10 Things You Need to Know About N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship

10 Things You Need to Know About N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship

What Is N-600 Form For

The N-600 form is used for applying for a certificate of Citizenship that is used as proof of one’s citizenship. You can file for citizenship if born outside the U.S and you claim citizenship through your parents. You can also apply for citizenship if you automatically became a citizen by law but before turning 18 years.  Naturalisation is a process through which a person born out of the US becomes a U.S citizen by naturalization. The process involves applying for citizenship, then approval for the same and taking an Oath of Allegiance.

When naturalization is required

 There are a few cases that need a U.S citizen to prove his citizenship including when applying for a federal government job or when applying for a U.S passport.  In such cases, a birth certificate will be enough to prove one’s citizenships. Those who gained citizenship after doing and passing an exam are required to have naturalization certificate. However, in case one was born out of the U.S even when the parents are U.S citizens, proof of citizenship for such a child is not very easy especially if over 18 years.

Does Death of One’s Parents Affect One’s Application

In the unfortunate case that your U.S citizen parent is deceased, you still can apply for a certificate of citizenship if you received it after or at birth before that parent died. However, in case your parent died before acquiring citizenship, it may be difficult but not impossible. In this case, you will be required to fulfill requirements as spelled by the Immigration Nationality Act. This section does not give one automatic citizenship instead allows for naturalization before you are 18 years as well as blows you to rely on your grandparents who are citizens rather than your parents.

Does Parents’ Divorce Affect Ability to Apply?

Your parents’ marital status has some small impact on your application for the certificate of citizenship. If for instance, your parents’ divorce before you acquire your citizenship status after birth, you must demonstrate that before you attain 18 years that you lived in the physical and legal custody of your parent (who is a citizen). In case the parent whose custody you are under is not a citizen, then you cannot acquire your citizenship automatically.

How to Check On the Stars of Your Application

If during the filing process you were given a receipt notice, use the tracking number to track the progress of your case on the USCIS website. Enter the tracking number on the My Case Status on the USCIS website to know the position. 

What Happens After Application for The Certificate?

Upon submission of the N-600 forms, the USCIS assesses them for merit. Then, applicants are scheduled for interviews (however not all applicants will be summoned for the in-person interview). You are required to bring along all the originals of the copies you submitted in your application and any other additional document that will add merit to your eligibility. A certified translation must accompany any documents in any different language other than English.

What If You Do Not Receive Any Information Long After Submission of the Form

As mentioned early on, you can track the progress of your case. However, if in case you do not have the tracking number and you do not hear from the USCIS for several months, visit USCIS and inquire what is going on. Make an appointment with the USCIS beforehand and during your meeting bring along copies of the application you filed and photo ID.

What Happens After the Interview?

Your case will be evaluated for merit, and if approved by the USCIS, you will be given the Certificate of Citizenship. If you are 14 years and above, you will be required to take the Oath of Allegiance if you did not take it during the interview. If younger than 14 years, the Oath will not be administered.

What Happens If the Application Is Rejected

In case your application is not approved by the USCIS, you are allowed to file an appeal within 30 days from the date of the USCIS decision. Failure to do so, you will not be allowed to make any other N-600 application, and in case you do, it will always be rejected. Once the 30 days’ elapse, you can only file a motion to reconsider or reopen your file.

When to See a Lawyer

Filing of form N-600 is usually not complicated, and often you will not need a lawyer. However, the need for a lawyer arises when you need to determine your eligibility for citizenship and the certificate. Again, a lawyer comes in handy when you do not seem to get a favorable and timely response from there USCIS or in cases where you find it difficult gathering the required documentation. For more assistance contact RunRex.