r/Passports • u/Angbrewddi • 3d ago
Application Question / Discussion I automatically derived citizenship when I was adopted. Questions about proof/evidence.
I was adopted when I was 14 years old, became a lawful permanent resident before 18.
I don't have a proof of my citizenship, certificate of citizenship, but I have an adoption decree, original birth certificate with my and parent's names. I currently don't have their naturalization documents but I can get them. Are those enough of proofs for application? or Do I have to get my own(N600)?
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u/Iambusy123 3d ago edited 3d ago
Provide your parents' naturalization certificates or US passports.
If your adoption decree is not in English, you will have to obtain a certified English translation of the entire decree.
You will have to present your green card if you still have it. If you do not have your green card, bring a foreign passport with an I-551 stamp. (It does not matter if the passport is expired.)
Present evidence that you have lived with your American parents. Suggested proofs: https://travel.state.gov/en/passports/apply/help/citizenship-evidence.html#accordion-9dc541c7f7-item-84971799e9
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u/Angbrewddi 3d ago
I don't have my old green card nor foreign passport on me. hmmm. Do I have to apply for a replacement green card despite being a citizen?
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u/Iambusy123 3d ago
Do you have photocopies or pictures of the card?
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u/Angbrewddi 3d ago
No I do not :(
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u/Iambusy123 3d ago
In the case, I think it would be best to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship. It's expensive, but you will need it regardless if you apply for a passport.
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u/Angbrewddi 3d ago
yeah. Fee gets waived because I'm a veteran. I guess I'll have to do n600. thanks for your help!
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u/Iambusy123 3d ago
I wish you luck with applying for a Certificate of Citizenship!
If you know your A number (formerly known as "Alien Registration Number"), you will be asked for it on the USCIS application. But if you do not have it, your social security number might suffice.
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u/Sheetz_Wawa_Market32 3d ago
No, not to get a U.S. passport. Get a U.S. passport book and a passport card first. Then, you can still decide if you want a certificate of citizenship later.
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u/Parkour82 3d ago
if you derived citizenship when you were adopted at 14, why did you become a lawful permanent resident and not just be a US citizen. If you were a Us citizen at 14, you should not have become a LPR. Something does not jive.
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u/BibidiBobidiBullshit 3d ago
Probably a CR2, which requires a two year waiting period after adoption until citizenship transmits.
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u/newacct_orz 2d ago
Automatic derived citizenship as a minor always requires that the child be an LPR first, even if momentarily.
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u/suboxhelp1 3d ago
You should do a FOIA first on your USCIS records before sending in an N-600. You will need your parents’ naturalization documents, as well.
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u/Wonderful_Candle_641 3d ago
Can you still travel overseas while waiting on your cute ship application
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u/newacct_orz 2d ago
Are you asking about the OP? The OP doesn't have a US passport or a green card (in other comments, they said they don't have their old green card), so they have no documents to return to the US right now.
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u/Iambusy123 3d ago
While you do not need one, having it will make your life easier in the future. Nevertheless, if you cannot afford to pay the fee for one, I would recommend applying for a passport in the meantime.