The requirement of the proof of physical presence in the U.S. of the U.S. citizen parent varies depending on your situation. Please see “Do you qualify to pass on citizenship”  to find the situation that applies to you.

Please ensure you are bringing sufficient evidence to demonstrate the length of presence in the U.S. required for your situation.  Good examples of proof of physical presence include the following but are not limited to:

• School records, university transcripts, tax returns, W-2s, tax withholding statements, social security statements, pay stubs, official letters of employment, or other documents.
• Maintaining a residence in the United States (for example, owning property, voting, paying taxes) is not sufficient.

NOTE 1:  All periods of residence or physical presence must have taken place prior to the birth of the child. Naturalized citizens may count any time they spent in the United States or its outlying possessions both before and after being naturalized.

NOTE 2: Please do not send us physical presence documents by email attachment in advance of your appointment and ask us to pre-screen them for you. Only the officer who interviews you at the window can review your documents and make a determination whether they are sufficient.

Please bring the original and 1 photocopy of the document(s).