How is N-600 different from N-400?

N-400 creates citizenship via naturalization. N-600 documents citizenship someone already has by birth or derivation.

How long does N-600 take?

Processing runs 10–18 months. Complex cases involving foreign birth records or step-parent adoption can run longer.

How much does N-600 cost?

The USCIS filing fee is $1,385 as of the Apr-2024 fee schedule.

Form N-600: Application for Certificate of Citizenship

Form N-600 doesn't create citizenship — it documents citizenship someone already has. Applicants who acquired citizenship at birth abroad through a U.S. citizen parent, or derived it automatically when a parent naturalized while the applicant was a minor LPR, use N-600 to obtain the government-issued proof.

What Form N-600 Is

Form N-600 is filed by individuals who are already U.S. citizens — either by birth abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or by derivation through a parent's naturalization while the applicant was a minor LPR — to receive a Certificate of Citizenship documenting that status.

The certificate is more durable proof than a passport for many purposes: it never expires, is accepted by federal agencies, and is required to prove citizenship for certain federal jobs and Social Security records.

Filing Fee

The USCIS filing fee for Form N-600 is $1,385 as of the April 2024 fee schedule. Military children and applicants under 18 living abroad may qualify for a lower fee.

Frequently Asked Questions About N-600

A U.S. passport is proof of citizenship for most travel and identification purposes. N-600 gives you a permanent, never-expiring Certificate of Citizenship — useful for federal employment, Social Security records, and situations where a passport isn't accepted or is inconvenient to obtain.

Filing Form N-600?

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Related practice areas

Naturalization & Citizenship

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Related USCIS forms

N-400·Application for Naturalization All USCIS forms