N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship

Form N-600 is used to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship. This is for individuals who are U.S. citizens by birth or through their parents but who do not have a U.S. birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. It is the official documentation of U.S. citizenship for individuals who were born outside the U.S. or may have become citizens through their parents' naturalization.

Who Can File - Eligibility

1-Born Abroad to U.S. Citizen Parents:
If you were born outside the U.S. but one or both of your parents were U.S. citizens at the time of your birth, you may have automatically acquired U.S. citizenship.
2-Children Born Abroad After Parents Became U.S. Citizens:
If your parents became U.S. citizens after your birth but before you turned 18, and you were living in the U.S. or in certain territories as a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), you may be able to claim U.S. citizenship.
3-Derived U.S. Citizenship:
If you were a minor under 18 years old and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. when your parent(s) became U.S. citizens, you may have derived citizenship.

Requirements

1-You Must Be a U.S. Citizen:
To file Form N-600, you must already be a U.S. citizen. This means you either acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through your parent(s) or at birth.
2-Residency Requirements:
For individuals applying based on acquisition of citizenship, they generally must meet certain residency requirements, including living in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident before the age of 18.
3-Proof of U.S. Citizenship:
If you are claiming U.S. citizenship through your parents, you will need to submit proof of their citizenship and your relationship to them (such as birth certificates, naturalization certificates, or other documentation).

Required Documentation

1-Completed Form N-600:
Fill out Form N-600 completely and sign it.
2-Proof of U.S. Citizenship (for your parents, if applicable):
-Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate of the U.S. citizen parent(s).
-Birth Certificate of the applicant showing the parent-child relationship.
3-Proof of Residency:
Provide documentation showing your permanent resident status (e.g., Green Card), if you are applying based on deriving citizenship while under 18.
4-Proof of Relationship to U.S. Citizen Parent(s):
Birth Certificate(s) showing the names of your parents and your birthdate, or adoption records, if applicable.
5-Proof of Legal Custody (if applicable):
If claiming citizenship through a parent who is a U.S. citizen, you may need to show proof of legal custody and residency requirements for derived citizenship.
6-Photographs:
Two passport-style photos (required for applicants applying by mail).
7-Fee Payment:
The filing fee is $1,170, which includes the filing fee of $1,160 and the biometrics fee of $85.

Filing Fee

The filing fee for Form N-600 is $1,170, which includes the application fee of $1,160 and a biometrics fee of $85 for fingerprinting and background checks.
Fee Waiver:
You can request a fee waiver for Form N-600 by submitting Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) if you meet certain financial eligibility criteria.