements—including the parents' naturalization if they were not citizens at the child's birth—must be met before the child's 18th birthday.

Our Citizenship Services for Families

Navigating these laws requires a deep understanding of the statutes in effect at the time of the child's birth. We provide comprehensive support, including:

• Eligibility Analysis: We review parental residency history and custody documents to confirm if your child has already become a citizen by law.

• N-600 Application Preparation: We meticulously prepare the Application for Certificate of Citizenship to provide permanent, federal proof of your child's status.

• Evidence Curation: We help gather difficult-to-obtain records, such as old school transcripts, census records, or military service documents, to prove a parent’s physical presence.

• Stepchild & Adoption Cases: We provide specialized guidance for adopted and stepchildren, ensuring they meet the legal requirements for citizenship.

Why Choose Revital Shavit Immigration Law?

• Expertise in Complex Cases: Attorney Revital Shavit has practiced law internationally since 2012 and excels at resolving high-stakes immigration matters.

• Personalized Advocacy: We understand that every family's history is unique. We craft strategies that reflect your specific journey and goals.

• Seamless Professional Support: We keep you informed and confident, managing the heavy legal lifting so you can focus on your family's future.