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Your child born in the US — citizenship & documents (US + Nepali sides)
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About
Who this is for
Nepali parents in the U.S. who have a child born in the United States and need to plan U.S. documents, possible Nepal-side documents, and future travel.
The U.S. side
- Citizenship at birth: USCIS policy currently states that a person born in the United States and subject to U.S. jurisdiction is a U.S. citizen at birth. The January 20, 2025 White House executive order sought to narrow recognition for some children born after the order, so confirm the current agency/court posture before making a high-stakes decision.
- Birth certificate: for a U.S. passport, the State Department lists a U.S. birth certificate as primary evidence when it shows the required birth, filing, seal/signature, parent, and applicant details.
- U.S. passport: children under 16 apply in person; a child's passport cannot be renewed and must be applied for again each time.
- SSN: parents can request a Social Security number during the birth registration process through SSA's Enumeration at Birth program.
- Parents' status: a U.S.-citizen child does not fix a parent's immigration status now. USCIS says a U.S. citizen must be at least 21 to petition for a parent.
The Nepal side
Do not assume a U.S.-born child can hold every U.S. and Nepali document at the same time. The Embassy of Nepal FAQ currently says it issues birth registration only for children who intend to hold Nepali citizenship and a Nepali passport, and that parents must submit an affidavit stating that the child has not been issued U.S. citizenship or a U.S. passport. Ask the Embassy before applying for Nepal-side birth registration, minor identity, Nepali passport, NRN ID, or travel documentation.
Practical order
- Get the state birth certificate and decide whether you are applying for a U.S. passport and SSN.
- Before starting Nepali birth-registration or passport work, read the Embassy FAQ and contact the Embassy about your child's exact facts.
- Keep certified copies of the birth certificate, parents' IDs/status documents, and any Embassy instructions.
- For travel to Nepal, confirm the child's visa, NRN, or Nepali-document route before booking.
Official sources checked July 9, 2026
Frequently asked
Is my U.S.-born baby a U.S. citizen?
USCIS currently says a person born in the United States and subject to U.S. jurisdiction is a U.S. citizen at birth. Because Executive Order 14160 attempted to change recognition for some future births, confirm the current official/court status before relying on this for a high-stakes decision.
What U.S. documents should I plan for?
Start with the state birth certificate. For a child passport, State Department rules require in-person application and evidence of the child's U.S. citizenship; SSA says an SSN can usually be requested during birth registration.
Can I register the birth with Nepal after getting a U.S. passport?
Do not assume so. The Embassy FAQ says birth registration is only for children intending Nepali citizenship and a Nepali passport, and parents must state the child has not been issued U.S. citizenship or a U.S. passport. Contact the Embassy for your exact case.
Does my baby's U.S. citizenship help my green card now?
No immediate shortcut. USCIS says a U.S. citizen must be at least 21 to petition for a parent.
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