USCIS Form N-600: Everything You Need to Know

If you were born outside of the United States to U.S. citizen parents or are the adopted child of U.S. citizens, you may be eligible for U.S. citizenship. However, in order to obtain your citizenship, you'll need to complete and file the N-600 form. In this article, we'll provide an overview of the N-600 form, including what it is, who is eligible to file it, and how to file it.

What is form N-600?

The N-600 form is an application for a Certificate of Citizenship, which is a document that proves an individual's U.S. citizenship. This form is used by individuals who acquired citizenship at birth or through their parents but did not obtain a U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Citizenship before turning 18.

What is the purpose of the N-600 form?

The N-600 form is an application for a Certificate of Citizenship issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is used to request a certificate that serves as proof of U.S. citizenship for individuals who derive or acquire citizenship through their parents but were not born in the United States.

Typically, individuals born abroad to one or both parents who were U.S. citizens at the time of their birth, or who became U.S. citizens after their birth, file the N-600 form. The certificate serves as proof of citizenship and can be used to apply for a passport, vote in elections, and access other benefits of U.S. citizenship.

It is important to note that the N-600 form is not used to apply for naturalization, which is the process by which a foreign national becomes a U.S. citizen. Instead, it is used to request documentation of citizenship obtained through a U.S. citizen parent or parents.

Who can apply for an N-600 form?

There are two primary paths for eligibility when applying for an N-600 form: acquisition and derivation of U.S. citizenship. If you were born outside of the United States to at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen, you are eligible for citizenship by acquisition. On the other hand, if your parent(s) became citizens before you turned 18, you can acquire citizenship through derivation, even if they were green card holders when you were born. Adopted children can acquire citizenship; however, stepchildren cannot acquire citizenship.

It should be noted that the eligibility criteria for an N-600 form can be complicated, and the specific requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances. It's recommended to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney regarding eligibility requirements and the application process.

What documents are required to file an N-600 form?

Depending on the individual's circumstances and eligibility criteria, the specific documents required to file an N-600 form may vary. However, the following documents are generally required to support an N-600 application:

Birth certificate: If the individual was born abroad, they will need to provide their original birth certificate or a certified copy.

Proof of citizenship: This may include the U.S. citizen parent's birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.

Proof of parent-child relationship: This may include the child's birth certificate showing the name(s) of the U.S. citizen parent(s), adoption decree, or other documentation establishing the relationship.

Evidence of U.S. residence: This may include the U.S. citizen parent's tax returns, employment records, or other documentation showing their physical presence in the United States.

Marriage certificate or divorce decree: If applicable, the individual may need to provide documentation showing the marriage or divorce of their parents.

Application fee: The current N-600 filing fee is $1,385 for paper filing and $1,335 for online filing. Make sure to check USCIS website for latest fee information. USCIS may also charge additional fees for biometrics or other services.

Photographs: To complete this application, you need to include two passport-style photos of yourself. These photos should be taken within the last 30 days and have a background that is white or off-white in color. They must be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish and should not be mounted or edited in any way.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and documentation may vary depending on the individual's circumstances, and additional documents or information may be requested by USCIS during the application process. It is recommended that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance on the eligibility requirements, required documents, and application process. You should also be aware that all documents sent to USCIS must be written in English. If your documents are not written in English, you will need a certified translation of your documents.

How much does it cost to file an N-600 form?

The N-600 fee for filing the form is $1,385 for paper filing and $1,335 for online filing. This fee is subject to change, so check the USCIS website for the most recent fee information before submitting your application.

USCIS may charge additional fees for biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, and signature) and other services in addition to the filing fee.

It's important to note that the fees for filing an N-600 form can be substantial, so it's best to consult with an experienced immigration attorney for advice on eligibility requirements, required documents, and the application process. Additionally, USCIS provides fee waivers to individuals who demonstrate financial inability to pay the N-600 filing fee.

What is the N-600 processing time?

N-600 processing time can vary depending on the individual's circumstances and the workload of the USCIS office processing the application. The USCIS estimated processing time for an N-600 application is approximately 9 to 14 months from the date of receipt as of March 2023. It should be noted that these are only estimates, and processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the USCIS office's workload. Additionally, USCIS may request additional information or documentation, which may cause the processing time to be extended.

It is recommended that the N-600 application be submitted as soon as possible to avoid potential delays or complications. It is also recommended that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance on the eligibility requirements, required documents, and application process to ensure that your application is processed smoothly and on time.

When USCIS accepts your application, your completeness will be evaluated. If the application is not completely filled out, the application may be denied or rejected. Also, they may need some additional documentation to support your application. Once all of these steps are done, it is possible that you may be asked to come to a USCIS office for an interview in relation to your application. The Form N-600 decision depends on whether or not you meet the requirements for the immigration benefit you are applying for. USCIS will inform you of the decision in writing.

Do I need a lawyer to file an N-600 Form?

While having a lawyer is not required to file an N-600 Form, it is generally recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance on eligibility requirements, required documents, and the application process.

The eligibility criteria for an N-600 Form can be complicated, and the documentation and evidence required can be extensive. An experienced attorney can assist you in determining your eligibility, gathering the necessary documents, and ensuring that your application is properly completed and submitted.

Can I file N-400 and N-600 together?

Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, cannot be filed at the same time. These two forms are distinct applications with distinct requirements and goals. Form N-400 is used by eligible permanent residents to apply for citizenship in the United States through the naturalization process. It requires you to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as residency and physical presence requirements, passing an English and civics test, and demonstrating good moral character. Form N-600, on the other hand, is used to request a Certificate of Citizenship, which serves as proof of U.S. citizenship for people born outside the country to a U.S. citizen parent or parents. If you are eligible for both forms, you may file them separately at different times.

What is the difference between N-400 and N-600 form?

The primary difference between Form N-400 and Form N-600 lies in their purpose: Form N-400 is used by lawful permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, requiring applicants to meet specific criteria such as residency, passing an English and civics test, and demonstrating good moral character. In contrast, Form N-600 is used to request a Certificate of Citizenship, which serves as proof of U.S. citizenship for individuals who acquired or derived citizenship through their U.S. citizen parent(s) either at birth or before turning 18, and does not involve the naturalization process.

Where to file an N-600 form?

You have two options for filing Form N-600: online or by mail. Filing online requires creating an online account, where you can manage your case and submit necessary documents, but some applicants, such as military personnel or those applying from outside the U.S., must file by mail. Depending on where you live, you will send the form to either the USCIS Phoenix or USCIS Elgin Lockbox. Detailed mailing addresses vary based on location, and submitting photographs is generally only required for applicants residing outside the U.S.

How to file N-600 online?

To file Form N-600 online, you must create an online account with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Through this account, you can submit your application, pay the filing fee, upload passport-style photos, check the status of your case, receive notifications and updates, respond to requests for additional evidence, and manage your contact information. Attorneys and accredited representatives can also create accounts to manage their clients' applications.

Please note that certain individuals, including those applying from outside the U.S., military personnel filing on their own behalf, or those requesting a fee waiver, cannot currently file Form N-600 online and must file by mail​.

Once you submit your application, you will receive a receipt notice and a biometrics appointment notice, if applicable. USCIS will review your application and supporting documents and may request additional information or documentation if necessary. If your application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Citizenship.

You should keep a copy of your completed application and all supporting documents for your records. If you have any questions or concerns about the Form N-600 filing process, you should seek advice from an experienced immigration attorney.

All in all, the N-600 Form is a vital document that can assist individuals in establishing their U.S. citizenship if they were not issued a certificate of citizenship at birth or through their parents' naturalization. If you believe you may be eligible for a Certificate of Citizenship, you should consult with an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the application process and ensure you have all of the necessary documentation.

“We collected and distilled information on immigration for our site visitors from USCIS and other sources as a basic guide. MotaWord is a translation platform providing certified translations for immigration applicants and not a law firm. The information provided should not be construed as legal advice and might not be current. For current information please refer to the USCIS website or speak to your licensed immigration attorney.”