Overview

If you were born outside of the United States but you're a U.S...ps://www.uscis.gov/n-600) to get a Certificate of Citizenship.

This certificate is your official proof of U.S. citizenship fo...passport, registering for school, and even working in the U.S.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to k...dn’t file it), how to apply, what the filing fee is, and more.

What is Form N-600?

Form N-600 (https://www.uscis.gov/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 citizensh ip after your U.S. citiz...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 (https://www.uscis.gov/n-400).

Under the INA (https://www.uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/legislation/immigration-and-nationality-act), 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.

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.

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.

Children Who Automatically Acquired Citizenship

Children who are lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when a parent naturalizes—if they meet certain requirements.

Eligibility Requirements:

• You were under 18 years old when your parent became a U.S. citizen.
• You were a lawful permanent resident (LPR).
• You were living in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of your U.S. citizen parent.

Adopted Children

Adopted children may also qualify for a Certificate of Citizenship through Form N-600 if they met the criteria for automatic citizenship or derived citizenship under applicable law.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The child was adopted before turning 16 (or before 18 in some sibling cases).
• The adoption was finalized and meets U.S. immigration law requirements.
• The child met residency and custody requirements for citizenship (if applicable).

Who Should Not File Form N-600

Form N-600 is not for people who are trying to become U.S. citizens through naturalization. If you are not already a U.S. citizen by law, you would typically apply for naturalization using Form N-400 (https://www.uscis.gov/n-400).

You also generally should not file Form N-600 if you already have a valid U.S. passport, since a passport is widely accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship.

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

Form N-600 is used to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship if you already acquired citizenship automatically or at birth and need proof.

Form N-600K (https://www.uscis.gov/n-600k) is used for children who live outside the U.S. and are applying to become U.S. citizens through a U.S. citizen parent under specific statutory requirements.

Which one you use depends on whether the child already is a U.S. citizen by operation of law (N-600) or is seeking citizenship through the N-600K process.

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

USCIS publishes operational data that can provide general context around N-600 outcomes and timing, but individual processing times can vary significantly depending on the field office, workload, and evidence issues.

The article’s published snapshot references an average processing time range (8–14 months as of April 2025), while emphasizing that backlogs and missing evidence can increase delays.

How to File the N-600

To file Form N-600, you’ll typically complete the application, gather supporting evidence, and submit it to USCIS along with the required filing fee (or a fee waiver request if eligible).

USCIS may require biometrics and, in some cases, an interview. If USCIS needs additional information, it may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE).

Supporting documents commonly include proof of the child’s identity and citizenship claim—such as birth certificates, a parent’s proof of U.S. citizenship, and legal custody/adoption/legitimation records where applicable.

Common Reasons for Form N-600 Rejections

• Missing or incomplete supporting documents.
• Insufficient evidence to prove the child’s citizenship claim (e.g., physical presence, custody, legitimation).
• Incorrect filing fee amount or missing payment.
• Failure to sign the form or provide required information.
• Submitting inconsistent information that triggers follow-up or an RFE.

N-600 Processing Time

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 USCIS issues an RFE, your case timeline can extend depending on how quickly you respond and the complexity of what USCIS requests.

N-600 Filing Fee

The filing fee depends on how you file and USCIS fee rules in effect at the time of submission. Always confirm the current fee on USCIS before filing to avoid rejection for incorrect payment.

Fee Waiver (If Eligible)

• Your household income is below 150% of the federal pove...
• You receive means-tested benefits (like SNAP, Medicaid) You’...
• You can demonstrate financial hardship that prevents you from paying the fee.

To request a waiver, include Form I-912 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-912) with your application and supporting evidence of your financial hardship.