Form N-600, officially known as the “Application for Certificate of Citizenship,” is an essential document for anyone looking to receive proof of US citizenship. This blog will provide you a thorough description of Form N-600, including its purpose, associated fees, processing time, mailing address, and a complete checklist to assist you grasp the eligibility and requirements.
What is Form N-600 Used For?
Form N-600 is used to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship, which is official proof of US citizenship. This form is often used by those who obtained or earned U.S. citizenship through their parents, either at birth or after birth but before the age of 18. It is especially important for those who were born overseas to US citizen parents,or who became US citizens immediately when their parents naturalized. The Certificate of Citizenship is an important document for many reasons, including applying for a US passport, establishing citizenship for work, and completing legal requirements. All other applicants who do not meet these requirements, must file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization with USCIS.
N-600 Fees
The filing fee for Form N-600 is $1,170. This charge is necessary to process your application and may include biometric services, if applicable. To avoid delays, ensure that the payment is made accurately. Applicants under the age of 18 are currently exempt from paying a fee if they file their application with a Form N-600K.
How Long Does Form N-600 Take?
The processing time for Form N-600 varies based on the workload of the USCIS office handling your case and the application’s complexity. On average, it can take between 6 and 12 months to process. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the USCIS website and check the current processing times. Processing timelines vary depending on a number of factors, including the volume of applications and any supplementary documentation required.
N-600 Mailing Address
When filing Form N-600, the mailing address is determined by whether you use a courier service or send your application via the United States Postal Service. To ensure that your application is received and processed promptly, submit it to the relevant address.
For applications delivered via the USPS, the address is:
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
N-600 Checklist
To guarantee that your Form N-600 application is complete and accurate, follow these steps:
1. Completed Form N-600: Check that all sections of the form are filled out completely and precisely. Incomplete forms can cause delays in processing or rejection.
2. Filing charge: Enter the appropriate charge amount. Payment can be paid by check or money order made payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
3. Proof of Citizenship: Provide proof of your US citizenship from your parents. This can include your birth certificate, your parents’ birth or naturalization certificates, and any other documentation that demonstrate your parents’ citizenship at the time of your birth.
4. Proof of Parent’s Citizenship: Please include copies of paperwork proving that your parent(s) were US citizens when you were born or before your 18th birthday. This could include a citizenship certificate, a US passport, or a birth certificate.
5. Proof of Parent-Child Relationship: Attach documentation establishing your relationship with your U.S. citizen parent(s), such as a birth certificate or adoption decree.
6. Passport-Style Photographs: Please submit two recent passport-style photographs of yourself, as described in the guidelines.
7. Form N-600K (if applicable): If you are filing for a Certificate of Citizenship for a child under the age of 18, please include Form N-600K.
8. Supporting Documents: Attach any additional documents required by the instructions, such as proof of lawful permanent residency or documentation of your legal status, if applicable.
The USCIS Form N-600 Instructions include a full list of required papers, as well as supplementary assistance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To avoid delays or rejection of your application, consider the following typical mistakes:
- Incomplete Forms: Check that all sections of Form N-600 are filled correctly. Missing information can cause processing delays.
- Incorrect Fees: Ensure that you have included the correct filing charge. Incorrect payments may result in the rejection of your application.
- Missing Documents: Make sure that all necessary documents are included with your application. Missing paperwork might result in delays or denials.
- Outdated Information: Use the most recent version of Form N-600 and follow the instructions supplied by USCIS.
By following these directions and utilizing the tools given, you will be able to handle the Form N-600 application process more confidently and efficiently.