If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you likely worked hard to get your Green Card. Now, you are probably thinking about the future and how to secure US citizenship for your family. One of the most common questions we get at Greenbroad is: “Does my child get citizenship when I do?”
The answer depends heavily on your child’s age and their current immigration status. While the US immigration system values family unity, the path to naturalization for children is not always automatic. It requires careful planning and the right timing.
In this guide, we will break down exactly how citizenship for children of Green Card holders works, the specific forms you need, and how to avoid mistakes that could delay your family’s American dream.
ℹ️ Key Takeaways
- Parents Must Naturalize First: A Green Card holder cannot pass citizenship to a child until the parent becomes a US citizen.
- The “Under 18” Rule: Children under 18 may automatically become citizens when their parent naturalizes, provided they have a Green Card and live with that parent.
- The “Over 18” Rule: Children over 18 must apply for citizenship on their own using Form N-400.
- Proof is Required: Even if citizenship is “automatic,” you still need to apply for proof (Form N-600 or a US Passport).
The Golden Rule: The Parent Comes First
Before we discuss the children, we must look at the parent. As a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), you cannot petition for your child to become a US citizen directly. You must become a US citizen first.
Once you take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization, your status changes. This change can trigger benefits for your children, but the process is different for minor children versus adult children.
Eligibility for Parents (Form N-400)
To start this chain reaction, you must file the N-400 application. You are generally eligible if:
- You have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a US citizen).
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You have maintained continuous residence and physical presence in the US.
- You can pass the English and Civics tests.
Current filing fees for the N-400 are $760, and processing typically takes 8 to 14 months.
💡 Pro Tip
If you have children nearing the age of 18, do not delay your own N-400 application. If you naturalize before they turn 18, you save them money and years of waiting.
Scenario A: Your Child is Under 18
This is the most favorable scenario. Under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, children under the age of 18 can automatically “derive” citizenship from their parents. This means they become citizens the moment the conditions are met, without having to take a test or go through an interview.
However, “automatic” does not mean “unconditional.” Four specific requirements must be met simultaneously:
- Parent’s Status: At least one parent is a US citizen (by birth or naturalization).
- Age: The child is under 18 years old.
- Residency: The child is a Lawful Permanent Resident (has a Green Card).
- Custody: The child is residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the US citizen parent.
The “Automatic” Moment
If your child has a Green Card and lives with you, the exact moment you take your Oath of Allegiance, your child becomes a US citizen. They do not need to do anything else to be a citizen.
However, they will not automatically receive a piece of paper proving it. You have to ask for it.
How to Get Proof (Form N-600 vs. Passport)
Since the government doesn’t automatically mail you a certificate for your child, you have two options to prove their status:
Option 1: Apply for a US Passport
- Cost: Approximately $135 (check current Department of State fees).
- Speed: fast (weeks).
- Process: Go to a post office with your naturalization certificate, the child’s Green Card, and birth certificate.
- Pros: Cheapest and fastest method.
Option 2: Apply for a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600)
- Cost: $1,170 (filing fee).
- Speed: Slow (can take over a year).
- Process: File with USCIS.
- Pros: This is the “Gold Standard” of proof. Unlike a passport, which expires, a Certificate of Citizenship is valid for life.
⚠️ Warning
The N-600 filing fee is high ($1,170). Many families choose to get a passport first because it is cheaper. However, having a Certificate of Citizenship is safer in the long run, as it is definitive proof required for certain security clearances and government jobs later in life.
Scenario B: Your Child is Over 18
If your child is already over 18, or if they turn 18 before you finalize your naturalization, the automatic path is closed. In the eyes of immigration law, they are adults.
They cannot “ride along” on your application. They must qualify for US citizenship independently.
The Process for Adult Children
Your adult child must file their own Form N-400. They must meet the same requirements you did:
- Green Card Status: They must have held their Green Card for 5 years.
- Residence: They must live in the US and maintain presence.
- Good Moral Character: They must have a clean record.
- Tests: They must pass the English and Civics exams on their own.
The Waiting Game
The most difficult part for adult children is the 5-year wait.
- Example: You get your Green Card in 2020. Your child gets theirs in 2020.
- You naturalize in 2025.
- If your child is 22 years old in 2025, the fact that you became a citizen doesn’t change their timeline. They can apply because they have also had their Green Card for 5 years.
- But, if your child only got their Green Card in 2023, they must wait until 2028 to apply, even if you become a citizen in 2025.
Citizenship Processing Time 2026: How Long Does Naturalization Take?
Scenario C: Your Child Lives Abroad
This is a common complication. You are in the US with a Green Card (or Citizenship), but your child is still in your home country.
A child generally cannot derive citizenship while living outside the US. To benefit from your citizenship, they must move to the US.
The Steps:
- Petition for the Child: You (the permanent resident or citizen parent) file Form I-130 to bring the child to the US.
- Consular Processing: The child applies for an immigrant visa at the US embassy abroad.
- Enter the US: The child enters the US. Upon entry, they become a Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).
- Citizenship Trigger: If you are already a citizen, and the child is under 18 when they enter and live with you, they become a citizen the moment they pass through US Customs and enter the country with their immigrant visa.
🚀 Feeling Overwhelmed?
Immigration rules for families are complex. Determining if your child needs an N-600, an N-400, or a passport can be confusing. Greenbroad makes it simple. For a flat fee of $749, we handle the paperwork, document checklists, and review your application to ensure it’s right the first time.
Book a call with our team to get started.
Step-by-Step Guide: Securing Citizenship for Your Child
If you want to ensure your child obtains citizenship, follow this roadmap.
Step 1: Secure Your Own Naturalization
If you are not yet a citizen, file your Form N-400 immediately. You cannot help your child until you help yourself.
- Cost: $760.
- Action: File online or by mail.
Step 2: Check Your Child’s Age and Status
Look at the calendar.
- Is your child under 18? Hurry! You want to naturalize before they turn 18.
- Does your child have a Green Card? If not, you need to file Form I-130 to get them one.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Whether applying for a passport or filing Form N-600, you will need:
- Child’s Birth Certificate (translated).
- Your Certificate of Naturalization.
- Child’s Green Card.
- Your Marriage Certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of Legal/Physical Custody (school records, medical records showing the child lives with you).
Step 4: File the Correct Form
- Under 18: Go to the passport agency (Department of State) for a passport. Later, file Form N-600 with USCIS ($1,170) for permanent proof.
- Over 18: Have your child file Form N-400 ($760) once they have 5 years of residency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We see many applicants make simple errors that cost time and money. Here are the top pitfalls regarding citizenship for children of green card holders:
1. Assuming it Happens Automatically Without a Green Card
Your child must have a Green Card first. If your child is in the US on a student visa or tourist visa, they do not become a citizen when you do. They must adjust status to Permanent Resident first.
2. The “Age-Out” Problem
If your N-400 is delayed and you take your Oath of Allegiance one day after your child’s 18th birthday, they lose the ability to derive citizenship automatically. They will have to wait for their own 5-year eligibility and file their own N-400.
3. Custody Issues
If you are divorced or separated, the child must be in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent. If the child lives primarily with the non-citizen parent, they may not derive citizenship automatically.
Citizenship Naturalization Requirements: The 2026 Guide
Why Citizenship Matters for Your Child
You might wonder, “My child already has a Green Card, isn’t that enough?” While permanent residency is great, citizenship offers protections that a Green Card does not.
- Deportation Protection: Citizens cannot be deported. Green Card holders can lose their status if they commit certain crimes.
- Voting Rights: Only citizens can vote in federal elections.
- Federal Jobs: Many government jobs require citizenship.
- Travel Freedom: A US passport allows visa-free travel to over 180 countries.
- Passing it On: Your child can easily pass citizenship to their future children.
Cost Breakdown Summary
It is important to budget for immigration expenses. Here is what you can expect:
| Applicant | Form | Purpose | USCIS Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | N-400 | To become a citizen | $760 |
| Child (under 18) | Passport | Proof of citizenship | ~$135 |
| Child (under 18) | N-600 | Certificate of Citizenship | $1,170 |
| Child (over 18) | N-400 | To become a citizen | $760 |
Note: Fees are subject to change by USCIS. Always check the official site before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child automatically become a citizen when I get my Green Card? No, obtaining a Green Card does not make your child a US citizen automatically. However, if you (the parent) become a US citizen through naturalization while your child is under 18 and living with you as a permanent resident, they may automatically derive citizenship.
What form do I file for my child’s citizenship? If your child is under 18 and automatically became a citizen when you naturalized, you file Form N-600 to get their Certificate of Citizenship. If your child is over 18, they must file their own Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
Can a child over 18 derive citizenship from a parent? No, children over 18 cannot automatically derive citizenship from their parents. Once a child turns 18, they must qualify for naturalization on their own merits, including meeting the residency requirement of 5 years as a Green Card holder.
Is it cheaper to get a passport or a Certificate of Citizenship? A US passport is significantly cheaper and faster to obtain than a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600). However, a Certificate of Citizenship is a permanent document issued by USCIS that never expires, whereas a passport must be renewed.
What happens if my child lives outside the US? If your child lives outside the US, they typically must first obtain a Green Card and enter the US to live with you. Once they are in the US as a permanent resident in your legal custody and you are a citizen, they may derive citizenship.
Conclusion
Securing citizenship for children of Green Card holders is one of the most impactful gifts a parent can give. Whether your child is a toddler or a teenager, understanding the timing is critical. Remember, the magic number is 18. If you can naturalize before your child reaches that age, you save them paperwork, money, and stress.
If your child is already an adult, support them in their own journey toward the N-400. The process may be longer, but the reward of full US citizenship is worth the wait.
🚀 Ready to Start?
Don’t let confusing forms delay your family’s future. At Greenbroad, we help you prepare your immigration application packages quickly and correctly for a flat fee of $749.
Book a call today to see how we can help you and your family become US citizens.
Disclaimer: Greenbroad is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We are a document preparation service that assists with immigration forms. For complex legal situations, please consult an immigration attorney.
How to Become US Citizen - Complete 2026 Guide USCIS Fee Waiver - I-912 Application: The Complete 2026 Guide
For more official details on the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, visit the USCIS Policy Manual.