U.S. Citizenship and Traveling with a Certificate of Citizenship

1. What is a Certificate of Citizenship?


A Certificate of Citizenship is an official document issued by the United States government that serves as proof that an individual is a U.S. citizen. This document is often issued to those individuals who were born outside of the United States and have not yet acquired citizenship through the traditional methods of being born in the United States or having a U.S. parent. The Certificate of Citizenship is also known as Form N-560 or Form N-561.

2. How do I apply for a Certificate of Citizenship?


You can apply for a Certificate of Citizenship by submitting a Form N-600 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Along with the Form N-600, you must submit evidence that you meet the eligibility requirements, such as proof of your parent’s citizenship or lawful permanent residence. You must also provide identity documents and proof of your foreign birth. If you are applying on the basis of your parents’ citizenship, you may also need to submit a copy of their marriage certificate. After your application is approved, USCIS will send you a Certificate of Citizenship.

3. What rights do I gain by becoming a U.S. citizen?


As a U.S. citizen, you gain many rights and responsibilities, including the right to vote, the right to apply for a U.S. passport, the right to obtain certain federal benefits, the right to obtain citizenship for your children born abroad, and the responsibility to obey U.S. laws. You may also be eligible for certain state and local benefits.

4. What documents are required to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship?


In order to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship, you will need to provide proof of your U.S. citizenship, either through a U.S. birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Additionally, you may need to provide additional documentation such as a marriage certificate, adoption decree, or any other documents that prove your relationship to the U.S. citizen parent who conveyed their citizenship to you.

5. When will my Certificate of Citizenship be issued?


The processing time for a Certificate of Citizenship application can vary based on individual circumstances. Generally, it takes six months to a year for the application to be processed and a Certificate of Citizenship issued.

6. What are the eligibility requirements for U.S. citizenship?


To apply for U.S. citizenship, applicants must meet a few basic eligibility requirements, including:
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a permanent resident of the United States with a valid green card
• Have resided in the United States for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
• Pass the English and civics tests
• Have good moral character
• Take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

7. How can I become a naturalized U.S. citizen?


The process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen includes the following steps:

1. Determine if you meet the eligibility requirements.

2. Complete and submit a Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

3. Attend your biometrics appointment to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.

4. Attend an interview with a USCIS Officer.

5. Pass the English and Civics tests.

6. Take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.

8. Are there any special circumstances that may affect my application for a Certificate of Citizenship?


Yes, special circumstances may affect your application for Certificate of Citizenship. This could include, but is not limited to, past military service, adoption, or being born outside of the United States. You should discuss any special circumstances with USCIS when you apply.

9. What is the difference between a green card and a Certificate of Citizenship?


A green card is an identification card issued by the U.S. government to foreign nationals who are living in the country legally, allowing them to work or travel freely within the United States. A Certificate of Citizenship is a document that serves as proof of U.S. citizenship for those who were born outside of the country or acquired citizenship through naturalization.

10. How do I prove my U.S. citizenship if I don’t have a Certificate of Citizenship?


If you do not have a Certificate of Citizenship, you can prove your U.S. citizenship by providing documents such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Depending on the situation, additional documents such as school records, medical records, or baptismal certificates may be accepted as proof.

11. How do I apply for a U.S. passport?


You can apply for a U.S. passport by completing Form DS-11, which is the Application for a U.S. Passport, at a passport acceptance facility. You must also submit proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or government-issued identification card. Additionally, you will need to have two passport photos taken and provide payment for the application fee.

12. How can I travel with a Certificate of Citizenship?


You can travel with a Certificate of Citizenship by presenting it to a U.S. Department of State official at a U.S. port of entry along with a valid form of government-issued identification, such as a passport or driver’s license. You may also need to present additional documents, such as a valid visa or immigration documents, depending on your destination and purpose of travel.

13. What are the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen?


The benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen include:
-The right to vote in local, state, and federal elections.
-The right to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation or removal.
-Protection from certain civil rights violations.
-Access to federal programs, including social security, medicare, medicaid, and other government benefits.
-The option to sponsor family members for immigration to the United States.
-The ability to apply for U.S. passports and international travel documents.
-The right to serve in the U.S. armed forces and other government positions.
-Access to government contracts, grants, and loans.
-Eligibility for U.S citizenship for any children born throughout your naturalization process.

14. Are there any special requirements to travel with a Certificate of Citizenship?


Yes, travelers holding a Certificate of Citizenship must present a valid passport to enter and exit the United States. In addition, they should also be prepared to present their Certificate of Citizenship if requested by officials in foreign countries.

15. What documents do I need to enter or depart the United States with a Certificate of Citizenship?


When entering or departing the United States with a Certificate of Citizenship, you will need to present a valid passport, and immigration forms such as a Form I-94, I-551, and I-90. You may also need to present your Certificate of Citizenship or other evidence of identity and citizenship status such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.

16. Can I become a U.S. citizen through marriage to a U.S citizen?


Yes, you can become a U.S. citizen through the marriage to a U.S. citizen. The process by which this can be done is referred to as “marriage-based immigration,” and it includes filing a green card application for permanent residence and then ultimately filing an application for naturalization to obtain U.S. citizenship.

17. How long does it take to process my application for U.S citizenship?


The timeline for processing an application for U.S. citizenship can vary greatly depending on the individual case and the backlog of applications. The average processing time is estimated to be 6-12 months.

18. Does my original birth certificate need to be translated if I am applying for a Certificate of Citizenship from another country?


Yes, your original birth certificate will need to be translated into the language of the other country in order to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship.

19. What are the consequences if my application for U.S citizenship is denied?


If your application for U.S. citizenship is denied, the consequences vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Generally, if your application is denied, you may be ineligible to receive certain benefits, including the right to vote or to travel outside the United States without a visa. In addition, some employers may require proof of U.S. citizenship for certain positions. Additionally, you may be subject to deportation proceedings if you are in the U.S. without legal status.

20. Am I allowed to hold dual citizenship from another country while having a Certificate of Citizenship in the United States?


Yes, in many cases it is possible to hold dual citizenship in the United States and another country. However, the laws and regulations regarding dual citizenship vary from country to country, so you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate for more information.