N-600 – Certificate of Citizenship

Obtain official documentary proof of U.S. citizenship acquired at birth abroad or through a U.S. citizen parent.

Our Fee

$79

USCIS Fee

$1,170

Est. Completion

15–20 min

Processing Time

6–12 months

⚠️ ImmigrationSmile.com is not a law firm. We prepare forms only. USCIS fees are paid separately.

About Form N-600

Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is used to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship — an official U.S. government document that serves as primary proof of U.S. citizenship. It is typically filed by individuals who are already U.S. citizens by birth or through their U.S. citizen parents and need documentary evidence of that citizenship. This is different from naturalization: you are not becoming a citizen through this process — you are documenting citizenship that was automatically acquired.

Who Should File N-600?

Born Abroad to U.S. Citizen Parent(s)

If you were born outside the U.S. to at least one U.S. citizen parent who met residency requirements, you may have acquired citizenship at birth and can apply for a Certificate of Citizenship.

Acquired Citizenship Through Parent After Birth

If you were born outside the U.S. as a foreign national but later automatically acquired citizenship through naturalization of a U.S. citizen parent (under INA § 320 or § 321), you can file N-600 to document that citizenship.

LPR Children of Naturalized Citizens

Children who were permanent residents at the time their parent naturalized may have automatically acquired citizenship depending on their age and custody situation.

Already Have a U.S. Passport?

A valid U.S. passport is also proof of citizenship. If you already hold one, you may not need an N-600 unless you specifically need a Certificate for legal, employment, or other official purposes.

Documents Required

✓Applicant's foreign birth certificate with certified English translation
✓Proof of U.S. citizenship of parent(s) — U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or prior Certificate of Citizenship
✓Evidence of parent's residence in the U.S. before applicant's birth (if applicable under the relevant INA provision)
✓Marriage certificate of parents (to establish legitimacy where required)
✓Proof of applicant's legal permanent residence (green card) if acquiring through parent's naturalization
✓Two passport-style photos of the applicant
✓Evidence of physical presence or residence in the U.S. (if acquiring under INA § 320)

Requirements vary significantly based on the specific INA provision under which you are claiming citizenship. Consult the USCIS N-600 instructions carefully.

Steps to File

1
Determine the specific INA provision under which you are claiming citizenship (birth abroad, acquisition through parent, etc.)
2
Gather all evidence of your citizenship claim and supporting family documents
3
Complete the N-600 questionnaire using our software
4
Pay the $1,170 USCIS filing fee by check or money order
5
Mail the complete N-600 packet to the appropriate USCIS lockbox
6
Attend biometrics appointment (if scheduled)
7
Attend interview at your local USCIS field office
8
Receive your Certificate of Citizenship by mail

FAQs – N-600

Q: Do I need N-600 if I already have a U.S. passport?

A: A valid U.S. passport is accepted as proof of citizenship in most situations. However, certain legal, employment, or genealogical purposes may require a Certificate of Citizenship specifically.

Q: Is there a fee waiver available?

A: Fee waivers for N-600 are available in limited circumstances for qualifying individuals. You must file Form I-912 Request for Fee Waiver along with your N-600. Consult an attorney to determine eligibility.

Q: What is the difference between N-600 and N-600K?

A: N-600K is for children residing abroad with a U.S. citizen parent who will be temporarily brought to the U.S. to naturalize. N-600 is for those already in the U.S. or claiming citizenship already acquired.

Q: What if my citizenship claim is complex?

A: Citizenship acquisition law is highly technical and varies based on dates of birth, parents' birth dates, and residency timelines. An immigration attorney review is strongly recommended for complex cases.

Ready to Start?

Complete the continuous questionnaire to generate your print-ready packet.