United States citizenship by descent: are you eligible?

What Is Citizenship by Descent?

Citizenship by descent (also called citizenship by birth abroad to a US citizen parent) allows you to become a US citizen based on your parent's citizenship status. You don't need to be born in the United States to qualify. Instead, your eligibility depends on whether your parent was a US citizen when you were born and whether they met certain residency requirements in the US.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To claim citizenship by descent, you generally need to show:

• At least one parent was a US citizen at the time of your birth
• Your US citizen parent met specific physical presence requirements in the United States before you were born
• The requirements vary depending on what year you were born
• Your parents were legally married (if claiming through one parent), or you can establish paternity (if claiming through your father)

Age Matters: When You Were Born

The rules for citizenship by descent changed several times throughout US history. Your eligibility depends heavily on your birth year:

• People born before 1934 have different requirements than those born in 1934–1952
• Those born between 1952 and 1986 face different rules
• People born after 1986 have the most recent requirements

Your birth date determines which version of the law applies to your case. This is why checking official government resources is essential.

How to Apply

The process typically involves:

• Gathering birth certificates, marriage certificates, and naturalization records
• Proving your US citizen parent's physical presence in the US
• Submitting an N-600 form (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or applying through a US embassy or consulate abroad
• Attending an interview if requested

Where to Get Help

Start by visiting the official USCIS website to:

• Review the complete eligibility rules for your birth year
• Download the correct application forms
• Find fees and processing times
• Locate your nearest USCIS office or US embassy

You may also want to consult an immigration attorney, especially if your family situation is complex or records are difficult to find.

Next Steps

Gather all family documents and review the official requirements that match your birth year. Contact USCIS or your nearest US embassy to confirm you're eligible before applying.

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.