Citizenship at birth worksheet

Citizenship at birth worksheet

The facts

• Child's date of birth: ____________ Country: ____________
• Citizen parent: [ ] mother [ ] father [ ] both
• Were the legal parents married at the birth? [ ] yes [ ] no
• Other parent is: [ ] U.S. citizen [ ] U.S. national [ ] not a citizen

Time the citizen parent spent in the U.S. before the birth

• Total years physically present: ______
• Years physically present after age 14: ______
• Longest continuous stretch: ______
• Military, U.S. government or similar work abroad? [ ] yes [ ] no

Today's rules, in short

• Married, other parent not a citizen: 5 years, 2 after age 14
• Unmarried father: 5 years, 2 after 14 (born on or after Nov. 14, 1986), plus written support agreement and legitimation or acknowledgment before 18
• Unmarried mother: 1 continuous year if born before June 12, 2017; 5 years, 2 after 14 if born on or after June 12, 2017

Proof I have or will get

• CRBA (FS-240) [ ] U.S. passport [ ] Certificate of Citizenship (N-600)
• Parent's proof of citizenship
• School, tax, work or lease records showing years in the U.S.
• Marriage certificate, divorce or death papers
• Legitimation, paternity and support papers (unmarried father)

This worksheet is a guide, not a legal decision. Bring it to a lawyer or accredited representative.

From Child Born Abroad Citizenship. Facts checked October 21, 2026. Free information, not legal or medical advice.