Are you having issues filing Form N-600 or receiving your Certificate of Citizenship? Naya Immigration is here to help. Contact our law office today to explore how we can help you secure a Certificate of Citizenship.
While natural-born Americans (Americans who were born on U.S. soil) have birth certificates to prove their citizenship, Americans who were born abroad, and in some cases, Americans who were born in the U.S. to foreign-born parents, use a separate document to prove their citizenship. This document is aptly named the Certificate of Citizenship.
Strictly speaking, a Certificate of Citizenship is an optional document even for new U.S. citizens. However, there are a variety of situations in which it may be strongly recommended that you apply for a Certificate of Citizenship by filing Form N-600 and submitting it to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Unfortunately, some naturalized citizens and U.S. citizens run into unforeseen problems when they attempt to retrieve their Certificate of Citizenship. This can result in frustrating situations, such as not being able to vote and encountering difficulties in securing important documents like a driver’s license or social security card.
If you find yourself unable to get access to your Certificate of Citizenship or you have questions about Form N-600, a N-600 lawyer can get you back on track. The best way to ensure your application’s approval is by working with an experienced immigration attorney. In the meantime, read through this article to learn more about the N-600 application process.
Understanding the N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Form N-600 has one simple purpose: to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship. This form is designed only for U.S. citizens who want to prove their citizenship through documentation. It is not an appropriate route for permanent residents, green card holders, or immigrants who are still going through the naturalization process; individuals in these groups will instead need to file form N-400.
Although U.S. citizens aren’t legally required to have a Certificate of Citizenship, it comes in handy when applying for:
- Financial aid
- A U.S. passport
- A driver’s license
- Social security
- Employment
Essentially, if you don’t have documentation that serves as proof of citizenship, you’ll need to acquire a Certificate of Citizenship through Form N-600 before you can seek the benefits of US citizenship.
Who Can Apply for N-600?
Typically, there are only three groups of people who will need to (and be allowed to) apply for a Certificate of Citizenship using Form N-600. To apply, you’ll need to be one of the following:
- A U.S. citizen who was born abroad to one or two American citizens
- A U.S. citizen who became a naturalized citizen before the age of 18
- A non-citizen who was born abroad but was adopted by a U.S. citizen parent before the age of 18
A parent of a minor who is a member of one of these groups can also use Form N-600 to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship on behalf of their child. Unfortunately, there are some situations where filing Form N-600 becomes more complicated, even if you belong to one of these groups. Issues may arise in the following scenarios:
- You were born out of wedlock.
- Your citizenship wasn’t documented before the death or divorce of your parents.
- You were born as a result of in vitro fertilization.
- You currently live abroad and have never lived in the U.S.
If any of these conditions apply to you, you may still be able to get a Certificate of Citizenship. However, additional information and paperwork may be required. Contacting an immigration attorney specializing in N-600 issues can help you understand your specific requirements.
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How to Get a Citizenship Certificate
If you meet the necessary eligibility requirements, the next step is to gather documentation. For most people, this will include your birth certificate and your parents’ birth certificates, two passport-style pictures, and evidence of your parent or parents’ citizenship.
If you were an adopted child, make sure to include your adoption papers. Similarly, if you were born out of wedlock, you’ll need to provide proof of your relationship to the parent with U.S. citizenship. A filing fee will be required to process your paperwork, although it may be waived if you have served or currently serve in the U.S. military.
Once you have all of the supporting documents, the next step is to file N-600 online or in person at a USCIS office or U.S. embassy or consulate. In most cases, an interview won’t be necessary to process your N-600; however, if the USCIS has any questions about the validity of your application, they may ask you to schedule an interview with an agent.
If this happens, bring all of the documentation you submitted in the application, as well as any other supporting evidence needed to assert your citizenship status. If there are no remaining issues, the USCIS will typically issue your Certificate of Citizenship within a few months or up to a year.
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Let us guide you through your immigration journey with expert care and dedication—contact us today to see how we can help you achieve your goals.
Naya Immigration: Trusted N-600 Lawyers in California
If you’re feeling unsure about your citizenship status or have questions about the N-600 filing process, don’t hesitate to call Naya Immigration. Our immigration law experts have successfully navigated countless appeals on behalf of our clients. Contact our law firm to schedule a consultation today.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. Viewing information on this website and/or contacting Naya Law Group, PC does not establish an attorney-client relationship. This blog should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice for any individual case or situation from an attorney licensed or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction.
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