How to Apply for US Citizenship From Out of the Country
Many people don't realize that they were born a citizen of another country. According to United States citizenship law, there are many possible ways to be born outside of the United States and be granted US citizenship at birth. This is the only case in which you could apply for US citizenship outside of the United States. Persons born in the US may use their birth certificate as proof of citizenship, and those naturalizing must do so inside the borders of the United States. Register your birth abroad with a consulate or embassy to apply for US citizenship.
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Things You'll Need
- Birth certificate
- Compelling proof of genetic link to parents
- US citizenship proof of one or more parents
- Proof of residency in the US of one or more parents
Instructions
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Research to verify that you are a US Citizen by birth abroad. Obtain your birth certificate that clearly shows who your parents are. It may be necessary to obtain compelling evidence of your genetic link to your parents.
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Collect the necessary documents if your parents were married at the time of your birth, both US citizens at the time of your birth, and one of them had a legal residence inside the United States before the time of your birth. Collect any documentation of their citizenship standing at the time of their birth including a US birth certificate or passport. Collect compelling evidence of one of your parent's residency inside the US prior to your birth.
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Collect the necessary documents if your parents were married at the time of your birth, only one of your parents was a citizen at the time of your birth and they had spent five years of residency in the US prior to your birth, with two of those years coming after their fourteenth birthday. Gather up legal documentation of their citizenship status at the time of your birth, proof they were married when you were born, and compelling evidence that your US parent spent five years in the US prior to your birth.
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Contact your US citizen father if your were born with your parents out of wedlock at the time of your birth and your mother was not a US citizen at the time of your birth. Obtain compelling evidence of your genetic link with him, a written statement he will be financially responsible for you until you turn 18 and evidence he spent five years of his life inside the US prior to your birth, with two of those years coming after his fourteenth birthday. You must also gather evidence of his citizenship status at the time of your birth.
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Obtain evidence from your mother if she was a US citizen out of wedlock at the time of your birth. Gather evidence she was a US citizen when you were born and that she had one year of continuous residence in the United States prior to your birth.
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Find your nearest US consulate or embassy. Visit the US State Department's website to look up your country and region. It may be necessary to call or email for an appointment.
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Go to the consulate or embassy and present your evidence. The consulate will register your birth abroad, which will give your birth certificate the ability to be shown as proof of US citizenship. You will then be able to apply for a passport and citizenship certificate.
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Tips & Warnings
It may be necessary to visit the consulate or embassy to discuss your eligibility and exactly what documents you need before gathering your evidence and returning.
References
Resources
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