How to Apply for Form N-600: Certificate of Citizenship Complete Guide

Navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration law can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding your citizenship rights. Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is a crucial document for individuals who derived or acquired U.S. citizenship through their parents. This guide will walk you through the essentials of Form N-600, from understanding its purpose to the step-by-step application process, ensuring you have a comprehensive roadmap to securing your Certificate of Citizenship.

What is Form N-600 and Why Might You Need It?

Form N-600 is used to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship, an official document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that serves as proof of U.S. citizenship for individuals who were not born in the United States but acquired or derived citizenship through their parents. This certificate is particularly important as it provides tangible evidence of citizenship for various legal and practical purposes, such as applying for a U.S. passport, obtaining employment, or verifying citizenship for government benefits.

Why is a Certificate of Citizenship Important?

While a U.S. passport can serve as proof of citizenship, a Certificate of Citizenship offers additional benefits:

Permanent Record: Unlike a passport, which needs renewal every ten years, the Certificate is a permanent record.
Legal Recognition: It may be more readily recognized in legal proceedings as conclusive proof of citizenship.
Peace of Mind: Provides reassurance of citizenship status, particularly in complex immigration cases.

Who Needs Form N-600?

Eligibility Overview

Form N-600 is designed for individuals who:

Automatically became U.S. citizens through their parents at birth (acquired citizenship).
Became U.S. citizens after birth through the naturalization of their parents (derivative citizenship).

Acquired vs. Derivative Citizenship

Acquired Citizenship: A person acquires citizenship at birth through U.S. citizen parents, even if born abroad, provided certain conditions are met (INA § 301).
Derivative Citizenship: This applies to children who are not U.S. citizens at birth but become citizens after birth, often through the naturalization of their parents under specific conditions (INA § 320).

Understanding Automatic Citizenship: The Child Citizenship Act of 2000

The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 significantly simplified the process for children of U.S. citizens to acquire citizenship. Under this act, a child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen if:

At least one parent is a U.S. citizen.
The child is under 18 years old.
The child is residing in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence (INA § 320).

This act applies to biological and adopted children and underscores the importance of understanding specific eligibility criteria to determine if a Certificate of Citizenship is necessary.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for Form N-600, you must meet specific eligibility criteria based on your citizenship status and relationship with your parents. Here are the detailed requirements:

For Acquired Citizenship

At least one parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of your birth.
You were born outside the United States.
Your parents met certain residency or physical presence requirements in the U.S. before your birth.

For Derivative Citizenship

You are the child of a parent who naturalized as a U.S. citizen before you turned 18.
You were admitted to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
You resided in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of your U.S. citizen parent.

Required Documentation

When applying for Form N-600, you'll need to provide documentation that substantiates your eligibility. Here's a checklist to guide you:

Proof of Parent's Citizenship: U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship.
Your Birth Certificate: Must show your relationship to your U.S. citizen parent(s).
Proof of Legal and Physical Custody: Legal documents indicating custody arrangements or a signed affidavit.
Permanent Resident Card (if applicable): Required for derivative citizenship applicants.
Marriage Certificate: If the child's parents were married, provide this to demonstrate legitimacy.
Divorce or Death Certificates (if applicable): To show changes in parental custody or status.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Obtain Form N-600

Download the latest version of Form N-600 from the USCIS website. Ensure you have the most current edition to avoid processing delays.

2. Complete the Form

Fill out the form accurately. Pay close attention to:

Name and contact information
Information about your parents
Details regarding your immigration and residency history

3. Gather Supporting Documents

Collect all necessary documents as outlined in the checklist above. Ensure all documents are current, legible, and translated into English if necessary.

4. Pay the Filing Fee

As of 2026, the filing fee for Form N-600 is $1,170. Check the USCIS fee schedule for the most up-to-date information. Fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals.

5. Submit Your Application

Mail your completed form and documentation to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility. Double-check the address on the USCIS website to ensure proper delivery.

6. Attend the Biometrics Appointment

If required, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment to collect your fingerprints, photo, and signature for security checks.

Filing Fees and Processing Times (2026)

Understanding the financial and time commitments involved in the N-600 process is essential.

Current Fees

Form N-600 Filing Fee: $1,170
Biometrics Fee (if applicable): $85

Refer to the latest USCIS fee schedule for updates.

Processing Times

As of 2026, the estimated processing time for Form N-600 is 8-14 months. Check the USCIS processing times page regularly for updates specific to your service center.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incomplete Forms: Double-check for missing information or signatures.
Incorrect Fees: Ensure you submit the correct fee amount.
Insufficient Documentation: Verify that all required documents are included and up-to-date.
Poor Translation: Ensure any non-English documents are translated accurately.

What Happens After Filing

Once your application is submitted, USCIS will:

Send you a receipt notice confirming they received your application.
Schedule a biometrics appointment if necessary.
Review your application and documents.
Schedule an interview if required.

If Your Application is Denied

If your application is denied, USCIS will provide a written explanation. Common reasons for denial include insufficient evidence or eligibility issues. You can:

File an appeal using Form I-290B.
Reapply with additional evidence or corrections.
Consult an immigration attorney for guidance.

Certificate of Citizenship vs US Passport

While both documents prove U.S. citizenship, there are key differences:

Certificate of Citizenship: Permanent proof of citizenship; useful for legal matters.
US Passport: Primarily used for international travel; needs renewal every ten years.

When to Seek Legal Help

Consider consulting an immigration attorney if:

Your case involves complex legal issues.
You have previous immigration violations.
You need help understanding eligibility or preparing your application.

Next Steps

Securing a Certificate of Citizenship through Form N-600 is a significant step in affirming your status as a U.S. citizen. By understanding the process, meeting eligibility requirements, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can enhance your chances of a successful application. For personalized advice, consider reaching out to an immigration attorney who can provide tailored guidance based on your unique circumstances.

Schedule Your Citizenship Consultation

Understanding your citizenship status and navigating the N-600 application process can be complex. Every family's situation is unique, and having experienced legal guidance can make all the difference.

At New Horizons Legal, we help families obtain Certificates of Citizenship and understand their immigration status. We can review your eligibility, gather the necessary documentation, and ensure your application is complete and accurate.

Schedule a consultation or call us at (918) 221-9438 to discuss your N-600 application.

How to Apply for Form N-600: Certificate of Citizenship Complete Guide