Born Outside the U.S.? You May Already Be a U.S. Citizen — Here’s How to Prove It

If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, you might already be a U.S. citizen without even knowing it. This is a reality for many in the Vietnamese American and Latino communities, especially children of parents who lived in the U.S. but later gave birth overseas.

The key to unlocking your rights as a U.S. citizen is proving your eligibility and submitting Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship. This official document from USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) confirms your status and opens the door to benefits like a U.S. passport, Social Security number, and full legal rights.

What Is Form N-600 and Who Should File It?

Form N-600 is for individuals who:

• Were born outside the United States,

• Have at least one biological or legal parent who is a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization, and

• Acquired or derived U.S. citizenship automatically, but do not yet have proof.

This situation is more common than many people think, especially in families where parents returned to their home countries temporarily or where immigration histories are complex.

Proving Your Parents’ Physical Presence in the U.S.

One of the most critical requirements when applying for a Certificate of Citizenship is showing that your U.S. citizen parent spent a required amount of time physically present in the United States before your birth.

This requirement helps USCIS confirm that your citizenship was acquired following U.S. law. The number of years needed depends on when you were born and the legal status of both parents, but in all cases, solid evidence is required.

What Documents Can Prove Physical Presence?

You must submit documents that clearly show your U.S. citizen parent lived or worked in the United States. Accepted examples include:

• School or university records

• U.S. employment records, tax returns, and W-2s

• Military service papers

• Leases, rental agreements, or utility bills

• Church or hospital records

• Travel history, including U.S. passport stamps

• Social Security earnings statements

If some official records are missing, you may also submit affidavits from people who personally knew your parent during the relevant period.

Why It’s Important to File Accurately and Completely

Mistakes or missing documents on your N-600 application can delay approval — or lead to denial. Filing correctly the first time increases your chances of success and avoids unnecessary stress, especially for families who have waited years for clarity on their legal status.

How Pacific Immigration Can Help

At Pacific Immigration, we specialize in helping families — including Vietnamese, Latin American, and immigrant communities — successfully claim U.S. citizenship for children born abroad.

Our services include:

• Reviewing your family’s eligibility

• Helping you gather all necessary documents

• Preparing and filing Form N-600 accurately

• Responding to USCIS requests, if needed

We understand how complicated family immigration histories can be — and how important it is to get it right. Whether you’re applying for your child or for yourself as an adult, we can help you claim what is already yours.

Start Your Citizenship Journey Today

If you think you or your child may be a U.S. citizen by birth through a parent, don’t wait. The sooner you start, the sooner you can enjoy the rights and protections that come with U.S. citizenship.

Contact Pacific Immigration today to schedule a consultation. We speak English, Vietnamese, and Spanish — and we’re here to support you every step of the way.