Citizenship Certificate

What is a Citizenship Certificate?

A Certificate of Citizenship is an official document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that proves an individual’s U.S. citizenship. This document is specifically for people who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through their parents, rather than through the naturalization process.

Certificate of Citizenship vs. Certificate of Naturalization

It’s important to understand the distinction between these two documents:

• Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600): For individuals who acquired citizenship automatically through birth abroad to U.S. citizen parents or derived citizenship through their parents after birth
• Certificate of Naturalization: For individuals who became U.S. citizens through the naturalization process after immigrating to the United States

When You Need a Certificate of Citizenship

A Certificate of Citizenship serves as proof of your U.S. citizenship status and may be required for:

• Applying for a U.S. passport
• Sponsoring relatives for immigration benefits
• Obtaining certain government benefits
• Employment verification purposes
• Establishing citizenship for legal proceedings
• Registering to vote
• Applying for federal jobs requiring citizenship

Eligibility Requirements

You may be eligible for a Certificate of Citizenship if you:

Acquired Citizenship at Birth

• Were born outside the U.S. to at least one U.S. citizen parent
• Meet the specific requirements for citizenship transmission based on when you were born and your parents’ citizenship status

Derived Citizenship Through Parents

• Became a U.S. citizen automatically when your parents naturalized (if you were under 18 and met certain conditions)
• Were adopted by U.S. citizen parents and meet specific requirements

Specific eligibility criteria vary based on:

• The date of your birth
• Your parents’ citizenship status at the time of your birth
• Whether you were born in or out of wedlock
• Your parents’ physical presence in the United States

Application Process (Form N-600)

Step 1: Complete Form N-600

• Download and complete Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship)
• Ensure all information is accurate and complete
• Sign and date the form

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Common supporting documents include:

• Your birth certificate
• Parents’ birth certificates or citizenship documents
• Parents’ marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Evidence of parents’ physical presence in the U.S.
• Passport-style photographs
• Any name change documents

Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee

• Current filing fee for Form N-600
• Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances
• Check USCIS website for current fee amounts

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Mail your complete application package to the appropriate USCIS lockbox facility
• Keep copies of all documents for your records
• Note your receipt number for tracking purposes

Processing Times and Tracking

• Processing times vary by USCIS office and current caseload
• Typical processing time ranges from 8 to 33 months
• You can check processing times and track your case status on the USCIS website using your receipt number
• USCIS may request additional evidence during the review process

Fees

The current filing fee for Form N-600 includes:

• Base filing fee
• Biometric services fee (if required)
• Check the USCIS website for current fee amounts as they are subject to change

Replacing or Correcting Your Certificate

If your Certificate of Citizenship is lost, stolen, damaged, or contains errors:

For Replacements:

• File Form N-565 (Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document)
• Pay the required filing fee
• Provide supporting documentation

For Corrections:

• Minor errors may be corrected without filing a new application
• Significant errors may require filing Form N-565 with evidence of the correct information
• Contact USCIS for guidance on whether your specific situation requires a new application

Important Information

• A Certificate of Citizenship is not required to prove your U.S. citizenship if you already have other acceptable documentation
• U.S. passports are also proof of citizenship and may be more convenient for travel purposes
• Processing times can be lengthy, so apply well in advance if you need the certificate for a specific purpose
• Keep your Certificate of Citizenship in a safe place, as it is an important legal document