U.S. Citizenship for Grandchildren of US Citizens? Here’s What You Need to Know About the N-600K Application for Citizenship

If you’re a U.S. citizen grandparent and your grandchild lives abroad, you may be surprised to learn that they could be eligible for U.S. citizenship—thanks to a lesser-known path called the N-600K process.

At Flynn Hodkinson, we regularly assist families with this unique route to U.S. citizenship. Here’s what you should know.

What is the N-600K Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate?

The N-600K application is a form filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows a U.S. citizen parent to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship on behalf of their child who was born outside the U.S. and has never lived there permanently.

This pathway is available only if one of the child’s U.S. citizen grandparents meets certain residence requirements in the United States. It’s a powerful option that helps pass U.S. citizenship to the next generation—even if the child’s parent hasn’t lived in the U.S. themselves.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible, you’re the grandchild of a U.S. citizen must meet the following requirements:

✅ Be under the age of 18 at the time of the interview
✅ Have a U.S. citizen parent who is their legal and physical custodian who does not meet the U.S. physical presence requirements to transmit to children born outside the US
✅ Have a U.S. citizen grandparent (alive or deceased) who lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years, 2 of which were after the age of 14
✅ Travel to the United States for an interview and approval of the application while in lawful status (typically on a B-2 Visitor visa or ESTA)

It’s important to note that this is a one-time opportunity: the interview must take place before the child turns 18.

What if Your Child is Almost 18?

We understand how stressful timing can be. If your child is approaching their 18th birthday, we can request that USCIS expedite the processing of the N-600K. We regularly make these requests and have had success in helping families meet the critical deadline for interviews.

Timing is key—and we’re here to move things forward as quickly as possible.

Why Consider applying for US citizenship via the N-600K Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322 Process ?

• Your child gains U.S. citizenship automatically once the application is approved at the interview
• They receive a Certificate of Citizenship, which is a legal proof of U.S. citizenship for life
• No need to relocate or reside in the U.S.
• You maintain flexibility as a family living abroad while preserving ties to the United States

How We Can Help

Navigating the N-600K Application for Citizenship process requires careful planning—from proving residence history of the grandparent, to ensuring the child enters the U.S. in the correct status, to coordinating timing around the child’s 18th birthday.

Our team can assist with:

• Determining eligibility and gathering required documents
• Preparing and filing the N-600K application with the USCIS
• Advising on U.S. requirements for the child’s U.S. travel
• Requesting expedited processing when needed
• Coordinating the timing and logistics of the USCIS interview in the U.S.

Final Thoughts

The N-600K Application for Citizenship process is a meaningful way for U.S. citizen families abroad to secure U.S. citizenship for their children—often bridging generations. If you’re a U.S. citizen parent or grandparent and think your child or grandchild may be eligible, we’re here to guide you through each step.

📅 Time matters with the N-600K—interviews must occur before age 18. If your child is getting close to that birthday, contact us right away so we can explore your options, including a request to expedite.

This is posting is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice. If you require further assistance or advice relating to the above, If you require further assistance or advice relating to the above, please contact our Principal Lawyer, Janice Flynn at janice@flynnhodkinson.com.