Form N-600, officially known as the Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is used by individuals born outside the United States who automatically acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through their parents.

This form provides official proof of citizenship, which is essential for obtaining a U.S. passport or applying for immigration benefits for family members.

Eligible candidates:

You may be eligible to file Form N-600 if:

• You were born abroad to at least one U.S. citizen parent.
• You automatically acquired U.S. citizenship at birth or derived it through your parents before turning 18.
• You currently reside in the United States under the legal and physical custody of your U.S. citizen parent(s).

Note: If you were born in the U.S., you do not need this form, as your U.S. birth certificate is sufficient proof of citizenship. Similarly, naturalized citizens should use Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), not Form N-600.

For more details on eligibility and the difference between acquisition and derivation of citizenship, visit the official USCIS Form N-600 page.

Read Also: U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization – Complete Guide

Terms to Understand:

• Acquisition of Citizenship: When a child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen at birth because one or both parents are U.S. citizens.
• Derivation of Citizenship: When a child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen after birth, through parents who naturalize or meet other residency conditions while the child is under 18.
• Legal Custody: The legal right to care for and make decisions about the child.
• Physical Custody: Where the child physically lives.

Required Documents:

When submitting your application, include:

• Two passport-style photos (2″x2″).
• Your birth certificate or equivalent record.
• Proof of your U.S. citizen parent(s)’ citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, U.S. passport).
• Proof of your parents’ marriage, if applicable.
• Documentation showing termination of any prior marriages of your parents.
• Proof of custody if your parents are divorced, separated, or if you were adopted.
• Evidence of your permanent resident status (green card), if applicable.
• Any legal name change documents.

Note: Some documents must be translated into English and notarized if originally in another language.

How to Apply for Form N-600 Application Process for U.S. Citizenship?

You can file Form N-600 either online or by mail:

• Online: Create a USCIS account at USCIS.gov and follow the step-by-step instructions to complete and submit your form.
• By Mail: Download and print the form, fill it out, attach all required documents and photos, and send it to the appropriate USCIS address listed on their website.

After filing, you will receive a receipt number to track your application status online.

Processing Time and Fees:

• Processing Time: The average processing time currently ranges from about 3 to 22 months, depending on the USCIS service center handling your case.
• Filing Fee: The fee to file Form N-600 is $1,385 (as of [date]), though this is subject to change. Check the official USCIS fee schedule before applying.
• Fee Waivers: Military members or veterans may be eligible for fee waivers. Regular applicants, including adopted children, generally must pay the full fee.

What Happens After You File?

• USCIS may schedule you for an interview to verify your application details, although not all applicants are required to appear in person.
• Once approved, you will receive a Certificate of Citizenship, an official government document proving your U.S. citizenship.
• You will need to take the Oath of Allegiance to complete the process.

Information for Successful Application:

• Prepare all required documents ahead of time.
• Ensure all foreign language documents are officially translated.
• Review the form carefully to avoid common mistakes like missing signatures or incorrect dates.
• Keep copies of everything you submit.

Frequently Asked Questions: