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N-600 Checklist: Certificate of Citizenship Application

Immigration Attorney and Citizenship Resource

Apply for a Certificate of Citizenship with our Form N-600 checklist. Form N-600 is for someone who is already a U.S. citizen—typically through parents (acquisition or derivation)—and needs a Certificate of Citizenship as formal proof. It is not the N-400 naturalization process for green card holders who must naturalize. This checklist helps immigration attorneys and families gather the applicant's birth and identity records, the U.S. citizen parent's proof of citizenship, and evidence of residence or custody rules that apply to the claim. Confirm current eligibility categories, fees, and photos on USCIS.gov. Not legal advice.

N-600 Checklist: Certificate of Citizenship Application form template preview

Key Benefits

Distinguish N-600 (already a citizen) from N-400 (naturalize)
Document the U.S. citizen parent's status and relationship
Gather birth, legitimation, and custody evidence early
Reduce RFEs on incomplete parentage proof
Know photo and fee requirements before filing
Professional citizenship-certificate workflow

Common Use Cases

Children who acquired U.S. citizenship at birth abroad to a citizen parentChildren who derived citizenship after a parent's naturalizationAdults seeking a Certificate of Citizenship as proof of statusImmigration attorneys preparing N-600 packagesParalegals collecting parent citizenship and birth recordsFamilies who need a certificate for a passport or other agency

Frequently Asked Questions

How is N-600 different from N-400?
N-400 is for lawful permanent residents who apply to become U.S. citizens through naturalization. N-600 is for people who already are citizens—usually through a parent—and want a Certificate of Citizenship. Filing N-600 does not naturalize someone who is not already a citizen.
Do I need N-600 if I already have a U.S. passport?
Not always. A U.S. passport is strong proof of citizenship for many purposes. Some people still want a Certificate of Citizenship for records, name consistency, or agency requests. Evaluate whether N-600 is necessary before paying the fee.
What evidence shows citizenship through a parent?
Typical evidence includes the applicant's birth certificate, the parent's proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport), evidence of the parent-child relationship, and documents that meet the residence or physical-presence rules that applied on the date citizenship was claimed. The exact statute depends on the date of birth and the facts.
Is there a Form N-600K?
Yes. N-600K is a related form used in certain cases involving children residing abroad who seek a Certificate of Citizenship under specific provisions. Do not file N-600 when N-600K is the correct form. Check the current USCIS form instructions for your fact pattern.

Checklist

USCIS Forms

Complete Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship)
Required

Use the current edition. Confirm N-600 is correct—not N-400 or N-600K—for the applicant's facts.

Civil Documents

Applicant's birth certificate or secondary birth evidence
Required

Must show the parent-child relationship. Obtain secondary evidence if a birth certificate does not exist.

Custody, legitimation, or adoption documents when required for the claim

Derived citizenship often turns on legal custody and residence in the U.S. in the citizen parent's household.

Identity Documents

Applicant identity document (passport, national ID, or other government ID)
Required

Names and date of birth must match the civil documents or be explained with name-change evidence.

Proof the relevant parent is or was a U.S. citizen
Required

U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, naturalization certificate, or U.S. passport.

Passport-style photos meeting current N-600 specifications
Required

Follow the photo rules in the current form instructions.

Supporting Documents

Evidence of the parent's U.S. residence or physical presence when the claim requires it

School, tax, employment, or other records for the period the statute requires. Rules vary by date of birth.

Documentation

Certified English translations for foreign-language civil documents

Birth and foreign civil records almost always need translations.

Financial Requirements

Filing fee payment (check current fee and fee-waiver options on USCIS.gov)
Required

Confirm whether I-912 is available for N-600 under current rules before omitting the fee.