Navigating Form N-600: Eligibility Criteria & Application Steps

Whether you want to petition for a family member to immigrate to the United States, apply for a government job, or participate in elections, you will need a Certificate of Citizenship that recognizes your status.

To obtain this important document, you need to file Form N-600.

We will explain who is eligible to submit N-600, the steps included in the application process, and how Spar & Bernstein can support you.

Bradford H. Bernstein

This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.

View Brad's Bio

Bradford H. Bernstein

What Is Form N-600?

Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is an immigration form requesting proof of U.S. citizenship.

The Certificate of Citizenship gives you the right to:

• Apply for a U.S. passport
• Apply for federal jobs that require U.S. citizenship
• Vote in federal and state elections
• Access benefits that are accessible to U.S. citizens only
• Sponsor family members for U.S. immigration

Who Can File N-600?

Typically, N-600 is filed by individuals who received U.S. citizenship through their parents and need to prove their legal status.

These individuals can include:

• Children under 18 born outside the U.S. with at least one U.S. citizen parent (known as acquisition of citizenship)
• Children of Green Card holders who become naturalized citizens (known as derivation of citizenship). In this case, the children must be under 18 when their parent is naturalized
• Adopted children under 18 at the time adoption is finalized, and meeting additional requirements

Form N-600: The Process

Filing N-600 can seem challenging if you do not know much about immigration processes. That is why we have broken it down into easy steps that outline what you can expect.

1. Determine Eligibility

Make sure that you are eligible to file Form N-600. If you have doubts, talk to our knowledgeable immigration team at Spar & Bernstein — we will look into your case and provide legal advice.

2. Gather Required Documents

To file N-600, you will need:

• Proof of your parent’s U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate
• Your birth certificate
• 2 passport photos

Additionally, USCIS may require:

• Evidence of parent-child relationship such as a marriage certificate or adoption decree
• Documents showing U.S. citizen parent’s physical presence in the U.S., such as employment records, tax returns, social security records, or utility bills
• Proof of legal custody if the parents are separated or divorced
• Evidence of your residence, such as school enrollment documents, employment records, rent or lease agreements
• Certified English translations if the documents are in a foreign language

3. Complete Form N-600

Download the latest version of N-600 and carefully read the instructions to complete it.

Fill in all required information, including details about your citizenship claim, your parent’s citizenship and residence history.

Make sure all sections are completed accurately — insufficient or missing information can result in application delays.

4. Pay N-600 Filing Fee

Visit the USCIS Fee Schedule page to check the current filing fee.

Pay the amount via check, money order, or credit/debit card.

Filing fees are non-refundable, even if you decide to withdraw your application.

Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver. For more information, see instructions for Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.

5. Submit N-600

You can file Form N-600 electronically or by mail.

To file an electronic application, create an online account with USCIS. Apart from filing, it will allow you to manage your contact information, track your case status, and receive updates.

You cannot file N-600 electronically if you:

• Are applying from outside the U.S.
• Are applying for a fee waiver
• Are a member or veteran of a U.S. military branch applying on your own behalf

If you are submitting a paper application, USCIS’ mail address will vary based on your state of residence.

If you live in Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Armed Forces – Europe, Armed Forces – Pacific, California, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawaii, Marshal Islands, Micronesia, Nevada, New Mexico, Palau, Texas, Utah, or outside of the U.S., send your application to:

USCIS Phoenix Lockbox

U.S. Postal Service (USPS):

USCIS

Attn: NATZ

P.O. Box 20100

Phoenix, AZ 85036

FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:

USCIS

Attn: NATZ (Box 20100)

2108 E. Elliot Rd.

Tempe, AZ 85284-1806

If you live in Alabama, Arkansas, Armed Forces – America, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, or Wyoming, send your application to:

USCIS Elgin Lockbox

U.S. Postal Service (USPS):

USCIS

Attn: NATZ

P.O. Box 4088

Carol Stream, IL 60197-4088

FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:

USCIS

Attn: NATZ (Box 4088)

2500 Westfield Drive

Elgin, IL 60124-7836

6. Receive Receipt Notice

Wait for Form I-797, which USCIS will send to confirm they have received your application. Read more about how long this may take.

The form will include a receipt number that you can use to track your case progress.

7. Attend A Biometrics Appointment

USCIS may schedule a biometrics appointment to get your photo, fingerprints, and signature.

In this case, you will receive a notice with the date, time, and location for your biometrics appointment.

8. Attend An Interview

Most N-600 applicants do not need to go for an interview. However, in certain cases, USCIS may request you to attend one. They will provide the details about the interview time and location with a general list of documents to take to your interview.

9. Wait For USCIS Decision

If your N-600 is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Citizenship.

If your application is denied, USCIS will state the reasons for their decisions. Talk to our experienced attorneys at Spar & Bernstein to understand your options for appeal or re-applying.

Form N-600: Cost

The filing fee for N-600 varies based on whether you are submitting a paper or electronic application.

• For paper filing, you will pay $1,385.
• For online filing, you will pay $1,335.

There is no fee for individuals adopted for immigration purposes who meet (or met before turning 18) the definition of a “child” under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Form N-600: Processing Time

N-600 processing time may vary based on different factors such as the service center handling your application and USCIS workload.

Typically, N-600 processing takes between 4 and 14 months.

Need Help With Form N-600? Schedule A Consultation

Founded in 1958, The Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein have handled various immigration cases, from citizenship and naturalization to employment and family immigration, deportation and waivers.

To start the N-600 process, we will:

• Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for acquiring or deriving U.S. citizenship
• Assist in gathering required documents, such as proof of your parent’s citizenship, birth certificates, and other records
• Guide you through completing the N-600 form, ensuring all fields are accurately filled
• Provide support if USCIS requires additional documentation
• Explain what to expect at the biometrics appointment and prepare you for an interview if needed

With knowledgeable and compassionate support, our experienced team at Spar & Bernstein will help you obtain your Certificate of Citizenship with minimal stress.

Form N-600: FAQs

Have more questions about N-600? Read on for more insights from our immigration team at Spar & Bernstein.

Can I File N-600 if my parents passed away?

Yes, if you can prove that one parent was a U.S. citizen before passing, you are eligible to file N-600.

What is the difference between N-600 and N-400?

N-600 is used to request a Certificate of Citizenship for individuals who already have citizenship through their parents. Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is filed by people who wish to become U.S. citizens.

Do I need to file N-400 if I was born in the U.S.?

No, if you were born in the U.S. to at least one U.S. citizen parent, you automatically become a U.S. citizen, and your birth certificate serves as proof of citizenship.

Can I file N-600 if my parents are naturalized U.S. citizens?

Yes, if your parents are naturalized U.S. citizens and you meet the eligibility requirements, you have the right to file N-600.

Can I expedite N-600 processing?

Yes, in special circumstances, such as urgent travel or humanitarian reasons, you can request expedited processing of your N-600. However, it is solely at USCIS’s discretion to approve this request.

What should I do if there is incorrect information on my Certificate of Citizenship?

If you find incorrect information on your Certificate of Citizenship, request a corrected document by filing Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document.