United States · Immigration54
Citizenship Through Qualifying Adoption
Children adopted by U.S. citizens can acquire citizenship automatically if the adoption and custody requirements are met and the child is a permanent resident under 18 in the citizen parent’s custody. Hague and orphan-process adoptees often receive citizenship automatically on admission.
Currently available · Editorial record dated 10/20/2026 · Not lawyer review or an eligibility decision. Check current official instructions.
Who this is for
Children adopted by U.S. citizens who meet the custody and residence conditions.
Common problems
IR-4/IH-4 follow-through
Children admitted for adoption to be completed in the U.S. only acquire citizenship after the state adoption is final — do not skip that step.