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Citizenship and Naturalization for Adopted Children

Under the Child Citizenship Act (CCA) of 2000, effective on February 27, 2001, orphans adopted by U.S. Citizens acquire citizenship automatically when the following requirements are met:

  • At least one parent is a U.S. citizen.
  • The child is under 18 years of age.
  • There is a full and final adoption of the child, and the child is admitted to the U.S. as a Lawful Permanent Resident.
  • The child is residing in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent in the United States.

Orphans entering the U.S. under the IR-3 visa become U.S. citizens upon admission as long as they meet the above-mentioned requirements. Those meeting the requirements usually receive a certificate of citizenship within 45 days of entering.

On the other hand, orphans entering the U.S. under the IR-4 visa do not become U.S. citizens when the adoption is finalized in the United States.  They will however, be Lawful Permanent Residents until then. 

For more information regarding this topic, please see frequently asked questions.

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