Section 322 is a naturalization process for an eligible child residing abroad. If the child already acquired citizenship at birth or automatically after birth, Form N-600 or a U.S. passport may be the appropriate documentation route instead. Citizenship rules are fact-specific; complex parentage, adoption, custody, or prior-denial issues may require advice from an authorized immigration attorney or Department of Justice–accredited representative.
1. Confirm the child fits the Section 322 process
USCIS uses Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322, for certain foreign-born children who regularly reside outside the United States and have not already acquired citizenship under another rule. The child must remain eligible through adjudication.
Under the current USCIS instructions, the general requirements include that the child is unmarried, is under 18, regularly resides outside the United States, and is in the legal and physical custody of the qualifying U.S. citizen parent. The qualifying parent generally must have been physically present in the United States or its outlying possessions for at least five years, including at least two years after age 14. If the parent cannot meet that physical-presence requirement, a qualifying U.S. citizen grandparent's physical presence may be used when the statutory conditions are met.
2. Identify who files the application
The applicant on Form N-600K is the person filing for the child. A qualifying U.S. citizen parent may file. If the qualifying U.S. citizen parent died within the preceding five years, a U.S. citizen grandparent or U.S. citizen legal guardian may be able to file under the rules in the current instructions. The child is the person seeking citizenship, but does not file the form independently.
3. Plan around the child's 18th birthday
The process must be completed while the child is under 18. The form asks for a preferred interview date at least 90 days after filing and before the child turns 18. Do not treat that preference as a guaranteed appointment date. File with enough time for USCIS to process the case and resolve any evidence issues.
4. Prepare for lawful temporary presence in the United States
For the general Section 322 route, the child must be temporarily present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission and maintain lawful status at the time of adjudication. USCIS instructions state that processing includes the interview, any required Oath of Allegiance, and receipt of the Certificate of Citizenship in the United States.
A special rule applies to certain children residing abroad with a U.S. citizen parent who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and who are authorized to accompany and reside abroad with that service member under official military orders. USCIS states that qualifying military cases may complete the process outside the United States. Do not assume the military exception applies without checking the current instructions and orders.
5. Build the evidence around the citizenship basis
The exact evidence depends on the family history and legal basis. USCIS instructions identify records that can include:
- The child's certified birth certificate or birth record.
- Proof of the qualifying parent's or grandparent's U.S. citizenship.
- Marriage, divorce, death, custody, legitimation, or guardianship records when relevant.
- Evidence of the qualifying U.S. citizen parent's or grandparent's required physical presence in the United States.
- Adoption evidence when the child is adopted.
- Evidence of legal and physical custody.
- Evidence of the child's lawful admission and maintenance of lawful status for the U.S. interview, such as Form I-94 when applicable.
- Full certified English translations for documents in another language.
Use the checklist in the current Form N-600K instructions. Do not send unrelated originals unless USCIS specifically requires them.
6. Use the current form and filing channel
As reviewed August 23, 2026, Form N-600K and its instructions are edition 04/01/24. USCIS supports both online and paper filing for N-600K. Confirm the accepted edition and current filing instructions on the USCIS form page immediately before submitting.
7. Verify the filing fee and fee relief
The current USCIS Form G-1055 fee schedule lists the general N-600K fee as $1,335 online or $1,385 on paper. It lists a $0 filing fee when filing on behalf of a child who is the subject of a final adoption for immigration purposes and meets the qualifying definition of child under INA sections 101(b)(1)(E), (F), or (G). Certain applicants may also qualify for a fee waiver under the current Form I-912 rules. Verify the fee on the filing date because USCIS fees can change.
8. Sign, file, and keep a complete copy
Review names, dates, citizenship evidence, physical-presence evidence, custody information, interview preference, translations, fee or fee-waiver request, and signatures. Keep a complete copy of the filing and the online or delivery confirmation. If USCIS requests additional evidence, respond by the deadline on the notice.
9. Complete the interview and Oath of Allegiance when required
USCIS may interview the child and the qualifying parent, grandparent, or guardian. The current instructions state that children age 14 or older generally take the Oath of Allegiance; USCIS may waive the oath when allowed by law. Citizenship under this process is not established merely by filing the form. The child must satisfy the statutory requirements and complete the required USCIS adjudication before turning 18.
Official sources
- USCIS — Form N-600K
- USCIS — Form N-600K, edition 04/01/24
- USCIS — Form N-600K instructions, edition 04/01/24
- USCIS — Form G-1055 Fee Schedule
- USCIS Policy Manual — Child Residing Outside the United States (INA 322)