Understanding Form N-600

Becoming a citizen of the U.S. is a dream for many people. Some children acquire citizenship due to their birth, or due to the nationality of their parents. However, to get benefits of citizenship you need to have proof such as a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship, a U.S. passport, etc. Form N-600 is filed to get proof of U.S. citizenship. 

What Is USCIS Form N-600?

UCIS Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) is an application for a citizenship certificate from the U.S. You may file the form if you require a citizenship certificate to obtain a U.S. passport or any immigration status.

Who May File Form N-600?

If you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. Citizen parent (biological or adoptive), or if you automatically became a citizen of the U.S. after your birth, but before you attained the age of 18, you may file this form.  To be eligible, you must be under the age of 18 and should be residing in the U.S. in the lawful custody of the U.S. citizen parent. 

In case the child is under the age of 18, the parents/legal guardians may file the form on the child’s behalf. 

Who Cannot File Form N-600?

• In case you were born in the U.S., you cannot file this form. This is because your U.S. birth certificate would be the proof of citizenship.  
• In case you do not have at least one biological or adoptive U.S. citizen parent. 
• If you became a U.S. citizen through the process of naturalization, then you are barred from filing this form, as your certificate of naturalization would be the proof of citizenship.  

In case you have any doubts or require any assistance you may contact the licensed immigration experts of FileRight.com.

What Are The Documents Required For Filing Form N-600

As per the USCIS, the following documents must be submitted at the time of filing Form N-600:

1. Photographs- Two identical 2 by 2 inches color passport photographs which were taken recently. The background of the photographs must be off-white. 
2.  Birth Certificate- Issued by a civil authority of your birth country. 
3. Birth Certificate or record of your U.S. citizen parent- a birth certificate or record of your U.S. citizen parent issued and certified by a civil authority in the birth country.
4. Certificate of Marriage- Marriage certificate of your U.S. citizen parent issued and certified by a civil authority in the country of marriage.
5. Proof of U.S. Citizenship of U.S. Parent.
6. Proof of Required Residence or Physical Presence In the U.S.- The proof is for the citizen parent of the applicant. 

What Is The Cost of Filing Form N-600?

The USCIS charges $1385 for paper filing and $1335 for online filing in the general filing category. However, in case you file as a current or former member of any branch of the U.S. armed forces, then the entire fee is waived. Also, the fee is waived, if the form is filed on behalf of a child who meets or met (before turning 18) the definition of a child under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). 

If you require any assistance, FileRight.com offers a personalized application preparation package at $295 plus USCIS filing fees for preparing, reviewing, printing, assembling, and mailing your application.

What Is The Processing Time of Form N-600?

The USCIS may take around 4.8 months to process Form N-600 as per the current USCIS processing time. The processing time depends upon the center processing your application and its backlog.

Conclusion 

Form N-600 is essential for a person who believes that they have attained citizenship in the U.S. To fill out the form among other information, details related to the parents of the applicant, ethnicity, citizenship, and residence have to be provided. No information must be misrepresented or withheld, as the same may lead to problems at the interview conducted by the USCIS officer who files a report and recommendation on the application.   

FAQs

I want to become a citizen of the U.S. Can I file Form N-600? 

No, Form N-600 is only filed to get proof of attaining U.S. citizenship on a particular date and is not a request/application to become a U.S. Citizen. 

I lost my U.S. citizenship certificate. Can I file Form N-600 to replace it?

No, if you lost your citizenship certificate or it was stolen, then you cannot file Form N-600. Instead, you should file USCIS Form N-565 to replace the naturalization/citizenship certificate.