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 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 who 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). The N-600 form is used to request a certificate that serves as proof of United States citizenship for individuals who derive or acquire citizenship through their parents but were not born in the United States.

Individuals who were born abroad to one or both parents who were US citizens at the time of their birth, or who became US citizens after their birth, typically 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 citizenship benefits..

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. Rather, it is used to request documentation of citizenship obtained through a parent or parents who were US citizens.

Who can apply for an N-600 form?

There are two types of eligibility for becoming a citizen: acquisition and derivation. 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 parents 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, step children 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 may be required to support an N-600 application in general:

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 $1,170. 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 that are the same. These photos should be taken within the last 30 days and have a background that is white or off-white in color. They must also be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and should not be mounted or edited in any way.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed a filing fee increase for various immigration forms. Proposed immigration fee increases range from just 2% to a whopping 2050%, and the average increase is 40%. You can learn more about filing fees via our blog article.

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 be aware that all documents that are sent to USCIS should be written in English. Because of that, 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 $1,170 as of March 2023. 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. Biometrics fees are currently $85 for applicants 14 and older, and there is no fee for applicants under 14 years old.

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 accept 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 N400 and N600 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 N400 and N600 form?

The purpose and eligibility requirements of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, are the main differences. Form N-400 is used by eligible permanent residents (also known as Green Card holders) to apply for naturalization in the United States. Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national becomes a citizen of the United States, and it requires applicants to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as being at least 18 years old, having lived in the United States for a specified period of time, and demonstrating the ability to speak, read, and write in English. Applicants must also pass a civics test and demonstrate 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. To be eligible for a Certificate of Citizenship, the applicant must have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen, as well as meet residency and physical presence requirements. In summary, Form N-400 is for people who want to become US citizens through naturalization, whereas Form N-600 is for people who are already US citizens by birth or through their parents and want to get a Certificate of Citizenship as proof of their citizenship status.

How to file an N-600 form?

Filing the N-600 form can be a complex and lengthy process. Here are the steps you need to follow to file the form:

Gather the Required Documents: To file the N-600 form, you'll need to provide evidence of your citizenship or that of your parents. This may include birth certificates, passports, naturalization certificates, and marriage certificates. You can check required documents on the official USCIS website. Additionally, the documents you need to submit to USCIS should be written in English. That is, in this situation, you will need certified translation. To learn more about certified translation, you can check out our article named ‘Certified Translation For USCIS- Everything You Need To Know’.

Fill Out the N-600 Form: The N-600 form is available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Be sure to read the N600 instructions carefully and fill out the form completely and accurately.

Pay the Filing Fee: As of March 2023, N-600 filing fee is $1,170. You can pay the fee by check or money order, or online using a credit card. Fees may change depending on forms, to be sure, you should check fees on the official USCIS website.

Submit the Form: Once you've completed the form and gathered all the required documents, you'll need to mail the form and supporting documents to the USCIS lockbox. Be sure to keep a copy of everything you send.

Wait for a Response: After you submit your N-600 form, it can take several months for the USCIS to process your N-600 application. If your application is approved, you'll receive a Certificate of Citizenship in the mail.

N-600 Form can be filed online by using an electronic application or by mail, using a paper application form. While filing online, you need to create a USCIS account. And then, you can follow instructions.

How to file N600 online?

There are steps which you need to follow while filing N600 online:

1- Go to the USCIS website and create an account or sign in to your existing account.

2- Once you are logged in, navigate to the Forms section and select Form N-600 from the list of available forms.

3- Read the instructions carefully. Before you begin filling out the form, make sure you understand the eligibility requirements and the filing process.

4- Fill out the form with accurate and complete information. Make sure to sign and date the form where applicable. Fill out the form by providing your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and contact details.

5- Answer the questions about your parents' citizenship status and their immigration history.

6- Provide information about your own immigration status, including your current status and any prior immigration applications you have submitted.

7- Gather all of the necessary supporting documents for your application. This could include proof of your citizenship or the citizenship of your parents, as well as other documents related to your residency and physical presence requirements.

8- Pay the filing fee. The current filing fee for Form N-600 can be found on the USCIS website. You can pay the fee with a check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security."

9- Send the completed form, along with any supporting documents and the filing fee, to submit your application electronically. Make sure to include a cover letter and the correct mailing address with your application.

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.

Do I Need To File N-600 For My Child?

Depending on the specifics, you may need to submit Form N-600 on behalf of your child. In order to receive a Certificate of Citizenship for a kid who automatically obtained or derived U.S. citizenship through their parent(s), Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is commonly filed. The following are some typical situations where you might think about submitting Form N-600 for your child:

Child of U.S. Citizen Parents:If your child was born overseas but has at least one American parent, they may have already been granted U.S. citizenship at birth. In certain circumstances, you can submit Form N-600 to get your child a Certificate of Citizenship.

Adoption: If you adopted a kid who was born abroad and at least one of the adoptive parents is a citizen of the United States, your child may have obtained American citizenship as a result of the adoption. They can confirm their citizenship by submitting Form N-600.

Child Born Abroad to Permanent Resident Parents: In some circumstances, children born abroad to parents who are lawful permanent residents (holders of green cards) may also qualify for citizenship. You can submit Form N-600 if your child is affected by this.

Child of U.S. Citizen Parent Serving in the Military: Children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents who are serving in the U.S. military or government positions may also have acquired citizenship. Form N-600 can be used to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for such children.

How Long Does It Take To Process Form N-600

Depending on the particular USCIS Service Center you've chosen, the normal processing time for Form N-600 can range from six months to more than a year. You can check the processing time for your case. To find your form, category, and the USCIS office processing your case, simply look at your receipt notification.

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.”