N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship

FORM N-600 APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP

COMPREHENSIVE COVER LETTER, EVIDENCE CHECKLIST, AND PRACTITIONER GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Case Summary and Filing Overview
2. Eligibility Determination Worksheet
3. Citizenship Acquisition at Birth Abroad (INA § 301/309)
4. Citizenship Derivation After Birth (INA § 320)
5. Citizenship Under INA § 322 (Child Residing Abroad)
6. Physical Presence Calculation Worksheet
7. Filing Fees and Payment
8. Evidence Checklist
9. Filing Packet Assembly Order
10. Cover Letter
11. Filing Addresses
12. Processing Timeline and Expectations
13. Common Pitfalls and Practitioner Tips
14. Signature Block
15. Sources and References

1. CASE SUMMARY AND FILING OVERVIEW

Applicant Information:

Basis of Citizenship Claim (select one):

☐ Acquisition of citizenship at birth abroad through U.S. citizen parent(s) (INA § 301)
☐ Acquisition at birth abroad - born out of wedlock to U.S. citizen father (INA § 309)
☐ Acquisition at birth abroad - born out of wedlock to U.S. citizen mother (INA § 309(c))
☐ Derivation of citizenship after birth (INA § 320 / Child Citizenship Act of 2000)
☐ Derivation under former INA § 321 (repealed; applicable to pre-February 27, 2001 cases)
☐ Citizenship through application under INA § 322 (child residing abroad)

U.S. Citizen Parent Information:

Second Parent Information (if applicable):

Attorney/Representative Information:

2. ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION WORKSHEET

Controlling Law Determination

The applicable statutory provision depends on when the applicant was born and when the relevant events (such as the parent's naturalization or the applicant's admission as an LPR) occurred. The law in effect at the time of the operative event controls.

Key Date Thresholds:

Acquisition vs. Derivation

Acquisition (at birth): The applicant was a U.S. citizen from the moment of birth, by operation of law, because the statutory conditions were met at the time of birth.

Derivation (after birth): The applicant was not born a U.S. citizen but automatically became one when all statutory conditions were fulfilled after birth (e.g., parent naturalized while child was under 18, an LPR, and in the parent's legal and physical custody).

3. CITIZENSHIP ACQUISITION AT BIRTH ABROAD

INA § 301(c) - Both Parents U.S. Citizens

Requirements:
☐ Child born outside the United States
☐ Both parents were U.S. citizens at the time of birth
☐ At least one parent had a residence in the United States or its outlying possessions prior to the child's birth

Physical Presence Required: One parent must have had a "residence" in the U.S. prior to the child's birth (no minimum duration specified).

INA § 301(g) - One U.S. Citizen Parent, One Alien Parent (births on or after November 14, 1986)

Requirements:
☐ Child born outside the United States
☐ One parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of birth
☐ The U.S. citizen parent was physically present in the United States or its outlying possessions for a total of at least 5 years prior to the child's birth
☐ At least 2 years of such physical presence were after the U.S. citizen parent attained age 14

Physical Presence Calculation Notes:

• Periods of honorable military service or employment with the U.S. government or certain international organizations may count
• Physical presence need not be continuous
• See Section 6 for the Physical Presence Calculation Worksheet

INA § 301(a)(7) - One U.S. Citizen Parent, One Alien Parent (births December 24, 1952 - November 13, 1986)

Requirements:
☐ Child born outside the United States
☐ One parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of birth
☐ The U.S. citizen parent was physically present in the United States or its outlying possessions for a total of at least 10 years prior to the child's birth
☐ At least 5 years of such physical presence were after the U.S. citizen parent attained age 14

INA § 309 - Children Born Out of Wedlock

INA § 309(a) - U.S. Citizen Father (births on or after November 14, 1986):

☐ A blood relationship between the child and the father is established by clear and convincing evidence
☐ The father had the nationality of the United States at the time of the child's birth
☐ The father (unless deceased) has agreed in writing to provide financial support for the child until the child reaches age 18
☐ While the child is under age 18:
☐ The child is legitimated under the law of the child's residence or domicile, OR
☐ The father acknowledges paternity in writing under oath, OR
☐ The paternity is established by adjudication of a competent court
☐ The U.S. citizen father meets the physical presence requirements of INA § 301(g) (5/2 rule)

INA § 309(c) - U.S. Citizen Mother:

☐ The mother had the nationality of the United States at the time of the child's birth
☐ The mother was physically present in the United States or its outlying possessions for a continuous period of at least one year at any time prior to the birth of the child

4. CITIZENSHIP DERIVATION AFTER BIRTH

INA § 320 - Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (Effective February 27, 2001)

Automatic Citizenship Requirements (all must be met while child is under age 18):

☐ At least one parent is a United States citizen (by birth or naturalization)
☐ The child is under the age of 18
☐ The child is residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent
☐ The child was admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident (LPR)

Key Dates:

• Date applicant became LPR: [__/__/____]
• Date U.S. citizen parent naturalized (if applicable): [__/__/____]
• Date of last condition met (all conditions satisfied): [__/__/____]
• Applicant's 18th birthday: [__/__/____]

Were all conditions met before the applicant's 18th birthday? ☐ Yes ☐ No

Custody Determination:

☐ Both parents married and living together (joint custody presumed)
☐ U.S. citizen parent has sole legal custody by court order
☐ U.S. citizen parent has joint legal custody by court order
☐ U.S. citizen parent has legal custody by operation of law (e.g., other parent deceased)
☐ Child was legitimated/adopted by U.S. citizen parent

Former INA § 321 (Repealed February 27, 2001)

For children who met derivation conditions before February 27, 2001:

☐ Both parents naturalized while child was under 18, OR
☐ Surviving parent naturalized while child was under 18 (if other parent deceased), OR
☐ Parent with legal custody naturalized while child was under 18 (if parents legally separated)
☐ The child was an LPR at the time the conditions were met
☐ The child was under 18 and unmarried at the time conditions were met
☐ The child was residing in the United States at the time

5. CITIZENSHIP UNDER INA § 322

INA § 322 - Child Residing Outside the United States

Requirements:

☐ At least one parent (or U.S. citizen grandparent if parent is deceased) is a U.S. citizen
☐ The U.S. citizen parent (or grandparent) was physically present in the United States for at least 5 years, at least 2 of which were after age 14
☐ The child is under age 18
☐ The child is residing outside the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent (or grandparent)
☐ The child is temporarily present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission
☐ The child is maintaining such lawful status

Note: Applications under INA § 322 use Form N-600K, not Form N-600.

6. PHYSICAL PRESENCE CALCULATION WORKSHEET

U.S. Citizen Parent's Physical Presence in the United States

This worksheet documents the U.S. citizen parent's physical presence prior to the applicant's birth (for acquisition cases) or prior to the operative date (for other cases).

Applicant's Date of Birth: [__/__/____]

U.S. Citizen Parent's Date of Birth: [__/__/____]

Date Parent Turned 14: [__/__/____]

Periods of Physical Presence in the United States

Total Physical Presence: [____] years, [____] months, [____] days

Total Physical Presence After Age 14: [____] years, [____] months, [____] days

Applicable Requirement:
☐ 5 years / 2 years after age 14 (INA § 301(g)) - Requirement met? ☐ Yes ☐ No
☐ 10 years / 5 years after age 14 (former INA § 301(a)(7)) - Requirement met? ☐ Yes ☐ No
☐ 1 year continuous (INA § 309(c) - mother, out of wedlock) - Requirement met? ☐ Yes ☐ No
☐ Residence only, no minimum duration (INA § 301(c) - both parents citizens) - Requirement met? ☐ Yes ☐ No

7. FILING FEES AND PAYMENT

Current Fee Schedule (as of February 2026)

Fee Exemptions

☐ Military Exemption: No fee for applications filed by current or former members of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces on their own behalf
☐ Adopted Child Exemption: No fee for applications filed on behalf of an adopted child who meets the definition of "child" under INA § 101(b)(1)(E), (F), or (G)

Payment Methods

☐ Credit, debit, or prepaid card (Form G-1450)
☐ ACH payment from U.S. bank account (Form G-1650)
☐ Fee waiver request (Form I-912)

Important: USCIS no longer accepts personal checks, business checks, money orders, or cashier's checks for paper filings unless you qualify for an exemption. When filing online, payment is made through the USCIS online account.

8. EVIDENCE CHECKLIST

A. Applicant Identity and Status Documents

☐ Copy of applicant's birth certificate (long-form, showing both parents' names)
☐ Certified English translation of birth certificate (if in a foreign language)
☐ Translator's certification statement
☐ Copy of applicant's valid passport or government-issued photo identification
☐ Copy of applicant's Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), if applicable
☐ Copy of applicant's I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, if applicable
☐ Two passport-style photographs per USCIS specifications (if required)

B. U.S. Citizen Parent's Citizenship Evidence

☐ Copy of U.S. citizen parent's birth certificate (if born in the United States)
☐ Copy of U.S. citizen parent's Certificate of Naturalization
☐ Copy of U.S. citizen parent's Certificate of Citizenship
☐ Copy of U.S. citizen parent's U.S. Passport (valid or expired)
☐ Copy of Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA / FS-240)
☐ Copy of U.S. citizen parent's voter registration or other citizenship evidence

C. Relationship Evidence

☐ Marriage certificate of applicant's parents (with certified translation if needed)
☐ Divorce decree(s) of prior marriages, if applicable (to establish validity of marriage)
☐ Death certificate of parent, if applicable
☐ Adoption decree, if applicable
☐ Legitimation evidence, if applicable (for out-of-wedlock birth claims)
☐ DNA test results establishing biological relationship (if applicable, particularly for INA § 309(a))
☐ Written acknowledgement of paternity under oath (for INA § 309(a) cases)
☐ Court order establishing paternity (for INA § 309(a) cases)
☐ Written agreement to provide financial support until age 18 (for INA § 309(a) cases)

D. Physical Presence / Residence Evidence for U.S. Citizen Parent

☐ U.S. federal and state tax returns and transcripts (IRS Form 4506-T)
☐ W-2 or 1099 forms
☐ Employment records and letters from employers
☐ School transcripts and enrollment records
☐ Military service records (DD-214 or equivalent)
☐ Medical records from U.S.-based providers
☐ Lease agreements and mortgage documents
☐ Utility bills (electric, water, gas, telephone)
☐ Bank statements showing U.S.-based transactions
☐ Insurance records (health, auto, property)
☐ Social Security Administration records
☐ Travel records (passport stamps, airline records, I-94 records)
☐ Voter registration records
☐ Church or community organization records
☐ Sworn affidavits from individuals with personal knowledge of parent's physical presence

E. Derivation-Specific Evidence (INA § 320 Cases)

☐ Evidence applicant was admitted as an LPR (Green Card or I-551 stamp)
☐ Evidence of date U.S. citizen parent naturalized
☐ Court order granting legal custody to U.S. citizen parent
☐ Evidence of physical custody (school records, medical records, shared address)
☐ Evidence child was under 18 when all conditions were met
☐ Proof of residence with U.S. citizen parent (joint lease, utility bills, school enrollment at same address)

F. Administrative and Procedural Documents

☐ Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative), if applicable
☐ Form G-1145 (e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance), if desired
☐ Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver), if applicable, with supporting documentation
☐ Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions), if paying by card
☐ Form G-1650 (Authorization for ACH Transaction), if paying by ACH
☐ Copy of any prior USCIS correspondence regarding this matter
☐ Copy of prior N-600 denial, if re-filing

9. FILING PACKET ASSEMBLY ORDER

Assemble the filing packet in the following order:

1. Form G-1145 (e-Notification request, if used) - place on top
2. Filing Fee Payment (Form G-1450 or G-1650, or I-912 fee waiver request)
3. Form G-28 (Attorney appearance form, if represented)
4. Cover Letter (see Section 10)
5. Form N-600 (completed and signed)
6. Passport-Style Photographs (if required, in a sealed envelope clipped to form)
7. Tab A - Applicant Identity Documents
   - Birth certificate and certified translation
   - Passport or photo ID
   - Permanent Resident Card (if applicable)
8. Tab B - U.S. Citizen Parent Citizenship Evidence
   - U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, CRBA, or passport
9. Tab C - Relationship Evidence
   - Marriage certificate of parents
   - Divorce/death records if applicable
   - Legitimation/paternity/adoption documents if applicable
10. Tab D - Physical Presence Evidence
    - Physical Presence Calculation Worksheet (Section 6)
    - Tax transcripts and returns
    - Employment records
    - School records
    - Residential records
    - Travel records
    - Affidavits
11. Tab E - Derivation Evidence (if applicable)
    - LPR evidence
    - Custody documentation
    - Residence with U.S. citizen parent evidence
12. Tab F - Miscellaneous
    - Prior USCIS correspondence
    - Any additional supporting documents

10. COVER LETTER

[__/__/____]

USCIS
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Re: Form N-600 - Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Applicant: [________________________________]
Date of Birth: [__/__/____]
A-Number: [________________________________]

Dear Sir or Madam:

Please find enclosed the Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, together with supporting documentation, filed on behalf of [________________________________] ("Applicant").

Basis of Claim: The Applicant claims United States citizenship by [☐ acquisition at birth / ☐ derivation after birth] under [________________________________] (cite specific INA section).

Summary of Claim:

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

The U.S. citizen parent, [________________________________], [was born in the United States on __/__/____ / was naturalized on __/__/____ / acquired citizenship at birth abroad on __/__/____] and [met the physical presence requirement of _______ years, including _______ years after age 14 / naturalized while the Applicant was under age 18, an LPR, and in the parent's legal and physical custody].

Enclosed Documentation:

The filing packet contains the following categories of evidence:

1. Form N-600 (signed original)
2. Filing fee of $[____] via [________________________________]
3. Applicant's identity documents (birth certificate, passport/ID, Green Card)
4. U.S. citizen parent's citizenship evidence
5. Relationship documentation (marriage certificate, legitimation records)
6. Physical presence evidence with calculation worksheet
7. [Additional category-specific evidence: ________________________________]

Attorney Information:

This office represents the Applicant in this matter. A Form G-28 is enclosed. Please direct all correspondence regarding this application to the undersigned.

Should you require any additional information or documentation, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Respectfully submitted,

_________________________________________
[________________________________]
Attorney for Applicant
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
Tel: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]

11. FILING ADDRESSES

Online Filing

USCIS encourages online filing at https://myaccount.uscis.gov where available. Online filing provides a $50 discount on the filing fee and offers faster receipt processing.

Note: Online filing is not available for applicants filing from outside the United States, applicants requesting a fee waiver, or military applicants filing under the fee exemption.

Paper Filing by Mail

If filing by mail, send the application to the appropriate USCIS lockbox facility. Check the current Form N-600 instructions at https://www.uscis.gov/n-600 for the most up-to-date filing address, as lockbox addresses change periodically.

For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) delivery:
USCIS
[________________________________]

For FedEx, UPS, or DHL delivery:
USCIS
[________________________________]

Practitioner Note: Always verify the current filing address on the USCIS website immediately before filing. Using an outdated address may result in rejection of the application.

12. PROCESSING TIMELINE AND EXPECTATIONS

Estimated Processing Times

After Filing

☐ Monitor case status online at https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus
☐ Respond promptly to any Request for Evidence (RFE)
☐ Attend biometrics appointment if scheduled
☐ Prepare for interview if scheduled (bring original documents)
☐ Upon approval, applicant will receive Certificate of Citizenship and may apply for a U.S. Passport

Interview Preparation

If USCIS schedules an interview:
☐ Bring all original documents (USCIS will have copies from the filing)
☐ Bring a certified interpreter if the applicant does not speak English
☐ Prepare the applicant to answer questions about the application and family history
☐ Bring the attorney (with G-28 on file)
☐ Arrive at least 15 minutes early with government-issued photo ID

13. COMMON PITFALLS AND PRACTITIONER TIPS

Critical Issues

1. Identify the correct controlling law. The law in effect at the time of the operative event (birth for acquisition, or the date all conditions were met for derivation) controls. Do not apply current law to historical events without verifying which statute was in force.

2. Physical presence calculations must be precise. For INA § 301(g) cases (5/2 rule), meticulously document the U.S. citizen parent's physical presence in the United States prior to the child's birth. Gaps or insufficient documentation are the most common reason for denials and RFEs.

3. Distinguish between acquisition and derivation. These are separate legal theories with different requirements. Determine the correct basis before filing and cite the appropriate INA section.

4. Out-of-wedlock cases require special attention. For INA § 309(a) cases (U.S. citizen father), ensure all legitimation, paternity, and financial support requirements are documented before the child turned 18.

5. Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA) is not retroactive for adults. INA § 320 applies only to those who were under 18 on or after February 27, 2001. For those who turned 18 before that date, former INA § 321 or acquisition provisions may apply.

6. Retain original documents for the interview. File copies with the application but bring originals to any scheduled interview. USCIS may request to examine originals.

Practitioner Tips

• Consider filing for a U.S. Passport concurrently or subsequently. Once the Certificate of Citizenship is issued, the applicant should apply for a U.S. Passport through the Department of State as additional evidence of citizenship.

• Certified translations are mandatory. All documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The translator must certify competence and accuracy.

• Request IRS transcripts early. IRS Form 4506-T requests can take 4-6 weeks to process. Submit these well in advance of filing the N-600.

• Use affidavits to fill gaps. When documentary evidence of physical presence is unavailable for certain periods, sworn affidavits from individuals with personal knowledge (relatives, friends, employers, religious leaders) can supplement the record.

• Check for prior CRBA or passport applications. If the U.S. citizen parent previously applied for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a U.S. passport for the applicant, obtain records of those applications, as they may contain relevant evidence.

• Military service of the U.S. citizen parent. Time spent abroad in honorable military service or in employment with the U.S. Government, certain international organizations, or qualifying contractors may count toward physical presence under INA § 301(g).

• Consider fee waiver eligibility. For applicants with limited income, Form I-912 may be filed to request a fee waiver. Document inability to pay with tax returns, benefit award letters, and a personal declaration.

• Preserve the record. Make complete copies of the entire filing packet before submission. Use certified mail or a delivery service with tracking.

14. SIGNATURE BLOCK

Attorney/Representative Declaration

I, [________________________________], hereby certify that I have reviewed this filing packet and that the information contained herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I am authorized to represent the applicant in this matter, and a Form G-28 is enclosed.

_________________________________________
Attorney/Representative Signature

_________________________________________
Printed Name

_________________________________________
Date

Applicant Declaration

I, [________________________________], declare under penalty of perjury that the information provided in this application and accompanying documents is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

_________________________________________
Applicant Signature

_________________________________________
Printed Name

_________________________________________
Date

15. SOURCES AND REFERENCES

Statutory Authorities

• Immigration and Nationality Act § 301, 8 U.S.C. § 1401
• Immigration and Nationality Act § 309, 8 U.S.C. § 1409
• Immigration and Nationality Act § 320, 8 U.S.C. § 1431
• Immigration and Nationality Act § 322, 8 U.S.C. § 1433
• Immigration and Nationality Act § 341, 8 U.S.C. § 1452
• Child Citizenship Act of 2000, Pub. L. 106-395

Regulatory Authorities

• 8 C.F.R. § 341.2 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship)
• 8 C.F.R. Part 106 (USCIS Fee Schedule)

USCIS Resources

• Form N-600 and Instructions: https://www.uscis.gov/n-600
• USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part H (Children of U.S. Citizens): https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-h
• USCIS Fee Calculator: https://www.uscis.gov/feecalculator
• Case Status Online: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus

Department of State Resources

• 8 FAM 301 (Acquisition and Retention of U.S. Citizenship and Nationality)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) Information

DISCLAIMER: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific. The applicable law depends on the specific dates, relationships, and circumstances of each case. You must have this template reviewed and customized by a qualified immigration attorney before use. Statutory provisions, filing fees, and USCIS procedures are subject to change. Always verify current requirements on the USCIS website before filing.

Template prepared for use on ezel.ai platform. Last updated: 2026-02-27.