Ir-4

[Edson617]

I was adopted in 1987 by US born citizen parents. I was brought to America that same year on an IR-4 visa. Adoption was finalized a year later. I received a green card as an LPR. What was the process for citizenship before 2000? Before CAA? Some people on other sites say an N400 was needed for citizenship, other people say N600. The USCIS site says citizenship was obtained after adoption was finalized. I never received a certificate of citizenship, and I don't remember going to take the oath, but i was 8 so it was not a requirement for someone that young. Can anyone provide any answers?

[pressuregrits]

Hi! Based on what you described, it sounds like you likely became a U.S. citizen automatically under the law in effect at the time. Before the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, children adopted by U.S. citizens often automatically derived citizenship once the adoption was finalized and they were lawful permanent residents, even if they didn’t file an N-400 or N-600. The fact that you were a minor means you wouldn’t have needed to take an oath. You might not have received a certificate automatically, but you can still apply for one using Form N-600 if you want official documentation.

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