A Certificate of Citizenship is the official proof of U.S. citizenship for individuals who were born abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s) or who automatically derived citizenship from their parents after birth. This certificate is obtained by submitting Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Form N-600 can be filed online or by mail, and the average processing time is around three months. Applicants must include several supporting documents such as their birth certificate, proof of their parent’s U.S. citizenship, and passport-style photographs.
It’s important to note that Form N-600 is not for individuals born in the United States, as their U.S. birth certificate already serves as proof of citizenship. Likewise, those who became citizens through naturalization already receive a Certificate of Naturalization, not a Certificate of Citizenship.
For individuals born outside of the U.S. to American parents, the Certificate of Citizenship is the key document to confirm and prove U.S. citizenship. It can be used to apply for a U.S. passport, verify legal status, and support future immigration applications for relatives or spouses. Below is a detailed guide covering eligibility, filing instructions, fees, and required documentation—prepared by immigration attorneys at Green Card Link to help you navigate the process confidently.
Who Should File Form N-600?
Form N-600 should be filed by individuals who already have U.S. citizenship but need an official certificate as evidence of that status. The form serves as proof that an applicant is already recognized as a U.S. citizen.
N-600 Eligibility Requirements:
- You were born outside the United States to U.S. citizen parent(s).
- You became a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and later derived citizenship through your parents.
- You are under 18 years old, and your U.S. citizen parent is filing the form on your behalf.
- You need official proof of citizenship for employment, passport issuance, or other legal matters.
Understanding “Acquisition” vs. “Derivation” of Citizenship
When applying for a Certificate of Citizenship, two key terms often appear—acquisition and derivation:
- Acquisition refers to citizenship obtained at birth for a person born abroad to U.S. citizen parents.
- Derivation refers to citizenship obtained after birth through the naturalization of one or both parents while the child is a lawful permanent resident.
Note: Stepchildren cannot acquire U.S. citizenship unless they have been legally adopted under U.S. law.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to File Form N-600
Form N-600 may be filed online through a USCIS account or by mailing a paper application. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link recommend filing online for easier tracking, real-time updates, and faster communication with USCIS.
Step 1: Choose Your Filing Method
- Online Filing:
Create or log in to your USCIS online account and follow the digital submission instructions. - Paper Filing:
Download the latest version of Form N-600, complete it neatly in black ink, attach all required evidence, and mail it to the appropriate USCIS lockbox address (based on your current residence).
Step 2: Completing Each Section of Form N-600
Section 1: Eligibility Information
Specify whether you are the biological or adopted child of a U.S. citizen, a child born via surrogacy, or another qualifying category. Provide a clear explanation of your eligibility basis.
Section 2: Information About the Applicant
Enter your personal details or, if you are filing on behalf of a minor, your child’s information. Include:
- Full name, date of birth, USCIS/A-number, and Social Security number (if applicable).
- Type of immigration document used for U.S. admission (visa, I-94, etc.).
- Details on lawful permanent resident status, including adjustment of status date and location.
- Prior applications for citizenship or passport (if any).
- Adoption details (if applicable) and biographic information such as height, weight, race, and eye color.
Section 3: Biological Parent Information
Provide information about the U.S. citizen parent(s) through whom citizenship is claimed, including full names, dates and countries of birth, citizenship status, addresses, and marital history.
Section 4: Adoptive Parent Information
If citizenship is being claimed through adoptive parents, include equivalent details about them.
Section 5: Legal Guardian Information
Only complete this section if a legal guardian—not a biological or adoptive parent—is submitting the form on behalf of the child.
Section 6: Parent’s Physical Presence in the U.S.
List the dates your U.S. citizen parent(s) were physically present in the United States from their birth until your own. This is critical for applicants born abroad.
Section 7: Parent’s Military Service
If your U.S. citizen parent(s) served in the military, list service dates, duty details, and discharge type (honorable, dishonorable, or other).
Section 8: Applicant’s Certification and Signature
Confirm that all information is accurate and that you understand English (or have used an interpreter). Certify that all evidence provided is authentic and unaltered.
Section 9: Interpreter’s Information
If an interpreter helped complete the form, they must provide their full name, address, contact details, and certify under penalty of perjury that they are fluent in both English and the applicant’s native language.
Section 10: Preparer’s Information
If someone else (such as an immigration attorney at Green Card Link) prepared your form, they must include their full name, mailing address, and contact information, and sign the declaration.
Section 11: Additional Information
Use this space to provide any extra explanations or details not covered in the previous sections.
Section 12: Affidavit (if required)
Do not complete this section unless instructed during a USCIS interview. The requirement for an affidavit is determined case by case.
Section 13: USCIS Officer Review
This final section is for USCIS use only. Do not write anything here.
N-600 Processing Time (2025 Update)
According to the latest USCIS data, the average Form N-600 processing time in 2025 is approximately 3 months. However, this timeframe may vary depending on which USCIS service center is managing your case and whether your application is complete and accurate. Submitting a properly prepared and well-documented application can help reduce unnecessary delays.
If you want to ensure your application is handled efficiently, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can review your filing and help you avoid costly mistakes that often cause delays.
💰 N-600 Filing Fees
The USCIS filing fee for Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) is:
- $1,385 when filed on paper
- $1,335 when filed online
These fees are subject to change, so always check the official USCIS website or consult an immigration attorney at Green Card Link before submitting payment.
📋 N-600 Required Documents
When submitting your N-600 application, you’ll need to include the following supporting evidence:
- Passport-style photographs (2×2 inches, identical) — either taken at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) in the U.S. or obtained abroad
- Official birth certificate or record issued by your country’s civil authority
- U.S. citizen parent’s birth certificate
- Parents’ marriage certificate
- Proof of your parent’s U.S. citizenship, such as:
- U.S. birth certificate
- Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- Valid U.S. passport
Additional Documents (if applicable)
Depending on your situation, you may also need to include:
- Proof of your own U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of legitimacy (if born out of wedlock)
- Parents’ divorce or separation decrees
- Evidence of parent’s physical presence in the U.S. (school, employment, mortgage, or tax records)
- Legal custody documentation (if parents are divorced)
- Adoption decree
- Proof of legal name change
If you apply online, upload these documents through your USCIS account. If applying by mail, include copies with your printed application package.
🇺🇸 Documents That Prove U.S. Citizenship
If you were born or adopted by a U.S. citizen parent, you may already be considered a U.S. citizen by law before turning 18. Common documents that serve as proof of citizenship include:
- U.S. birth certificate
- Form N-550 (Certificate of Naturalization)
- Form N-560 (Certificate of Citizenship)
- Form FS-240 (Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen)
- Valid U.S. passport
Automatic Citizenship Under INA Section 320
Under Section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), a child born outside the United States automatically becomes a U.S. citizen if all of the following are true:
- At least one parent (including adoptive parent) is a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization
- The child is under 18 years old
- The child is lawfully residing in the U.S. under the custody of the U.S. citizen parent
- The child is a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
If your child meets these requirements, filing Form N-600 will help you obtain their official Certificate of Citizenship.
👉 Apply for U.S. citizenship proof today — contact Green Card Link for professional guidance and a free consultation.
⚠️ Who Should Not File Form N-600
You do not need to file Form N-600 if:
- You were born in the U.S. — your birth certificate serves as proof of citizenship
- You are a naturalized citizen — your Certificate of Naturalization is sufficient proof
- You are living abroad — instead, apply for a U.S. passport through a U.S. embassy or consulate
- Neither of your parents is a U.S. citizen
💡 N-600 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I get a replacement Certificate of Citizenship?
If your original certificate was lost, stolen, or damaged, you may request a replacement by filing Form N-565 with USCIS.
Can I apply for a fee waiver for Form N-600?
Yes. To request an N-600 fee waiver, submit Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) and demonstrate one of the following:
- You or your spouse are the head of household and currently receive means-tested benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI
- Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- You are experiencing financial hardship (e.g., unexpected medical expenses)
Because USCIS fees can change, always verify the current filing amount before submitting your payment
How do I pay the N-600 fee?
You can pay by check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
Do not abbreviate as “USDHS” or “DHS.”
If applying from outside the United States, contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for payment instructions.
Failure to pay the correct amount may result in your application being rejected.
What’s the difference between Form N-400 and Form N-600?
- Form N-600 is for individuals who are already U.S. citizens by birth or parentage and need an official Certificate of Citizenship.
- Form N-400 is for lawful permanent residents (green card holders) seeking to naturalize as U.S. citizens.
If you acquired citizenship through your parents before turning 18, use Form N-600. If you are applying to become a citizen, use Form N-400.
How long does it take to get Form N-600 approved?
On average, 3 months, though processing times may vary by USCIS center.
Does Form N-600 require an interview?
Interviews are scheduled at USCIS discretion. Some applicants may also need to provide fingerprints, photos, or signatures for identity verification.
Does my child need Form N-600?
If your child was born in the U.S., their birth certificate already proves citizenship.
However, if your child was born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, you can file Form N-600 to obtain their Certificate of Citizenship — even for adopted children.
Can I get a Certificate of Citizenship if my U.S. citizen parent is deceased?
In most cases, yes — as long as you were eligible for citizenship before your parent’s death. If not, you may still qualify under Section 322 of the INA.
Why might an N-600 application be denied?
Common reasons for denial include incomplete applications, missing documentation, or failure to meet the physical presence requirement for the U.S. citizen parent before the child’s birth abroad.
Is Form N-600 required to apply for a U.S. passport?
No. You can apply for a U.S. passport directly if you already have sufficient proof of citizenship.
Can I file Form N-400 and N-600 together?
No. These forms serve different purposes — one for obtaining proof of existing citizenship (N-600) and the other for becoming a citizen (N-400).
How can I check my N-600 case status?
After submitting your application, USCIS will issue a 13-digit receipt number. Use it on the USCIS Case Status Tool or check updates through your USCIS online account.
🤝 How Green Card Link Can Help
Filing Form N-600 incorrectly can cause significant delays or even denials. Because your Certificate of Citizenship is a crucial legal document, it’s best to have an expert handle it.
At Green Card Link, our experienced immigration attorneys have helped countless clients successfully secure their Certificates of Citizenship and other essential immigration benefits.
📞 Contact Green Card Link today for personalized legal guidance and get started on your path to citizenship confirmation.