Application for Certificate of Citizenship [Form N-600]

Obtain official confirmation of your U.S. citizenship with professional legal assistance

Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, allows certain individuals to obtain official proof of their U.S. citizenship when it was acquired by birth or derivation through their parents, without the need to go through the naturalization process.

This document is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and constitutes definitive legal evidence of U.S. citizenship status. At Legalízate Ya, we help our clients determine if they are eligible and carefully prepare their application to ensure a favorable outcome.

Table of Contents

• What is Form N-600?
• Who can file the application?
• Benefits of the Certificate of Citizenship
• Documents and necessary requirements
• Step-by-step application process
• Differences between Form N-600 and Form N-400
• Professional legal assistance with Legalízate Ya
• 📞 Contact us today

What is Form N-600?

Form N-600 is the official form that allows a person to apply to USCIS for a Certificate of Citizenship as evidence that they acquired or derived U.S. citizenship automatically through their parents.

This process applies both to persons born outside the United States to U.S. citizen parents, and to certain minors who obtained citizenship automatically upon meeting certain residency and custody requirements.

The Certificate of Citizenship is a permanent and official document that confirms your legal status to federal authorities, state agencies, and employers.

Who can file the application?

Anyone who meets one of the following conditions may file Form N-600:

1. Acquisition of citizenship at birth:
   • You were born outside the United States, but at least one of your parents was a U.S. citizen at the time of your birth, and meets the legal requirements for transmission of citizenship.
2. Derivation of citizenship after birth:
   • You were born outside the U.S., but obtained citizenship automatically when one or both parents naturalized, before turning 18, and you were residing legally in the country in their custody.

The N-600 does not create citizenship, but rather recognizes and officially certifies it when it already exists under the law.

Benefits of the Certificate of Citizenship

Having a Certificate of Citizenship grants numerous advantages, including:

• Official and permanent evidence of your U.S. citizen status.
• Possibility to obtain a U.S. passport without the need for other supporting documents.
• Access to federal benefits and programs exclusive to citizens.
• Total protection against deportation.
• Ease in demonstrating your citizenship to employers, state agencies, and educational entities.

Additionally, in legal or administrative situations, the Certificate of Citizenship is the strongest and most recognized document to prove U.S. nationality.

Documents and necessary requirements

To complete your application correctly, you must include the following documents and evidence:

• Form N-600 duly completed and signed.
• Payment of the filing fee required by USCIS.
• Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
• Evidence of the U.S. citizen parent’s citizenship (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or certificate of naturalization).
• Parents’ marriage or divorce certificate, if applicable.
• Proof of legal and physical custody (if applicable).
• Documents proving the applicant’s residence and legal status in the U.S.
• Certified translations of any document not written in English.

In some cases, USCIS may request additional information or schedule an interview before issuing the final decision.

Step-by-step application process

1. Eligibility assessment: determine if you qualify through acquisition or derivation of citizenship.
2. Preparation of Form N-600: complete the application accurately and gather supporting documents.
3. Submission to USCIS: file the application online or by mail, along with the fee and corresponding evidence.
4. Receipt of Notice of Action (Form I-797C): USCIS will confirm that your case was accepted for review.
5. Possible appointment or interview: if USCIS requires clarification, you will be notified.
6. Final decision: if the application is approved, you will receive your original Certificate of Citizenship by mail.

Processing time varies depending on USCIS workload, but usually takes several months.

Differences between Form N-600 and Form N-400

It is common to confuse these two forms. However, there are fundamental differences:

• Form N-600: used to obtain a certificate when the person is already a citizen by birth or derivation.
• Form N-400: used to apply for naturalization, that is, to become a citizen after having been a permanent resident.

Our attorneys can help you determine which form is appropriate based on your immigration situation and family history.

Professional legal assistance with Legalízate Ya

At Legalízate Ya, we understand the importance of having documentation that proves your status as a U.S. citizen.
Our team provides you with personalized legal advice, thoroughly reviewing your eligibility, documentation, and filing strategy.

We help you:

• Confirm if you or your child qualify for the Certificate of Citizenship.
• Prepare the appropriate evidence for your case.
• Avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays or rejections.
• Actively track your application with USCIS.

Our goal is to ensure that you obtain your Certificate of Citizenship without complications or uncertainty.

📞 Contact us today

Do you need to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for yourself or your child?
Call us today at (956) 725-9714 or visit www.legalizateya.com/en to schedule a consultation with our immigration attorneys.

Legalízate Ya — Trust our experience to ensure your recognition as a U.S. citizen.