Practice areas
N-600: proving you are already a U.S. citizen
For people who became citizens automatically through a parent.
Consultations by phone, Zoom or WhatsApp, in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
Short answer
Many people are already U.S. citizens without knowing it, because a parent naturalized while they were a minor green card holder. Form N-600 does not make you a citizen, it documents citizenship you already acquired, and it is the cleanest way to prove it besides a passport.
Get documentary proof of citizenship you already hold.
What is form N-600?
Form N-600, officially known as the "Application for Certificate of Citizenship," is a crucial document for individuals born outside the United States to U.S. citizen parents. It serves as evidence of U.S. citizenship for those who may not have been born on U.S. soil but are still legally recognized as U.S. citizens. Obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship can be essential for various purposes, including applying for a U.S. passport or seeking immigration benefits for family members. It provides legal proof of citizenship, ensuring you can access the full range of rights and privileges afforded to U.S. citizens.
Who should file form N-600?
Form N-600 is designed for children born outside the United States to U.S. citizen parents, whether biological or adoptive. To qualify, the child must be under 18, residing in the U.S., and have the legal and physical custody of their U.S. citizen parent.
The Certificate of Citizenship is issued under two primary categories:
Acquisition of Citizenship: This applies to children born outside the U.S. to at least one U.S. citizen parent.
Derivation of Citizenship: This applies to children whose parents are lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and later acquire U.S. citizenship.
In both cases, the Certificate of Citizenship confirms the child's legal status as a U.S. citizen.
How to apply for a certificate of citizenship
Applying for a Certificate of Citizenship can be done online or by mail. For those who prefer to file online, the process starts by creating an account on the USCIS website and following the step-by-step instructions. Filing online offers a streamlined approach, allowing real-time updates and accessible communication with USCIS.
If filing by mail, you must download and print Form N-600, sign it, and include all the required documents. Send the application to the correct USCIS mailing address to avoid delays. Any missing or incomplete documentation may result in processing delays or requests for additional information.
Required documents for form N-600 application
When submitting your N-600 application, it's essential to include specific supporting documents to prove your eligibility for a Certificate of Citizenship. The following items are typically required:
- Two 2-inch-by-2-inch passport-style photos
- The applicant's birth certificate or record
- Proof of the parent's U.S. citizenship (e.g., U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization)
- The U.S. citizen parent's birth certificate
Depending on your situation, you may also need to provide:
- Evidence of either parent's U.S. national status
- Proof of the U.S. citizen parent's physical presence in the United States
- The U.S. citizen parent's marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Documentation regarding any previous marriages (if applicable)
- Legal custody and legitimation documents for children born out of wedlock
- Adoption decrees and re-adoption evidence for adopted children
- Proof of all legal name changes
In some cases, USCIS may require applicants to attend an in-person interview. This determination is made based on the evidence submitted with the application.
Once USCIS processes your application, you'll receive a 13-character identification number, which you can use to track the status of your case online through the USCIS Case Status tool.
Ready to resolve your case? Contact 360 immigration law group today
At 360 Immigration Law Group, we bring over 30 years of combined experience to help clients navigate complex immigration processes like applying for a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600). Our dedicated team offers personalized service, ensuring you understand every step of the process and meet all the legal requirements. We provide free consultations and can assist you by phone, Zoom, or WhatsApp. Whether you have questions about eligibility, need help with your paperwork, or want guidance on obtaining your Certificate of Citizenship, we are here to support you.
Who qualifies?
A parent was or became a U.S. citizen
By birth or naturalization.
You were under 18 when it happened
And a lawful permanent resident at the time, in most cases.
You were in the parent's legal and physical custody
Custody orders matter in divorced families.
You can document each link
Birth certificates, naturalization certificate, green card and custody records.
Schedule a case evaluation
Tell us your situation. We will tell you honestly whether you have a case.
Schedule Free Case EvaluationWe reply within 1 business day, in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
Do you qualify? A four-question check
Do you qualify? A four-question check
Four questions. Nothing you answer is stored or sent to us.
What does the process look like?
Trace the law by date
1 to 2 weeks
Which statute applied depends on when you and your parent hit each milestone.
Assemble the documentary chain
3 to 6 weeks
Birth, marriage, custody and naturalization records.
File the N-600
Filing week
Or, where faster, apply directly for a U.S. passport.
Certificate issued
6 to 14 months
Proof for employment, benefits and passports.
How long does it take?
N-600 applications currently take roughly 6 to 14 months. A U.S. passport application based on the same evidence is often faster and, for many families, the better first step.
What does it cost?
Flat fee.
This is a documentation case, so we price it flat. If a passport application would get you the same proof faster and cheaper, we will say so.
Government filing fees are set by the agencies and are not part of our fee.
Frequently asked questions
Probably, if you were a green card holder in his custody at the time. The exact dates decide it.
Contact
Tell us about your case
Send us the basics and we'll reply within one business day in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
- We reply within one business day, in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
- Consultations by phone, Zoom or WhatsApp.
- Attorney input is part of our case evaluation process from the start. The information you share is carefully reviewed with an attorney.
Take the Next Step Today
Whether you need help with a visa, a green card, or deportation defense, we're ready to help.
Reach out to our trusted immigration law attorneys in Coral Springs and South Florida.