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Purpose |
The citizen parent(s) of an adopted child must file a Form N-643, Application of
Certificate of Citizenship in Behalf of an Adopted Child. The child is not a citizen of the United States until the Form N-643 is approved, the oath of allegiance is administered and the
certificate of citizenship is issued all of which must occur prior to the child's 18th birthday. Parents should apply for citizenship of their adopted child immediately so the child may enjoy full participation in the life as a citizen, such as travel on a U.S. passport, eligibility for benefits and scholarships, and freedom from the immigration laws of the U.S.
For a U.S. citizen parent to file for his or her foreign-born adopted child's citizenship, the following conditions must exist:
- At least one parent is a citizen of the United States, whether by birth or naturalization;
- The child is physically present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission;
- The child is under the age of 18 and in the legal custody of the citizen parent;
- The citizen parent adopted the child before the child reached the age of 16 and the child is the beneficiary of an approved
I-600.
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Size |
2 Pages + Instructions | |
Edition Date |
12/06/01 | |
Where to File |
Applications must be filed at the local Service office having jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence. | |
Filing Fee |
$145 |
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