Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322 (Paper File)

Instructions for Application for Citizenship
and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS
Form N-600K

OMB No. 1615-0087
Expires 11/30/2025

What Is the Purpose of Form N-600K?
This application is for U.S. citizenship and issuance of a Certificate of Citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality
Act (INA) section 322 for a child who regularly resides outside of the United States.

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Who Is Eligible to File Form N-600K?
General Requirements

A child may obtain U.S. citizenship if he or she meets all the following criteria to be eligible for citizenship under INA
section 322:
1. The child is not married;

2. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must administer the Oath of Allegiance to the child before
reaching 18 years of age;
3. The child regularly resides outside the United States;

4. In the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent;

5. The child’s U.S. citizen parent has been physically present in the United States for a period or periods totaling at least
five years, at least two of which were after 14 years of age. If the U.S. citizen parent does not meet this requirement,
the U.S. citizen parent’s own U.S. citizen parent (grandparent) has to have been physically present in the United States
for a period or periods totaling at least five years, at least two of which were after 14 years of age.
In cases where the U.S. citizen parent died in the preceding five years, and Form N-600K has been properly filed on
behalf of the child by the U.S. citizen grandparent or by the U.S. citizen legal guardian, the child does NOT have to
be residing in the legal and physical custody of the person as long as the person who has legal and physical custody of
the child does not object to the Form N-600K; and
6. The child is temporarily present in the United States at the time of interview in a lawful status pursuant to a lawful
admission.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the individual seeking the child’s Certificate of Citizenship under INA section 322 to
secure any visa or other document necessary for lawful admission to the United States. USCIS cannot assist in obtaining
any necessary visa or other document.
Children of Members of the U.S. Armed Forces
1. The entire process may be completed outside the United States if the child is residing abroad with a U.S. citizen
parent who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and the child is authorized to accompany and reside abroad with
the service member under official military orders. The child does not need to demonstrate the temporary physical
presence, lawful admission, and maintenance of status requirements to be eligible for naturalization under INA section
322.
2. A U.S. citizen who is, or was, serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and who seeks to have the child obtain a Certificate
of Citizenship under INA section 322 may count any time spent abroad on official U.S. military orders as part of the
required five years of physical presence in the United States or its outlying possessions as long as the child is residing
abroad with that service member under official military orders at the time of filing.

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INA Section 322 For an Adopted Child
An adopted child of a U.S. citizen may obtain U.S. citizenship under INA section 322 only if he or she satisfies the
specific provision of the U.S. immigration laws relating to adopted children that applies to Form N-600K.
Hague Convention Adoption Case
If a U.S. citizen parent adopted the child under the Hague Intercountry Adoption Convention, then the person filing this
application must submit the child’s adoption decree, a copy of the approval notice for Form I-800, Petition to Classify
Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, and supporting evidence (other than the home study).
Orphan Case

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If the U.S. citizen parent adopted the child as an orphan under INA section 101(b)(1)(F), then the person filing this
application must submit the child’s adoption decree, a copy of the approval notice for Form I-600, Petition to Classify
Orphan as an Immediate Relative, and supporting evidence (other than the home study).
Any Other Adoption Case

If the U.S. citizen parent did not adopt the child under the Hague Intercountry Adoption Convention or as an orphan under
INA section 101(b)(1)(F), the child must have:
1. Been adopted before his or her 16th birthday (or before the child’s 18th birthday, as specified in INA section
101(b)(1)(E)(ii));
2. Been in the legal custody of the adopting U.S. citizen parent for at least two years; and
3. Joint residence with the adopting U.S. citizen parent for at least two years.

NOTE: The required two years of legal custody and joint residence of the adopting parent does not apply to an
adopted child as described in INA sections 101(b)(1)(F) or (G).

Who May File Form N-600K?

The following individuals may file this application on behalf of an eligible foreign-born child:
1. U.S. Citizen Parent

A U.S. citizen parent who has legal and physical custody of a biological or adopted child under 18 years of age. The
U.S. citizen parent must regularly reside outside the United States and seek naturalization for the child under INA
section 322.
OR
If the qualifying U.S. citizen parent has died, this form may be filed within five years of the parent’s death by the U.S.
citizen grandparent or U.S. citizen legal guardian.
2. U.S. Citizen Grandparent
A U.S. citizen parent of the child’s U.S. citizen parent (the grandparent).
3. U.S. Citizen Legal Guardian
A child’s U.S. citizen legal guardian may file Form N-600K within five years of the death of the child’s qualifying
citizen parent. The U.S. citizen legal guardian does not have to meet the parental physical presence requirements
under INA section 322. Although the physical presence requirements need not be met by the legal guardian, the
requirements must have been met by either the deceased U.S. citizen parent or by the U.S. citizen grandparent prior to
the U.S. citizen parent’s death.

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Who Should Not File Form N-600K?
This application should not be filed:
1. If the child has already acquired citizenship automatically under INA sections 301, 309, 320 or on or before February
27, 2001, under the repealed INA section 321;
2. By a U.S. citizen whose only relationship to the child is as a step-parent;
3. By any person other than a U.S. citizen parent of the child, unless that parent has died;
4. By any person once the child is over the age of 18;

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5. If the purpose is to replace a lost or stolen certificate. Please refer to Form N-565, Application for Replacement
Naturalization/Citizenship Document, for information to replace a lost or stolen certificate; or
6. If USCIS denied a previously filed Form N-600K, USCIS will reject a newly filed Form N-600K. Review the
Form N-600K 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 USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. The USCIS
Contact Center 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 by the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian applying on
behalf of the child. For all signatures on this application, USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place
of a signature.
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. See Form G-1055, available at www.uscis.gov/forms, for specific information about the fees applicable to
this form.
Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documents listed in the Specific
Instructions and What Evidence Must You Submit sections of these Instructions.
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide biometrics
(fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature) 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 in writing if you need to attend a biometric services appointment. If an
appointment is necessary, you will be provided a notice with further instructions about how to set up an appointment.
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 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 upon receipt.
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 include the translator’s
signature. DHS recommends the certification contain the translator’s printed name, the signature date, and the translator’s
contact information.

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How To Fill Out Form N-600K

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 the child’s 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.

Specific Instructions

This application is divided into 13 parts.

Part 1. Information About the Child’s Eligibility

Select the box that indicates why the child is eligible for citizenship under INA section 322.
Item Number 1. Child’s Eligibility. Select the box that indicates why the child is eligible for citizenship under INA
section 322.
Part 2. Information About the Child (for whom this application is being filed)
Item Number 1. Current Legal Name. Provide the child’s legal name. This should be the name on the 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. Name Exactly as it Appears on the Permanent Resident Card (if applicable). Provide the child’s
name exactly as it appears on the card even if it is misspelled. Type or print “N/A” if the child does not have a permanent
resident card.
Item Number 3. Other Names Used Since Birth (include nicknames, if applicable). Provide any other names the child
has used since birth. If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this application, use the space
provided in Part 11. Additional Information.

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Item Number 4. U.S. Social Security Number. Type or print the child’s U.S. Social Security Number. Type or print
“N/A” if the child does not have one.
Item Number 5. USCIS Online Account Number (if any). If the child has 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 the child was issued by the system. You can find the USCIS Online Account Number
by logging in to the account and going to the profile page. If the child previously filed certain applications or petitions on
a paper form via a USCIS Lockbox facility, the child may have received a USCIS Online Account Access Notice issuing
him or her a USCIS Online Account Number. If the child received such a notice, his or her USCIS Online Account
Number can be found at the top of the notice. If the child was issued a USCIS Online Account Number, enter it in the
space provided. The USCIS Online Account Number is not the same as an A-Number.

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Item Numbers 6. Date of Birth. Use eight numbers to show the date of birth. For example, May 1, 1992, must be typed
or printed as 05/01/1992.
Item Numbers 7. Country of Birth. Provide the name of the country where the child was born. Type or print the name
of the country as it was when the person was born even if the country’s name has since changed or the country no longer
exists.
Item Number 8. Country of Citizenship or Nationality. Provide the name of the child’s Country of Citizenship or
Nationality before the child becomes a U.S. citizen.
NOTE: If the country no longer exists or the child is stateless, provide the name of the Country of Citizenship or
Nationality where the child was last a citizen or national.
If the child is a citizen or national of more than one country, provide the name of the country that issued the latest
passport.
Item Number 9. Gender. Indicate whether the child is male or female.

Item Number 10. Height. Provide the child’s height in feet and inches.

Item Number 11. Mailing Address. Provide the child’s mailing address even if it is the same as the home address.
Provide “in care of name” information, if applicable. Type or print something in every box, except an apartment number
or “C/O” if none, within “Mailing Address.”
NOTE: USCIS may not be able to contact the child or the person applying on behalf of the child, if the address is not
complete and valid.
Item Number 12. Physical Address. Provide the address where the person now resides. Do not provide a Post Office
(PO) Box number here unless it is the person’s ONLY address.
If the person resides outside the United States. If the person does not have a State or Province, enter the name of the
city again in that box. If the person does not have a ZIP or Postal Code, enter 00000 in the ZIP or Postal Code box.
Item Number 13. Marital Status. Select the marital status of the child as of the date of filing Form N-600K. Select
“Other” if the marriage was otherwise legally terminated and explain.
Item Number 14. Information About the Child’s Admission Into the United States and Current Immigration
Status. Do not complete this Item Number. These questions will be asked and completed at the interview.
Item Number 15. Was there any prior application for citizenship or for a U.S. passport? If the child or someone on
behalf of the child previously applied for a Certificate of Citizenship or a U.S. Passport, explain 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
provide any additional information within this application, use the space provided in Part 11. Additional Information.

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Item Number 16. Information on Adoption. Provide the necessary information requested.
Item Number 17. Were the child’s parents married to each other when the child was born (or adopted)? Indicate
whether the child’s parents were married to each other at the time of the child’s birth. If the child was born out of
wedlock, indicate “No,” even if the parents subsequently married. If the child was adopted, indicate whether the adoptive
parents were married to each other at the time of the adoption.
Part 3. Information About the Child’s U.S. Citizen Biological or Adoptive Parent
Item Number 1. Current Legal Name of U.S. Citizen Parent. Provide the legal name of the child’s U.S. citizen
biological or adoptive parent. This should be the name on the U.S. citizen parent’s birth certificate, unless it has been
changed after birth by legal action such as marriage, adoption, or court order. Do not provide a nickname.

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Item Number 2. Date of Birth of U.S. Citizen Parent. Use eight numbers to show the date of birth. For example,
May 1, 1992, must be typed or printed as 05/01/1992.
Item Number 3. Country of Birth of U.S. Citizen Parent. Provide the name of the country where the person was born.
Type or print the name of the country as it was when the person was born even if the country’s name has since changed or
the country no longer exists.
Item Number 4. U.S. Social Security Number of U.S. Citizen Parent (if applicable). Type or print the U.S. citizen
parent’s U.S. Social Security Number. Type or print “N/A” if you do not have one.
Item Number 5. Physical Address. Provide the address where the U.S. citizen parent now resides. Do not type or print
a Post Office (PO) Box number here unless it is the U.S. citizen parent’s ONLY address.
NOTE: If the U.S. citizen parent resides outside the United States. If the U.S. citizen parent’s does not have a State
or Province, enter the name of the city again in that box. If the person does not have a ZIP or Postal Code, enter 00000 in
the ZIP or Postal Code box.
Item Numbers 6. - 9. U.S. Citizen Parent’s Telephone Numbers. Provide the U.S. citizen parent’s daytime, work,
evening, and mobile telephone numbers.
Item Number 10. U.S. Citizen Parent’s Email Address (if any). Provide the U.S. citizen parent’s email address, if any.
Item Number 11. U.S. Citizenship. Provide all the requested information regarding how the parent became a U.S.
citizen.
Item Number 12. Has the U.S. citizen father or mother ever lost U.S. citizenship or taken any action that would
cause loss of U.S. citizenship? If you answered, “Yes,” use the space provided in Part 11. Additional Information to
provide information if the parent ever lost U.S. citizenship regardless of whether it has since been regained.
Item Number 13. Marital History.
A. Type or print the number of times the qualifying U.S. citizen parent has been married, including annulled
marriages. Count each marriage as separate if the parent married the same person more than one time.
B. Select the marital status the U.S. citizen parent has on the date Form N-600K was filed. Select “Other” if the
parents’ marriage was otherwise legally terminated and explain.
C. If the U.S. citizen parent is now married, provide information about the parent’s current spouse. Select the
appropriate box to indicate the spouse’s current immigration status.
D. Indicate whether the qualifying U.S. citizen parent’s current spouse is also the biological or adoptive parent. If
“No,” USCIS may request information about the U.S. citizen parent’s previous spouses.

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Item Number 14. Member of U.S. Armed Forces. Provide information if the U.S. citizen parent is a member of the
U.S. Armed Forces.
Part 4. Information About the Child’s Qualifying U.S. Citizen Grandparent
Complete this part only if the child’s U.S. citizen parent has not been physically present in the United States for five
years, two years of which were after 14 years of age. The child is relying on the physical presence in the United States of
the U.S. citizen father or mother of the U.S. citizen parent (the grandparent) to obtain U.S. citizenship. Information about
the U.S. citizen parent of the U.S. citizen father or mother (the grandparent) must be provided in the sections noted.
Item Number 1. Current Legal Name of U.S. Citizen Grandparent. Provide the legal name of the child’s U.S. citizen
grandparent. This should be the name on the U.S. citizen grandparent’s birth certificate, unless it has been changed after
birth by legal action such as marriage, adoption, or court order. Do not provide a nickname.

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Item Number 2. Date of Birth of U.S. Citizen Grandparent. Use eight numbers to show the date of birth. For
example, May 1, 1992, must be typed or printed as 05/01/1992.
Item Number 3. Country of Birth of U.S. Citizen Grandparent. Provide the name of the country where the person
was born. Type or print the name of the country as it was when the person was born even if the country’s name has since
changed or the country no longer exists.
Item Number 4. U.S. Social Security Number of U.S. Citizen Grandparent (if applicable). Type or print the U.S.
citizen grandparent’s U.S. Social Security Number. Type or print “N/A” if the grandparent does not have one.
Item Number 5. Physical Address. Provide the address where the U.S. citizen grandparent now resides. Do not type or
print a Post Office (PO) Box number here unless it is the U.S. citizen grandparent’s ONLY address.
NOTE: If the U.S. citizen grandparent resides outside the United States. If the U.S. citizen grandparent does not
have a State or Province, enter the name of the city again in that box. If the U.S. citizen grandparent does not have a ZIP
or Postal Code, enter 00000 in the ZIP or Postal Code box.
Item Numbers 6 - 9. U.S. Citizen Grandparent’s Telephone Numbers. Provide the U.S. citizen grandparent’s
daytime, work, evening, and mobile telephone numbers.
Item Number 10. U.S. Citizen Grandparent’s Email Address (if any). Provide the U.S. citizen parent’s email address,
if any.
Item Number 11. U.S. Citizenship. Provide all the requested information regarding how the grandparent became a U.S.
citizen.
Item Number 12. Has the U.S. citizen grandparent ever lost U.S. citizenship or taken any action that would cause
loss of U.S. citizenship? If you answered, “Yes,” use the space provided in Part 11. Additional Information to provide
information if the grandparent ever lost U.S. citizenship regardless of whether it has since been regained.
Part 5. Physical Presence in the United States From Birth Until Filing Form N-600K
Item Number 1. Information About U.S. Citizen Parent or Qualifying Grandparent. Indicate whether the physical
presence information relates to the U.S. citizen parent or to the qualifying grandparent.
Item Number 2. Physical Presence. Provide all the dates when the biological or adoptive U.S. citizen father, mother, or
grandparent was in the United States in Items A. - H. Include all dates from the parent’s or grandparent’s birth until
the present.
NOTE: A U.S. citizen parent who is, or was, a member of the U.S. Armed Forces may count any time he or she resided
abroad on official military orders towards the physical presence requirements under INA section 322(a)(2) as long as the
child was residing abroad with the U.S. citizen parent per official military orders at the time of filing.
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Part 6. Information About the Legal Guardian
Complete this part only if the child’s legal guardian is filing Form N-600K instead of a deceased U.S. citizen parent.
Part 7. Preferred Location and Date for Interview
Provide the preference regarding when and where the child and parent, grandparent or legal guardian would like to be
interviewed. USCIS will consider the preference.
Item Number 1. USCIS Office (City or Town and State) for the Interview. If a specific USCIS office is unknown,
provide the preferred city or town and state for the interview.

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Item Number 2. Date of Interview. The preferred interview date should be at least 90 days after filing this Form
N-600K and must be before the child turns 18 years of age.
NOTE: USCIS CANNOT immediately adjudicate the Form N-600K once the application is filed. Processing of Form
N-600K must be completed within the United States. The processing includes: interview of the applicant and qualifying
relative (parent or grandparent) or guardian (if applicable), taking the Oath of Allegiance (required for 14 years of age or
older), and receipt of the Certificate of Citizenship.
Part 8. Applicant’s Statement, Declaration, Certification, and Signature

Item Numbers 1. - 3. 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. Every application MUST contain the signature of the
applicant (parent, grandparent, or guardian, as 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, and his or her email address
(if any). The interpreter must sign and date the application.
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 the application, if other than
you, the applicant. If the same individual acted as the interpreter and the 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 prepare this 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,
or Form G-28I, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney In Matters Outside the Geographical Confines of the United
States, along with your application.
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 the child’s
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.

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NOTE: Do not complete Parts 12. and 13. until a USCIS Officer instructs you to do so at the interview.
Part 12. Affidavit (At the time of Interview)
Do not complete this part. This part will be completed at the interview.
Part 13. USCIS Officer Report and Recommendation
Do not complete this part as it is for USCIS use only.

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We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application to review in the future
and for your records.

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.
Photographs. The applicant must submit two identical color passport-style photographs of the child 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.
The two identical color passport-style photos must be 2 by 2 inches. The photos must be in color with a full face, frontal
view on a white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from top of the child’s hair to
bottom of the child’s chin, and eye height should measure between 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches from the top of the child’s eyes to
the bottom of photo. The child’s head must be bare unless wearing headwear as required by a religious denomination of
which he or she is a member. Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and A-Number (if any) on the back of the
photo.
Unless specifically noted otherwise, the person filing this application must submit each of the documents listed below for
the child, the qualifying parent, and the grandparent (if applicable), through whom the child is claiming U.S. citizenship at
the time of filing to avoid delays in processing Form N-600K.
USCIS may require verification for any or all information provided with Form N-600K. The child and the qualifying
parent, grandparent or legal guardian must bring documentation to the interview if information has been updated or has
changed after filing.
Child’s Birth Certificate or Record. Issued and certified by a civil authority in the country of birth.
U.S. Citizen Parent’s Birth Certificate or Record. Submit a birth certificate issued and certified by a civil authority in
the country of birth.
Marriage Certificates of the U.S. Citizen Parent (if applicable). Issued and certified by a civil authority in the state or
country of marriage.
Documents Showing the Marriage Termination of the U.S. Citizen Parent or Child (if applicable). Certified divorce
decree, death certificate, or annulment document.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship of Qualifying Parent or Grandparent. Examples of this are a U.S. birth certificate; Form
N-550, Certificate of Naturalization; Form N-560 Certificate of Citizenship; Form FS-240, Report of Birth Abroad of
United States Citizen; or a valid unexpired U.S. passport.

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Proof of Legitimation. If the child was born out of wedlock, submit certified evidence establishing the proper
legitimation. Documents must establish legitimation according to the laws of the child’s or parent’s residence or domicile.
The child must have been in the legal custody of the parents at the time of legitimation.
For information regarding legitimation see the USCIS Policy Manual at
www.uscis.gov/policymanual/HTML/PolicyManual-Volume12-PartH.html.
Legal Guardianship Evidence (if applicable). Certified evidence of legal guardianship issued by the legal authority of
the guardian’s residence or domicile.
Proof of Legal and Physical Custody. In cases of divorce, legal separation, or legal adoption, evidence that the
qualifying U.S. citizen parent has legal and physical custody of the child.

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Evidence of Lawful Admission and Maintenance of Such Lawful Status. Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record,
is required, if available, at the time of interview for all children seeking citizenship under INA section 322, except for
eligible children of members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
If U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or USCIS issued Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, to the child, provide
Form I-94 number and date that the child’s authorized period of stay expires or expired (as shown on the child’s Form
I-94). The Form I-94 number also is known as the Departure Number on some versions of Form I-94. If the child does
not have an I-94 number, one of the following scenarios may apply:
1. If CBP or USCIS issued Form I-94 to the child, but it is now lost or destroyed, he or she may apply for a
replacement by filing Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document.
2. If CBP or USCIS did not issue Form I-94 to the child and he or she believes that Form I-94 should have been
issued, the person filing this form may contact the agency that should have issued it to attempt to resolve the matter.
3. If CBP did not issue Form I-94 to the child because it captured arrival information electronically, type or print
“N/A” in the fields that request an I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number. In this instance, it is important for the
child to provide a passport or travel document number where it is requested on the application. (See below.)
NOTE: If the child was admitted to the United States by CBP at an airport or seaport after April 30, 2013, he or she
may have been issued an electronic Form I-94 by CBP, instead of a paper Form I-94. You may visit the CBP website at
www.cbp.gov/i94 to obtain a paper version of an electronic Form I-94. CBP does not charge a fee for this service. Some
travelers admitted to the United States at a land border, airport, or seaport, after April 30, 2013 with a passport or travel
document, who were issued a paper Form I-94 by CBP, may also be able to obtain a replacement Form I-94 from the CBP
website without charge. If you cannot obtain your Form I-94 from the CBP website, you may obtain it by filing Form
I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record, with USCIS. USCIS does charge a
fee for this service. See the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-102 for more information. USCIS does charge a fee for
Form I-102. See Form G-1055, available at www.uscis.gov/forms, for specific information about the fees applicable to
this form.
Passport and Travel Document Numbers. If the child used a passport or travel document to travel to the United Sates,
enter either the passport or travel document information in the appropriate space on the application, even if the passport or
travel document is currently expired.
Proof of Required Physical Presence in the United States. Any document that proves the U.S. citizen parent’s physical
presence in the United States. This pertains to grandparents if the parent does not meet the requirement. For example:
1. School, employment, or military records;
2. Deeds, mortgages, or leases showing residence;
3. U.S. Social Security Administration reports;
4. Attestations by churches, unions, or other organizations; or
5. Affidavits by third parties having knowledge of the parent’s (or grandparent’s) residence and physical presence.
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Current Status of U.S. Citizen Grandparent. The grandparent must be a U.S. citizen, or must have been one at the time
of death of the U.S. citizen parent, if the sponsoring U.S. citizen parent is using the grandparent’s physical presence in the
United States to meet that requirement.
NOTE: For applications filed by the grandparent or legal guardian, evidence must be submitted to prove that the
grandparent was a U.S. citizen and still alive at the time of the U.S. citizen parent’s death if the U.S. citizen parent has
died and the grandparent’s physical presence is relied upon. Evidence must also be submitted to prove that the U.S.
citizen parent died within the preceding five years.
Copy of Notice of Approval and Supporting Documentation, except home study (if applicable). Provide the
following documentation:

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1. Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative; or

2. Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative.

NOTE: All adopted children seeking naturalization under INA section 322 must have had either Form I-600 or Form
I-800 approved or have complied with the two years of legal custody and joint residence requirement of INA section
101(b)(1)(E).
Copy of Full, Final Adoption Decree (if applicable).

Evidence of All Legal Name Changes. If the child legally changed his or her 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?

The person filing this form must provide a typed or printed explanation of the reasons why required documents are
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 the claim that the documents are unavailable.
The following are examples of secondary evidence that may be submitted to establish eligibility.

Baptismal Certificate. Certificate under the church seal where the baptism occurred showing the:
1. Place of birth;
2. Date of birth;
3. Baptism date;
4. Parents’ names, and
5. Godparents’ names, if known.
School Record. An official letter from school authorities pertaining to the school attended (preferably the first school)
showing:
1. Date of admission to the school;
2. Place of birth;
3. Date of birth or age at that time; and
4. The names and residences of the birth parents if shown in the school records.
Census Records. State or Federal census records showing:
1. Name;
2. Place of birth; and
3. Date of birth or age.
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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 to submit an affidavit for include the following:
1. Place and date of birth;
2. Marriage; or
3. 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:
1. Full legal name;
2. Address;
3. Place of birth;
4. Date of birth;
5. Relationship; and

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

Where To File?

Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/N-600K 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.

When To File

In order for a child to obtain U.S. citizenship through this Form N-600K:
1. All the required evidence must be received and verified; and

2. USCIS must administer the oath of allegiance to the child before he or she reaches 18 years of age.
Form N-600K should be filed at least 90 days prior to the requested interview date, allowing USCIS time to review
the Form N-600K as well as schedule the interview and send a timely appointment notice to the foreign address. USCIS
will not schedule an interview date until it has determined that the Form N-600K is complete. Therefore, Form N-600K
processing may be further delayed if any of the required information and evidence is missing from Form N-600K.
Requests for a change in the designated local USCIS office may also delay processing.
NOTE: USCIS advises you to wait for the appointment notice from USCIS before traveling to the United States with the
understanding that USCIS cannot assist in obtaining a visa to enter the United States. USCIS may not be able to schedule
the interview for the requested date.

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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, the child will not establish a basis for his or her eligibility and USCIS may reject or deny your
application.
Requests for More Information. We 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 USCIS requests an original
document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original.
Requests for Interview. We will request that child and the applicant (parent, grandparent, or legal guardian) 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.
Decision. The decision on Form N-600K involves a determination of whether the child has established eligibility for the
immigration benefit he or she is seeking. USCIS will notify you of the decision in writing.
NOTE: Any Form N-600K that is not signed will be rejected. If Form N-600K 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 it may be rejected or delayed. If USCIS rejects Form N-600K for any of the reasons above, the application and
any fees will be returned to the applicant if a complete and valid mailing address was provided. USCIS may not be able
to return the fee for the Form N-600K if you do not provide a complete and valid mailing address. If USCIS cannot return
the fee, USCIS will deposit the fee. USCIS will send a notification if the form is considered deficient. The applicant may
correct the deficiency and refile Form N-600K. An application or petition is not considered properly filed until accepted
by USCIS.

USCIS Forms and Information
To ensure you are using 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 USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. The USCIS Contact Center provides information
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.

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Penalties
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with Form N-600K, we
will deny your Form N-600K 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 (INA) section 322.

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PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information is to determine if you have established
eligibility for naturalization and issuance of a Certificate of Citizenship for a child who regularly resides outside the
United States. DHS will use the information you provide to grant or deny the immigration benefit you are seeking.
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
Immigration Biometric and Background Check] and the published privacy impact assessments [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.

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 1.897 hours per response, including time for reviewing
instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, preparing statements,
attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the application. 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, Office of Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive,
Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009; OMB No. 1615-0087. Do not mail the completed Form N-600K to
this address.

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