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

Learn how to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship with Form N-600 in this step-by-step guide, covering eligibility, required documents, filing instructions, processing times, fees, and common mistakes to avoid.

By:

Chelsea Spinos

Chelsea Spinos is a contributing writer for Manifest Law. She covers all topics related to U.S. visas and green cards. She is passionate about helping people navigate their immigration journey with clarity and confidence.

Reviewer:

Nicole Gunara

Nicole Gunara is a Principal Immigration Lawyer at Manifest Law, PLLC. Nicole is a creative, solutions-oriented attorney with >7 years of experience and over 2,000 successful prior cases.

7 min read • April 18, 2025

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

Key takeaways

Form N-600 is used to request a Certificate of Citizenship if you are already a U.S. citizen by law—typically through birth abroad to U.S. citizen parents or automatic acquisition after a parent’s naturalization under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

You shouldn't file Form N-600 if you're applying for naturalization—use Form N-400 instead—or if you already have a valid U.S. passport.

Filing Form N-600 requires supporting documents like birth certificates, your parent’s proof of citizenship, and legal custody, adoption, or legitimation records if applicable.

The average processing time for Form N-600 is 8–14 months as of April 2025, but delays may occur due to case backlog or missing evidence.

If you were born outside of the United States but you're a U.S. citizen by law, or if you're the parent or legal guardian of a child who automatically acquired U.S. citizenship, you might need to file Form N-600 to get a Certificate of Citizenship.

This certificate is your official proof of U.S. citizenship for those born outside of the United States. It’s vital for such individuals to access benefits like a U.S. passport, registering for school, and even working in the U.S.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Form N-600—what it is, who should file it (and who shouldn’t file it), how to apply, what the filing fee is, and more.

A person holds a document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services while another person sits in the background. Form N-600

What is Form N-600?

Form N-600, officially titled the Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is used if you're a child of a U.S. citizen or became a citizen automatically but need official documentation. This includes both biological and adopted children, as well as children born out of wedlock who have since been legitimated.

You might be eligible for this if:

You were born abroad to U.S. citizen parents and want to prove your U.S. citizenship.
You automatically gained citizenship after your U.S. citizen father or U.S. citizen mother became naturalized, and you were under 18 years of age at the time.

This form does not apply to those seeking to become U.S. citizens—that would require Form N-400.

Under the INA, children who meet these criteria often qualify for automatic acquisition of citizenship without needing to go through the naturalization process.

Immigration: Form N-600 does not apply if you are trying to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization (you would use Form N-400 for that). Instead, Form N-600 is for those who are already U.S. citizens, meeting the specific eligibility requirements.

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Key Benefits of Filing the N-600

Obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship provides:

Permanent, legal proof of U.S. citizenship, which is especially valuable if you don’t have a U.S. birth certificate or passport.
Proof of identity for government programs, school records, Social Security, and more.
Easier passport applications and simplified re-entry when traveling abroad.
Documentation often needed for immigration benefits such as sponsoring family members.
Confirmation of status for green card holders who automatically gained citizenship and no longer need to renew permanent resident status.

Obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship provides:

Permanent, legal proof of U.S. citizenship, which is especially valuable if you don’t have a U.S. birth certificate or passport.
Proof of identity for government programs, school records, Social Security, and more.
Easier passport applications and simplified re-entry when traveling abroad.
Documentation often needed for immigration benefits such as sponsoring family members.
Confirmation of status for green card holders who automatically gained citizenship and no longer need to renew permanent resident status.

A man's hand holding a pen, writing on a sheet of paper. Form N-600

Who Should File Form N-600

Form N-600 is for people who already qualify as U.S. citizens under immigration law and need official proof of their status.

Children Born Abroad to U.S. Citizens

If you were born outside the U.S. and one or both of your parents were U.S. citizens at the time of your date of birth, you may already be a U.S. citizen by law. Filing Form N-600 helps obtain formal documentation.

Eligibility Requirements:

Your parent(s) met physical presence requirements in the U.S. prior to your birth.
At least one parent held U.S. citizenship at the time of your child’s birth.

If the child was born out of wedlock, legitimation or other evidence of the parent-child relationship may be required. This is especially true when claiming citizenship through a U.S. citizen father.

Children Who Automatically Gained Citizenship After Birth

If you were under 18 when your parent became a U.S. citizen, you may have acquired citizenship automatically—especially if you were in the legal and physical custody of that parent and held lawful permanent resident status (a green card) at the time.

This includes children in the care of a legal guardian or those who were legally adopted.

Eligibility Requirements:

Proof of the parent’s naturalization
Evidence of the child's legal custody, such as adoption decrees, court orders, or affidavits

Form N-600 is for people who already qualify as U.S. citizens under immigration law and need official proof of their status.

Children Born Abroad to U.S. Citizens

Eligibility Requirements:

Your parent(s) met physical presence requirements in the U.S. prior to your birth.
At least one parent held U.S. citizenship at the time of your child’s birth.

If the child was born out of wedlock, legitimation or other evidence of the parent-child relationship may be required. This is especially true when claiming citizenship through a U.S. citizen father.

Children Who Automatically Gained Citizenship After Birth

This includes children in the care of a legal guardian or those who were legally adopted.

Eligibility Requirements:

Proof of the parent’s naturalization
Evidence of the child's legal custody, such as adoption decrees, court orders, or affidavits

Parents Filing for Minor Children: A U.S. citizen parent or legal guardian can file Form N-600 on behalf of a minor child who meets the criteria listed above.

A woman's hand holding a pen, writing notes on a clipboard. Form N-600

Who Should Not File Form N-600

Form N-600 is specifically for those who are already U.S. citizens by law but need formal proof of their citizenship. It is not for:

Those seeking to become U.S. citizens: If you're looking to become a U.S. citizen (naturalization), you need to file Form N-400, not Form N-600.
Those who are not U.S. citizens by law: If you haven’t met the legal criteria to become a U.S. citizen, you cannot file this form.
Those who already have proof of citizenship: If you already have a U.S. passport and don’t need another form of proof, you don’t need to file Form N-600.
Those who have not met legal requirements under the INA for acquiring citizenship.

In short, if you’re already a U.S. citizen by law and you need official proof of that citizenship, then Form N-600 is for you. If you're not yet a U.S. citizen or do not have a qualifying claim to automatic citizenship, you should not file Form N-600.

Form N-600 is specifically for those who are already U.S. citizens by law but need formal proof of their citizenship. It is not for:

Those seeking to become U.S. citizens: If you're looking to become a U.S. citizen (naturalization), you need to file Form N-400, not Form N-600.
Those who are not U.S. citizens by law: If you haven’t met the legal criteria to become a U.S. citizen, you cannot file this form.
Those who already have proof of citizenship: If you already have a U.S. passport and don’t need another form of proof, you don’t need to file Form N-600.
Those who have not met legal requirements under the INA for acquiring citizenship.

A woman and a little girl sit together in a sunny field, surrounded by green grass and wildflowers. Form N-600

N-600 vs. N-600K: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to note that there is another form related to the N-600 — the Form N-600K.

Form N-600K is for children under 18 who are living outside the U.S. but are claiming U.S. citizenship through their U.S. citizen parents. This form is used primarily for children born abroad to U.S. citizens, or children who have gained citizenship through their parents’ naturalization, but who are living or regularly residing outside the United States at the time of the application.

Form N-600K helps to confirm their U.S. citizenship status, making it possible for them to apply for a U.S. passport or prove their citizenship when they return to the U.S.

It’s important to note that there is another form related to the N-600 — the Form N-600K.

Form N-600K helps to confirm their U.S. citizenship status, making it possible for them to apply for a U.S. passport or prove their citizenship when they return to the U.S.

Criteria

Who is it for?

Proof of citizenship

Eligibility

Form N-600

Individuals living in the U.S.

U.S. citizens by birth or through parents' naturalization

U.S. citizens by birth or parents' naturalization

Form N-600K

Children regularly living outside the U.S.

Children of U.S. citizens living abroad

Children under 18 with U.S. citizen parents abroad

A stamp applied to a document, indicating approval or verification. Form N-600

FY2024 Form N-600 Approvals, Denials, and Processing Time

The numbers show that USCIS processed over 80,000 N-600 applications in the past year, with a relatively quick average processing time of 4.4 months. However, a large backlog of 42,000+ pending cases remains, which explains the uptick in processing times as of April 2025 — so applying early is recommended.

Learn more about N-600 processing times here.

Metric

Forms Received

Approved

Denied

Total Completions

Pending Cases

Avg. Processing Time

4th Quarter

Individuals living in the U.S.

U.S. citizens by birth or through parents' naturalization

U.S. citizens by birth or parents' naturalization

17,641

42,458

4.4 months

Fiscal Year-to-Date

Children regularly living outside the U.S.

Children of U.S. citizens living abroad

Children under 18 with U.S. citizen parents abroad

80,198

42,458

—

Source: USCIS Immigration and Citizenship Data

How to File the N-600

Filing the N-600 is a straightforward process, but does require some preparation. Here’s what you will need to do:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents – You’ll need to provide evidence that proves:

Your identity and legal name
Your date of birth
Your relationship to a U.S. citizen parent (or legal guardian)
Parent’s citizenship (passport, Certificate of Naturalization, etc.)
Any relevant adoption or custody records
Proof of parent’s physical presence in the U.S.
Certified translations, if documents are not in English

Supporting documents may also include affidavits, school records, or medical documents.

Common documents include:

Birth certificate (with translation, if not in English)
Marriage certificate of parents (if needed)
U.S. passport or naturalization certificate of parent
Green card or permanent resident card
Adoption decree or legal custody paperwork (if applicable)
Proof of physical presence in the U.S. (for parents born abroad)

Step 2: Complete the Form – You can file Form N-600 either:

Online using your USCIS online account
By mail—ensure your mailing address is accurate and includes a P.O. Box if relevant

Use black ink if completing the paper form by hand.

Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee: As of April 2025, the standard filing fee is $1,385.

Pay by credit card, check, or money order

You may request a waiver by filing Form I-912 with evidence of financial hardship or receipt of public benefits

Step 4: Attend Appointments (if needed) – USCIS may request a biometrics appointment where they will take your photo and fingerprints, and potentially an interview at a local USCIS office if more documentation is needed.

Step 5: Wait for Approval – If your application is approved, you’ll receive your Certificate of Citizenship by mail at the mailing address listed in your application.

Filing the N-600 is a straightforward process, but does require some preparation. Here’s what you will need to do:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents – You’ll need to provide evidence that proves:

Your identity and legal name
Your date of birth
Your relationship to a U.S. citizen parent (or legal guardian)
Parent’s citizenship (passport, Certificate of Naturalization, etc.)
Any relevant adoption or custody records
Proof of parent’s physical presence in the U.S.
Certified translations, if documents are not in English

Supporting documents may also include affidavits, school records, or medical documents.

Common documents include:

Birth certificate (with translation, if not in English)
Marriage certificate of parents (if needed)
U.S. passport or naturalization certificate of parent
Green card or permanent resident card
Adoption decree or legal custody paperwork (if applicable)
Proof of physical presence in the U.S. (for parents born abroad)

Step 2: Complete the Form – You can file Form N-600 either:

Online using your USCIS online account
By mail—ensure your mailing address is accurate and includes a P.O. Box if relevant

Use black ink if completing the paper form by hand.

Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee: As of April 2025, the standard filing fee is $1,385.

Pay by credit card, check, or money order

You may request a waiver by filing Form I-912 with evidence of financial hardship or receipt of public benefits

Step 5: Wait for Approval – If your application is approved, you’ll receive your Certificate of Citizenship by mail at the mailing address listed in your application.

A person stamping a "Rejected" mark on a document, indicating disapproval or denial of the content. Form N-600

Common Reasons for Form N-600 Rejections

To avoid delays and potential denials, it’s important to understand the reasons why Form N-600 applications can be rejected.

1. Applying for the wrong form

One of the most common reasons people face rejection is submitting the wrong form. While Form N-600 is used for those who are already U.S. citizens and need proof of their citizenship, some applicants mistakenly file Form N-600 when they should be filing Form N-400.

Form N-400 is for individuals who are not U.S. citizens but are seeking to become U.S. citizens through the process of naturalization.

Form N-600 is for individuals who are already U.S. citizens, either by birth to U.S. citizen parents or through automatic citizenship from their parents’ naturalization, and simply need official proof of citizenship.

1. Applying for the wrong form

Form N-400 is for individuals who are not U.S. citizens but are seeking to become U.S. citizens through the process of naturalization.

How to avoid this mistake: Double-check your status before applying. If you're applying to become a U.S. citizen, use Form N-400. If you're applying to prove your citizenship (for example, to get a U.S. passport), Form N-600 is the right choice.

2. Missing proof of citizenship

Since Form N-600 is all about proving citizenship, your application will be rejected if you fail to provide sufficient evidence.

Here are some common reasons for rejection due to insufficient proof of citizenship:

Proof of Parent’s Citizenship: If you’re filing based on your parent’s citizenship, you must provide proof (e.g., U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or U.S. birth certificate).
Proof of Physical Presence: For certain N-600 applications, you must show that at least one U.S. citizen parent was physically present in the U.S. for the required time (typically 5-10 years).
Proof of Legal Custody: If you gained citizenship after birth, you need to prove that you were in the legal custody of a U.S. citizen parent (e.g., adoption papers, custody orders).
Failure to Translate Documents: Documents not in English must be translated with a certified translation.

2. Missing proof of citizenship

Since Form N-600 is all about proving citizenship, your application will be rejected if you fail to provide sufficient evidence.

Here are some common reasons for rejection due to insufficient proof of citizenship:

Proof of Parent’s Citizenship: If you’re filing based on your parent’s citizenship, you must provide proof (e.g., U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or U.S. birth certificate).
Proof of Physical Presence: For certain N-600 applications, you must show that at least one U.S. citizen parent was physically present in the U.S. for the required time (typically 5-10 years).
Proof of Legal Custody: If you gained citizenship after birth, you need to prove that you were in the legal custody of a U.S. citizen parent (e.g., adoption papers, custody orders).
Failure to Translate Documents: Documents not in English must be translated with a certified translation.

How to avoid this mistake: Ensure all required documents are included, up-to-date, and properly formatted. Remember to provide certified translations if needed.

3. Not filling out Form N-600 completely or accurately

Another common pitfall is submitting an incomplete or improperly filled-out form.ng citizenship, your application will be rejected if you fail to provide sufficient evidence.

Common errors include:

Missing signatures
Incorrect personal information (such as a misspelled name or incorrect birth date)
Leaving fields blank when they should be filled out
Not answering all relevant questions in the form
Incorrectly choosing the filing category (e.g., choosing the wrong applicant type or selecting the wrong fee waiver option)
Incorrect contact information

3. Not filling out Form N-600 completely or accurately

Another common pitfall is submitting an incomplete or improperly filled-out form.ng citizenship, your application will be rejected if you fail to provide sufficient evidence.

Common errors include:

Missing signatures
Incorrect personal information (such as a misspelled name or incorrect birth date)
Leaving fields blank when they should be filled out
Not answering all relevant questions in the form
Incorrectly choosing the filing category (e.g., choosing the wrong applicant type or selecting the wrong fee waiver option)
Incorrect contact information

How to avoid this mistake: Before submitting Form N-600, take the time to read the instructions and review every section of the form. Make sure all questions are answered truthfully and completely. If you’re unsure about how to fill out any part of the form, you can request a consultation from Manifest Law to speak with an immigration attorney.

4. Not Meeting Eligibility Criteria

Sometimes, applications are rejected because eligibility requirements aren’t meant. Examples include:

Assuming you’re a citizen without meeting residency or age requirements
Lacking a legal parent-child relationship (especially for children born out of wedlock without legitimation)

When in doubt, seek immigration advice before filing. Request a consultation with Manifest Law to learn more about eligibility requirements.

4. Not Meeting Eligibility Criteria

Sometimes, applications are rejected because eligibility requirements aren’t meant. Examples include:

Assuming you’re a citizen without meeting residency or age requirements
Lacking a legal parent-child relationship (especially for children born out of wedlock without legitimation)

When in doubt, seek immigration advice before filing. Request a consultation with Manifest Law to learn more about eligibility requirements.

How to avoid this mistake: Review the eligibility requirements for Form N-600 on the USCIS website. If you're uncertain whether you qualify, it may be helpful to consult with an immigration attorney to verify your status and avoid filing unnecessarily.

5. Submitting the Wrong Supporting Documents

If you submit the wrong documents or incomplete sets of documents, delays or rejections may happen. For example:

Submitting only a parent’s naturalization certificate without evidence of the parent’s physical presence in the U.S. (for children born abroad)
Submitting a photocopy of a document rather than an original or certified copy
Missing documents (e.g., not including your own birth certificate or a translation of your non-English documents, or school records, affidavits, and custody rulings as needed)

5. Submitting the Wrong Supporting Documents

If you submit the wrong documents or incomplete sets of documents, delays or rejections may happen. For example:

Submitting only a parent’s naturalization certificate without evidence of the parent’s physical presence in the U.S. (for children born abroad)
Submitting a photocopy of a document rather than an original or certified copy
Missing documents (e.g., not including your own birth certificate or a translation of your non-English documents, or school records, affidavits, and custody rulings as needed)

How to avoid this mistake: Before submitting your application, carefully check the USCIS instructions to ensure you're including all the required documentation. Double-check that the documents are complete, legible, and properly formatted. If any documents are in a foreign language, be sure to include a certified English translation.

Image illustrating steps to create a business calendar, featuring tools, templates, and planning strategies. Form N-600

N-600 Processing Time

Processing times can vary depending on your USCIS office and how complex your case is. As of April 2025, the average processing time for N-600 is between 8-14 months.

You can check the most up-to-date estimates on the USCIS website, and read more about N-600 processing time in this blog post.

N-600 Filing Fee

As of April 2025, the filing fee for Form N-600 is $1,385.

You may be eligible for a fee waiver if:

Your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty level
You receive means-tested benefits (like SNAP, Medicaid)
You’re experiencing financial hardship

To request a waiver, include Form I-912 with your application and supporting evidence of your financial hardship. Read more about eligibility in our comprehensive blog post on the I-912.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to submit original documents or copies for the N-600?

USCIS generally accepts clear photocopies of documents when filing. However, if USCIS requires an interview or sends a Request for Evidence (RFE), they may ask to see originals at that time.

What if my parent was a U.S. citizen but passed away? Can I still file N-600?

If you meet the eligibility requirements through your deceased parent, you can still file Form N-600. You’ll need to provide proof of the parent’s U.S. citizenship and your relationship, just as if they were alive.

Does the N-600 certificate expire?

No. Unlike a passport or green card, the Certificate of Citizenship is valid for life.

Take the First Step:

Request an evaluation

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General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

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Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law, PLLC

Take the First Step:

Request an evaluation

Discuss the visa options of interest to you

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request a consultation

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law, PLLC

Take the First Step:

Request an evaluation

Discuss the visa options of interest to you

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request a consultation

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law, PLLC

In this blog article:

What is Form N-600?

Key Benefits of Filing the N-600

Who Should File Form N-600

Who Should Not File Form N-600

N-600 vs. N-600K: What’s the Difference?

FY2024 Form N-600 Approvals, Denials, and Processing Time

How to File the N-600

Common Reasons for Form N-600 Rejections

N-600 Processing Time

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