Application for Certificate of Citizenship (paper)

Instructions for Application for
Certificate of Citizenship
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS
Form N-600

OMB No. 1615-0057
Expires 12/31/2018

What Is the Purpose of Form N-600?
Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is an application for a Certificate of Citizenship.

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Who Should File Form N-600?
You should file this application if:

1. You are requesting a Certificate of Citizenship because you were born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen
parent; or
2. You are requesting a Certificate of Citizenship because you automatically became a citizen of the United States after
birth, but before you turned 18 years of age. (A parent or legal guardian can also file Form N-600 on behalf of a
minor child.)
Citizenship law has changed over the years and different laws apply to determine whether you automatically became a
U.S. citizen at birth. If you are claiming U.S. citizenship based on your birth abroad to U.S. citizen parents, the law in
effect on the date of your birth applies. For purposes of these provisions, you must be the biological child of your U.S.
citizen parent, and different provisions may apply depending on whether you were born in wedlock or out-of-wedlock.
If you are claiming U.S. citizenship after birth, but before you reached 18 years of age, the law that applies to you is the
law in effect when the last qualifying condition was met. Generally, the conditions are listed below:
These conditions must be met before you turn 18 years of age:
1. Your parent must be a U.S. citizen;

2. You must be the biological child or adopted of that U.S. citizen parent;

3. You must be lawfully admitted to the United States for lawful permanent residence; and

4. You must be living in the United States in the legal and physical custody of your U.S. citizen parent.
You can file Form N-600 at any time if you became a U.S. citizen at birth or after birth, but before you turned 18 years
of age. Filing this application is NOT a request to become a U.S. citizen. Filing this application is ONLY a request to
obtain a Certificate of Citizenship which recognizes that you became a citizen on a particular date.
Adopted Child
An adopted child may also acquire U.S. citizenship through his or her adoptive U.S. citizen parent depending on the law
being applied. Currently, an adopted child can acquire U.S. citizenship through his or her U.S. citizen parent. However,
step children CANNOT acquire U.S. citizenship under this provision.
NOTE: If you are now 18 years of age, but all of the above conditions apply to you before your 18th birthday and you
were under 18 years of age on February 27, 2001 (the date the law took effect), you may file this application to obtain a
Certificate of Citizenship.
You may file this application if:
1. You claim to have acquired U.S. citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent and are now over 18 years of age; or
2. You are the U.S. citizen parent or legal guardian who has legal and physical custody of an adopted or biological child
(under 18 years of age).
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Law in Effect at the Time of Your Birth
To determine if you were born a U.S. citizen, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must look at the law
that was in effect at the time of your birth. The current law was enacted on November 14, 1986 and was last amended
on February 27, 2001 (Child Citizenship Act). If you were born before November 14, 1986, and believe you may be a
U.S. citizen, you should contact USCIS by visiting the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov or calling the USCIS National
Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.

Who Should Not File Form N-600?

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You should not file this application if:

1. You do not have at least one biological or adoptive U.S. citizen parent;

2. You are the child of a U.S. citizen parent and you regularly reside outside the United States. Refer to Form N-600K,
Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322;
3. You were born out-of-wedlock, you were not legitimated, and your only U.S. citizen parent is your father;
4. You are seeking to replace a lost or stolen certificate. Refer to Form N-565, Application for Replacement
Naturalization/Citizenship Document, for information to replace a lost or stolen certificate; or
5. You already filed Form N-600 and received a decision from USCIS on that previously filed Form N-600. USCIS will
reject (not accept) any subsequently filed Form N-600. Review your Form N-600 denial notice for more information.

General Instructions

USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS website. In order to view, print, or fill out our forms, you should
use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If you do
not have internet access, you may order USCIS forms by calling the Forms Request Line at 1-800-870-3676. The Forms
Request Line provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Signature. Each application must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this application, USCIS will not
accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. If you are under 14 years of age, your parent or legal
guardian may sign the application on your behalf. A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person.
Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the original, handwritten signature
valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten, ink
signature.
Filing Fee. Each application must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee and biometric services fee (if applicable).
(See the What Is the Filing Fee section of these Instructions.)
Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documents listed in the What Evidence
Must You Submit and/or Specific Instructions sections of these Instructions.
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide biometrics at any
time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background and security checks, including a check
of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), before making a decision on your
application or petition. After USCIS receives your application and ensures it is complete, we will inform you if you need
to attend a biometric services appointment. If an appointment is necessary, the notice will provide you the location of
your local or designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) and the date and time of your appointment.

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If you are required to provide biometrics, at your appointment you must sign an oath reaffirming that:
1. You provided or authorized all information in the application;
2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your application; and
3. All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
If you are a U.S. citizen filing this form on behalf of a child under the age of 14, you may provide your signature at the
ASC, instead of your child signing for themselves.
If you fail to attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your application.

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Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you
must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during
processing of an application or petition. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after
USCIS determines it no longer needs your original.
NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, your original documents may be
immediately destroyed after we receive them.
Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English
translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and
that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must also include the
translator’s signature, printed name, the signature date, and the translator’s contact information.
How To Fill Out Form N-600

1. Type or print legibly in black ink.

2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space provided in Part 11. Additional
Information or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
(if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer
refers; and sign and date each sheet.
3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been
married and the question asks “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A” unless otherwise
directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many
children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None” unless
otherwise directed.
4. Provide your A-Number (if any) on the top right corner of each page. Your A-Number is located on your Permanent
Resident Card (also known as the Alien Registration or “Green” Card). The A-Number on your card consists of seven
to nine numbers, depending on when your record was created. If the A-Number on your card has fewer than nine
numbers, place enough zeros before the first number to make a total of nine numbers on Form N-600. For example,
type or print number A1234567 as A001234567 or type or print number A12345678 as A012345678.

Specific Instructions
This application is divided into Parts 1. - 13.
Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility
Item Number 1. Select only one box that indicates why you are eligible for a Certificate of Citizenship. Select “Other”
if the basis for your eligibility is not described in any of the previous categories and type or print the basis for your
application on the lines provided. USCIS will reject your Form N-600 if you select more than one box.

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Part 2. Information About You
You must provide complete information about yourself if you are the person seeking a Certificate of Citizenship. If you
are the U.S. citizen parent applying for a Certificate of Citizenship on behalf of your minor biological or adopted child,
submit information relating to your minor child.
Item Number 1. Current Legal Name. Provide your legal name. This should be the name on your birth certificate
unless it has been changed after birth by legal action such as marriage, adoption, or court order. Do not provide a
nickname.
Item Number 2. Your Name Exactly As It Appears On Your Permanent Resident Card (if different from above).
Type or print your name exactly as it appears on the card, even if it is misspelled. Type or print “N/A” if you do not have
a permanent resident card.

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Item Number 3. Other Names You Have Used Since Birth. Type or print any other names you have ever used,
including aliases, maiden name, and nicknames. If you need extra space to complete this item number, use the space
provided in Part 11. Additional Information.
Item Number 4. U.S. Social Security Number. Type or print your U.S. Social Security Number. Type or print “N/A” if
you do not have one.
Item Number 5. USCIS Online Account Number (if any). If you have previously filed an application or petition using
the USCIS online filing system (previously called USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS)), provide the
USCIS Online Account Number you were issued by the system. You can find your USCIS Online Account Number by
logging in to your account and going to the profile page. If you previously filed certain applications or petitions on a
paper form through a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may have received a USCIS Online Account Access Notice issuing
you a USCIS Online Account Number. You may find your USCIS Online Account Number at the top of the notice. The
USCIS Online Account Number is not the same as an A-Number. If you were issued a USCIS Online Account Number,
enter it in the space provided.
Item Number 6. Date of Birth. Provide your date of birth in mm/dd/yyyy format.

Item Number 7. Country of Birth. Provide the name of the country where you were born. Type or print the name of
the country where you were born even if the country’s name has since changed or the country no longer exists.
Item Number 8. Country of Prior Citizenship or Nationality. Provide the name of the country of your citizenship
or nationality before you became a U.S. citizen. If the country no longer exists or you are stateless, provide the name of
the foreign country where you were last a citizen or national. If you are a citizen or national of more than one country,
provide the name of the foreign country that issued your latest passport.
Item Number 9. Gender. Indicate whether you are male or female.
Item Number 10. Mailing Address. Provide your mailing address even if it is the same as your physical address.
Provide “In Care Of Name” information, if any. You must type or print something in every box, except an apartment,
suite, or floor number or “In Care Of Name” if you do not have one, within “Mailing Address.”
NOTE: USCIS may not be able to contact you if you do not provide a complete and valid address. If USCIS rejects your
application, USCIS may not be able to return the filing fee for Form N-600 to you if you do not provide a complete and
valid address. If USCIS cannot return the filing fee, USCIS will cash your check.
Item Number 11. Physical Address (Do not provide a PO Box in this space unless it is your ONLY address). Provide
the address where you now reside.
Item Number 12. Current Marital Status. Select the marital status you have on the date you file this application.
Select “Other” if your marriage was otherwise legally terminated and explain the circumstances.
Item Number 13. U.S. Armed Forces. Indicate if you are a member or veteran of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Item Number 14. Information About Your Admission Into the United States and Current Immigration Status.
Item A. Provide information about where you entered the United States and what name you used when you entered.
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Item B. Provide information about what documents you presented to enter the United States. Provide your passport
or travel document number and date of issuance, if known.
Item C. Provide information about your most recent immigration status in the United States. Select the box to
indicate if you were a lawful permanent resident, a nonimmigrant, a refugee/asylee, or other.
Item D. Provide information if you adjusted to lawful permanent resident status while in the United States including
the date, USCIS office, and location where USCIS granted your status or location where you were admitted as a
lawful permanent resident.
Item Number 15. Previous Application for Certificate of Citizenship or U.S. Passport. If you previously applied for
a Certificate of Citizenship or a U.S. Passport (or you are a U.S. citizen parent who previously applied for a Certificate of
Citizenship or U.S. Passport for your minor child), explain in the space provided what happened with that application and
whether the Certificate of Citizenship or U.S. Passport was or was not issued. If you need extra space to complete this
item number, use the space provided in Part 11. Additional Information.

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Item Number 16. Permanent Resident Status Abandonment. Indicate if you have ever abandoned or lost your lawful
permanent resident status.
Item Number 17. Information on Adoption. If you were adopted, select the appropriate box and if you answer “Yes,”
provide information as to the date and place of the adoption and the dates that legal and physical custody began in
Items A. - D.
Item Number 18. Re-Adoption in the United States. Indicate if you have been re-adopted in the United States. (See
the What Evidence Must You Submit section of these Instructions for more information.)
Item Number 19. Marital Status of Your Parents At Time of Birth (or Adoption). Indicate whether your parents
were married to each other at the time of your birth. If you were born out-of-wedlock, indicate “No” even if your parents
subsequently married. If you were adopted, indicate whether your adoptive parents were married to each other at the time
of your adoption.
NOTE: If you are a U.S. citizen parent applying on behalf of a minor biological or adopted child, indicate whether you
were married to his or her parent at the time of your minor child’s birth (or adoption). If your minor child was born outof-wedlock, indicate “No” even if you subsequently married your child’s biological parent.
Item Number 20. Marital Status of Your Parents After Birth. Indicate whether your parents married after your birth.
Item Number 21. Legal and Physical Custody. Indicate whether you are in the physical and legal custody of your U.S.
citizen parent.
Item Number 22. Absences from the United States. Provide the requested information for every trip abroad that you
have taken since you first arrived in the United States. Begin with the most recent trip. This information is needed only
for persons born before October 10, 1952, who are claiming U.S. citizenship at the time of birth.
Part 3. Biographic Information
Provide the biographic information requested in Part 3., Item Numbers 1. - 6. Providing this information as part of
your application may reduce the time you spend at your USCIS ASC appointment as described in the Biometric Services
Appointment section of these Instructions.
Item Numbers 1. - 2. Ethnicity and Race. Select the boxes that best describe your ethnicity and race.
Categories and Definitions for Ethnicity and Race
1. Hispanic or Latino. A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture
or origin, regardless of race. (NOTE: This category is only included under Ethnicity in Part 3., Item Number 1.)
2. American Indian or Alaska Native. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South
America (including Central America), and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.

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3. Asian. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian
subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine
Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
4. Black or African American. A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
5. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii,
Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
6. White. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
Item Number 3. Height. Select the values that best match your height in feet and inches. For example, if you are five
feet and nine inches, select “5” for feet and “09” for inches. Do not enter your height in meters or centimeters.

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Item Number 4. Weight. Enter your weight in pounds. If you do not know your weight, or need to enter a weight under
30 pounds or over 699 pounds, enter “000.” Do not enter your weight in kilograms.
Item Number 5. Eye Color. Select the box that best describes the color of your eyes.

Item Number 6. Hair Color. Select the box that best describes the color of your hair.

Part 4. Information About Your U.S. Citizen Biological Father (or Adoptive Father)

Item Numbers 1. - 9. If you are claiming citizenship through a U.S. citizen biological father (or adoptive father), provide
the full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship or nationality, information on U.S. citizenship,
marital history, and physical address of your U.S. citizen father in the spaces provided. Complete Part 5. if you are
claiming citizenship solely through a U.S. citizen biological mother (or adoptive mother).
Provide information about yourself if you are a U.S. citizen biological father (or adoptive father) applying for a
Certificate of Citizenship on behalf of your minor child where information is requested about the U.S. citizen father.
Part 5. Information About Your U.S. Biological or Adoptive Mother

Item Numbers 1. - 9. If you are claiming citizenship through a U.S. citizen biological or adoptive mother, provide the
full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship or nationality, information on U.S. citizenship,
marital history, and physical address of your U.S. citizen mother in the spaces provided. Complete Part 4. if you are
claiming citizenship solely through a U.S. citizen biological or adoptive father.
Provide information about yourself if you are a U.S. citizen biological or adoptive mother applying for a Certificate of
Citizenship on behalf of your minor child where information is requested about the U.S. citizen mother.
Part 6. Physical Presence in the United States From Birth Until Filing of Form N-600
Item Numbers 1. - 2. Physical Presence. If you were born outside the United States and claim to have been born a U.S.
citizen, you are required to provide all the dates when your U.S. citizen biological father and/or U.S. citizen biological
mother resided in the United States. Include all dates from your birth until the date you file your Form N-600.
Children of Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Government Employees temporarily stationed abroad are
generally considered to be “residing in the United States” for purposes of acquisition of citizenship at birth.
Part 7. Information About Military Service of U.S. Citizen Parents (Applicable only for applications filed under the
Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) section 301(g).)
Item Numbers 1. - 4. Provide the requested information if either U.S. citizen parent served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Also indicate whether he or she was honorably discharged from service.

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Part 8. Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
Item Numbers 1. - 6. Select the appropriate box to indicate whether you read this application yourself or whether you
had an interpreter assist you. If someone assisted you in completing the application, select the box indicating that you
used a preparer. Further, you must sign and date your application and provide your daytime telephone number, mobile
telephone number (if any), and email address (if any). Every application MUST contain the signature of the applicant
(or parent or legal guardian, if applicable). A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
Part 9. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
Item Numbers 1. - 7. If you used anyone as an interpreter to read the Instructions and questions on this application to
you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter must fill out this section; provide his or her name, the name and
address of his or her business or organization (if any), his or her daytime telephone number, his or her mobile telephone
number (if any), and his or her email address (if any). The interpreter must sign and date the application.

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Part 10. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than
the Applicant
Item Numbers 1. - 8. This section must contain the signature of the person who completed your application, if other
than you, the applicant. If the same individual acted as your interpreter and your preparer, that person should complete
both Part 9. and Part 10. If the person who completed this application is associated with a business or organization,
that person should complete the business or organization name and address information. Anyone who helped you
complete this application MUST sign and date the application. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature
is not acceptable. If the person who helped you prepare your application is an attorney or accredited representative,
he or she may also need to submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited
Representative, with this application. Members of the Armed Forces applying outside the United States for a Certificate
of Citizenship under INA section 320 may file Form G-28I, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney In Matters Outside
the Geographical Confines of the United States, with this application, if applicable.
Part 11. Additional Information

Item Numbers 1. - 6. If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this application, use the space
provided in Part 11. Additional Information. If you need more space than what is provided in Part 11., you may make
copies of Part 11. to complete and file with your application, or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name
and A-Number (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which
your answer refers, and sign and date each sheet.

We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application to review in the future and
for your records. We recommend that you review your copy of your completed application before you
go to your biometric services appointment at a USCIS ASC, if applicable. At your appointment, USCIS
will permit you to complete the application process only if you are able to confirm, under penalty of perjury,
that all of the information in your application is complete, true, and correct. If you are not able to make that
attestation in good faith at that time, USCIS will require you to return for another appointment.
Part 12. Affidavit (At the time of Interview)
Do NOT complete this part unless instructed to do so AT THE INTERVIEW.
Part 13. Officer’s Report and Recommendation On Application for Certificate of Citizenship
For USCIS use ONLY.

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What Evidence Must You Submit?
You must submit all evidence requested in these Instructions with your application. If you fail to submit required
evidence, USCIS may reject or deny your application for failure to submit requested evidence or supporting documents in
accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these Instructions.
Unless specifically noted otherwise, you must submit each of the documents listed below for you and your U.S.
citizen parent through whom you are claiming U.S. citizenship at the time of filing to avoid delays in processing
your Form N-600. USCIS may require verification for any or all information provided with Form N-600.
Additionally, if you are scheduled for an interview with USCIS, you must bring in documentation if information has been
updated or has changed after filing.

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NOTE: “You” and “your” in this section refers to the individual for whom a Certificate of Citizenship is sought. It is
NOT the applicant’s parent or legal guardian who may apply on the minor child’s behalf.
1. Photographs. Only applicants who reside outside the United States must provide two identical color photographs
of themselves taken recently. The photos must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with
a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched. Passport-style photos must be 2” x 2”. The photos must be in
color with full face, frontal view on a white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1” to 1 3/8” from
top of hair to bottom of chin, and eye height is between 1 1/8” to 1 3/8” from bottom of photo. Your head must be
bare, unless contrary to your religious beliefs. Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and A-Number (if
any) on the back of the photo.
2. Your Birth Certificate. You must submit a birth certificate or record issued and certified by a civil authority in the
country of birth.
3. Birth Certificate or Record of Your U.S. Citizen Parent. You must submit a birth certificate or record of your U.S.
citizen parent issued and certified by a civil authority in the country of birth.
If your U.S. citizen parent applies, your U.S. citizen parent must submit his or her birth certificate or record issued and
certified by a civil authority in the country of birth.
4. Marriage Certificates of Your U.S. Citizen Parent. You must submit a marriage certificate issued and certified by a
civil authority in the state or country of marriage.
5. Documents Showing the Marriage Termination (if applicable). You must submit a certified divorce decree, death
certificate, or annulment document.
6. Proof of Your U.S. Citizen Parent’s U.S. Citizenship. Examples of this are birth certificates showing birth in the
United States; a Form N-550, Certificate of Naturalization; a Form N-560, Certificate of Citizenship; a Form FS-240,
Report of Birth Abroad of United States Citizen; or a valid unexpired U.S. passport.
7. Proof of Status as U.S. National (only required if you are claiming U.S. citizenship through a U.S. national, such as
a person born in American Samoa or Swains Island).
If you were born outside the United States or its outlying possessions, you are born a U.S. citizen if your parents met
the following conditions:
A. Your U.S. citizen parent was physically present in the United States or one of its outlying possessions for a
continuous period of one year prior to your birth; and
B. Your other parent was a national, but not a U.S. citizen.
NOTE: If you have a U.S. citizen parent and a noncitizen parent who is an alien but not a national, your U.S.
citizen parent must have met the physical presence requirements prior to your birth.
8. Proof of Legitimation (only required if you who were born out-of-wedlock and your father is your U.S. Citizen
parent).

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For information regarding legitimation see the USCIS Policy Manual at
www.uscis.gov/policymanual/HTML/PolicyManual-Volume12-PartH.html.
Provide legitimation documentation from the country or state in which you were legitimated. Legitimation can be
established according to the laws of your father’s residence or your residence.
9. Proof of Legal and Physical Custody (only required for applicants whose U.S. citizen parents divorced and/or
separated and for applicants who are adopted or legitimated).
10. Copy of Permanent Resident Card or Other Evidence of Permanent Resident Status (only required if you are
claiming U.S. citizenship after birth through a U.S. citizen parent).
11. Proof of Required Residence or Physical Presence In the United States. Any document that proves the U.S
citizen parent’s residence or physical presence in the United States. This proof may include, but is not limited to the
following:

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A. School, employment, or military records;

B. Deeds, mortgages, or leases showing residence;

C. Attestations by churches, unions, or other organizations;
D. U.S. Social Security quarterly reports; and

E. Affidavits of third parties having knowledge of the residence and physical presence.
12. Copy of Full, Final Adoption Decree (only required for adopted applicants).

13. Re-adoption in the United States. If you had to be re-adopted in the United States, submit evidence of a full and
final foreign adoption if the appropriate authority in the applicant’s current location of residence recognizes its
validity.
14. Evidence of All Legal Name or Date of Birth Changes. If you legally changed your name or date of birth, submit
evidence such as a document issued and certified by the court that authorized the changes.
What If a Document Is Unavailable?

You must provide a typed or printed explanation of the reasons a required document is unavailable and submit secondary
evidence to establish eligibility. Secondary evidence must overcome the unavailability of the required documents. USCIS
may request an original typed or printed statement from the appropriate government or other legal authority to support
your claim that the documents are unavailable.
The following types of secondary evidence may be submitted to establish eligibility.
1. Baptismal Certificate. Certificate under the church seal where your baptism occurred showing your:
A. Place of birth;
B. Date of birth;
C. Baptism date;
D. Parents’ names; and
E. Godparents’ names, if known.
2. School Record. An official letter from school authorities for the school attended (preferably the first school) showing
your:
A. Date of admission to the school;
B. Place of birth;
C. Date of birth or age at that time; and
D. The names and residences of your birth parents, if shown in the school records.
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3. Census Records. State or Federal census records showing your:
A. Name;
B. Place of birth; and
C. Date of birth or age.
4. Affidavits (if other types of secondary evidence are not available).
Typed or printed statements sworn to (or affirmed) by two people who have personal knowledge of the claimed event.
Affidavits must overcome the unavailability of both required documents and secondary evidence. Examples of events
you may submit an affidavit for include the following:

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A. Your place and date of birth;
B. Marriage; or
C. Death.

The people making these statements are not required to be U.S. citizens and may be relatives. Each affidavit must
contain the following information about the person making the affidavit:
A. Full legal name;
B. Address;
C. Place of birth;
D. Date of birth;

E. Relationship to you; and

F. Detailed information about the event to include how they came to know about its occurrence.

What Is the Filing Fee?

The fee for filing Form N-600 is $1,170. A biometric services fee of $85 is also required.

NOTE: There is no filing fee or biometric services fee for Form N-600 if you are a member or veteran of any branch of
the U.S. Armed Forces filing on your own behalf. You must attach proof of U.S. military service; otherwise USCIS will
charge a filing fee and a biometric services fee to file the Form N-600. Children of members or veterans of the Armed
Forces are required to pay the filing fee for Form N-600.
NOTE: The filing fee and biometric services fee are not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this
application. DO NOT MAIL CASH. You must submit all fees in the exact amounts.
Payments by Checks or Money Orders
Use the following guidelines when you prepare your checks or money orders for the Form N-600 filing fee and biometric
services fee:
1. The checks or money orders must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States and
must be payable in U.S. currency; and
2. Make the checks or money orders payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
NOTE: Spell out U.S. Department of Homeland Security; do not use the initials “USDHS” or “DHS.”
If USCIS rejects your Form N-600 for any of the reasons above, the application and any filing fees will be returned
to you if you provided a complete and valid mailing address.

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Notice To Those Paying by Check. If you send USCIS a check, we will convert it into an electronic funds transfer
(EFT). This means we will copy your check and use the account information on it to electronically debit your account
for the amount of the check. The debit from your account will usually take 24 hours and your bank will show it on your
regular account statement.
You will not receive your original check back. We will destroy your original check, but will keep a copy of it. If USCIS
cannot process the EFT for technical reasons, you authorize us to process the copy in place of your original check. If your
check is returned as unpayable, USCIS will re-submit the payment to the financial institution one time. If the check is
returned as unpayable a second time, we will reject your application and charge you a returned check fee.
Payments by Credit Card

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If you are filing your form at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you can pay your filing fee and biometric services fee using a
credit card. Please see Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, at www.uscis.gov/G-1450 for more
information.
How To Check If the Fees Are Correct

Form N-600’s filing fee and biometric services fee are current as of the edition date in the lower left corner of this page.
However, because USCIS fees change periodically, you can verify that the fees are correct by following one of the steps
below.
1. Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov, select “FORMS,” and check the appropriate fee; or
2. Visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to get answers to your questions and connect with a
live USCIS representative. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf
or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Fee Waiver

You may be eligible for a fee waiver under 8 CFR 103.7(c). If you believe you are eligible for a fee waiver, complete
Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver (or a written request) and submit it and any required evidence of your inability to pay
the filing fee with this application. You can review the fee waiver guidance at www.uscis.gov/feewaiver.

Where To File?

Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/n-600 or visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to
connect with a USCIS representative for the most current information about where to file this application. The USCIS
Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.

Address Change
An applicant who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of his or her new address within 10 days of moving from his or
her previous residence. For information on filing a change of address, go to the USCIS website at
www.uscis.gov/addresschange or reach out to the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter for help.
The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing)
call: 1-800-767-1833.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox facilities because the Lockbox does not
process change of address requests.

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Processing Information
Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your application, we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely
fill out this application, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility and USCIS may reject or deny your application.
Requests for More Information. USCIS may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your
application. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If we request an original
document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original.
Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on your application.
At the time of any interview or other appearance at a USCIS office, we may require that you provide your biometrics to
verify your identity and/or update background and security checks.

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Decision. The decision on Form N-600 involves a determination of whether you have established eligibility for the
immigration benefit you are seeking. USCIS will notify you of the decision in writing.
NOTE: Any Form N-600 that is not signed or accompanied by the correct fee, except those accompanied by a fee waiver
request (Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver), will be rejected. A Form N-600 that is not completed according to these
Instructions, is missing pages, or otherwise not executed in its entirety, or is not accompanied by the required initial
evidence may be rejected or delayed. You will be notified why the application is considered deficient. You may correct
the deficiency and refile Form N-600. An application is not considered properly filed until accepted by USCIS.

USCIS Forms and Information

To ensure use of the latest version of this application, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov where you can obtain the
latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have internet access, you may order USCIS forms
by calling the Forms Request Line at 1-800-870-3676. The Forms Request Line offers services in English and Spanish.
For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can schedule an appointment online at
www.uscis.gov. Select “Tools,” then under “Self Service Tools,” select “Appointments” and follow the screen prompts to
set up your appointment. Once you finish scheduling an appointment, the system will generate an appointment notice for
you.

Penalties
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form N-600, we
will deny your Form N-600 and may deny any other immigration benefit. In addition, you will face severe penalties
provided by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

DHS Privacy Notice
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under the
Immigration and Nationality Act, section 320.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to determine if you have
established eligibility for a Certificate of Citizenship for which you are filing. DHS will use the information you provide
to grant or deny the immigration benefit you are seeking.

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DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information,
including your Social Security number (if applicable), and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in
denial of your application.
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this application and any additional requested
evidence with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows
approved routine uses, as described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001
Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking, DHS-USCIS-007 Benefits Information System, and DHS/USCIS-018
Information Biometric and Background Check] and the published privacy impact assessments [DHS/USCIS/PIA-015
Computer Linked Application Information Management System 4, DHS/USCIS/PIA-056 USCIS Electronic Immigration
System, and DHS/USCIS/PIA-071 myUSCIS Account Experience], which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS
may also share the information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.

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Paperwork Reduction Act

An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection
of information, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The public
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 1 hour and 35 minutes per response, including the time
for reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, preparing
statements, attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the application. The collection of biometrics is estimated
to require 1 hour and 10 minutes. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Regulatory
Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, 20 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20529-2140;
OMB No. 1615-0057. Do not mail your completed Form N-600 to this address.

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