Qualified U.S. residents born outside of the United States to U.S. citizen parents or parents who became citizens may file a Form N-600 to get a Certificate of Citizenship.
Is a U.S. Passport Proof of Citizenship?
Documents that establish U.S. citizenship are:
- A Birth Certificate issued by an office of a U.S. State, or by the U.S. Department of State;
- A U.S. Passport issued by the U.S. Department of State;
- A Certificate of Citizenship, issued to a person born outside the United States who derived or acquired U.S. citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent; or
- A Naturalization Certificate issued to a person who became a U.S. citizen after 18 years of age through the naturalization process
How to Get a Citizenship Certificate
You must first file Form N-600 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
You have two methods for filing your Form N-600 with USCIS:
1. File Form N-600 online
You will create an online account to file Form N-600 online. With your online account, you are able to:
Pay the filing fee;
Submit your passport-style photos;
Check the status of your N-600 case;
Receive notifications and N-600 case updates;
Reply to requests for evidence; and
Manage contact information, including updating your address.
Attorneys and authorized representatives can also create an online account, which allows them to manage all of their clients’ applications.
2. File Form N-600 by mail.
If you file on paper and are a member or veteran of any branch of the U.S. military filing on your behalf, or apply for a fee waiver, you must mail your application to the USCIS using one of the following mailing addresses:
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
P.O. Box 20100
Phoenix, AZ 85036
Once the USCIS receives your form, you will receive a:
- Receipt notice confirming receipt of your N-600 application;
- Biometric services notice, if that is applicable;
- Notice to appear for an interview, if that is required; and
- Notice of our decision.
If the USCIS approves your Form N-600, USCIS will issue you a Certificate of Citizenship.
How Long Does Processing Form N-600 Take?
The processing time for Form N-600 varies. Once the ISCIS receives the N-600 application, it will be processed and checked for completeness. If the application should be deemed incomplete, your eligibility may not be established, and your application may be rejected or denied.
Once your N-600 application has been accepted, the USCIS will review it along with accompanying documents. The USCIS will send you notification of their decision in writing, which may take several months. The average processing time for Form N-600 applications is approximately 13.5 months.
Does N-600 Require an Interview?
Not every applicant for a Certificate of Citizenship is required to appear for an in-person interview. The USCIS will determine whether you are required to appear in person for an interview based on the evidence submitted supporting your application.
How Much Does the N-600 Form Cost?
The filing fee for the N600 is $1,170, payable by money order, personal check, or cashier’s check.
Contact ATT Law for Help!
You should speak to an immigration attorney familiar with the N-600 Form to determine whether a certificate of citizenship is necessary, rather than one of the other forms of proof of citizenship.
If you do require a Form N600, Immigrant attorneys can be beneficial when filing Form N-600. They can ensure that everything is done correctly. They can lower your chances of having your request denied due to a simple mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form N-600
Who Can Apply for N-600?
A person may file Form N-600 if they were born abroad and claim U.S. citizenship at birth through their parents.
They may also file Form N-600 to obtain evidence of citizenship if they automatically became a U.S. citizen by law after their birth but before turning 18.
A parent or guardian can also file Form N-600 on behalf of a minor child.
What is the Difference Between N-400 & N-600?
- Form N-400 is the Application for Naturalization. It is a government form used by green card holders to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting eligibility requirements. A person must be at least 18, and have held a green card for five years (or three years if they married to a U.S. citizen) unless applying based on qualifying military service.
You cannot file an N-400 if you “derived” citizenship through at least one U.S.-citizen parent or are a child of a U.S. citizen and living abroad.
- Form N-600 is the Application for a Certificate of Citizenship
The Certificate of Citizenship is intended for a child born outside the United States to a biological or an adoptive parent or parents that are U.S. citizens. The child must be under 18 and reside in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the parent.
You could not file an N-600 if you became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Does My Child Need N-600?
If your child is under 18, living in your legal and physical custody in the U.S, and is a lawful permanent resident, they will derive citizenship when you file.
If the child is over the age of 18, they will need to file an N600 independently.
How Do You Prove You’re a U.S. Citizen?
When filing Form N-600, you are asked to submit the following documents:
- Two 2-inch-by-2-inch passport-style photos
- The applicant’s birth certificate or record
- Evidence of the parent’s U.S. citizenship
- The U.S. citizen parent’s birth certificate
Is the Certificate of Citizenship the Same as Naturalization?
No. Naturalization is the process used by green card holders to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting eligibility requirements.
The Certificate of Citizenship is intended for a child born outside the United States to a biological or an adoptive parent or parents that are U.S. citizens.
You only get one chance to request a certificate of citizenship. Consult an immigration attorney to get help filing the N-600 to ensure everything is completed correctly
