Certificate of Citizenship: What It Is and How to Apply

A Certificate of Citizenship is an official USCIS document that serves as proof of U.S. citizenship. It is available to individuals who acquired citizenship at birth, whether born in the United States or abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, as well as those who obtained citizenship through naturalization or adoption.

Unlike a passport, a Certificate of Citizenship is not a travel document, but it serves as a permanent record of citizenship status and may be required for certain legal, employment, or government purposes.

This article covers the types of evidence required to apply, the N-600 application process, and filing fees.

Types of Citizenship Evidence

The documents required to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship depend on how citizenship was acquired. There are four recognized categories of evidence.

Primary citizenship evidence applies to those born in the United States. A birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state of birth (containing the applicant’s full name, date and place of birth, parent(s)’ names, and an official seal) serves as primary evidence. For those born outside the United States, a valid U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization may serve as primary evidence instead.

Secondary citizenship evidence applies when primary documents are unavailable. A delayed birth certificate (one filed more than a year after birth, bearing the signature of a birth attendant or parent) may be used. If no birth certificate is on file in the state of birth, a Letter of No Record may be submitted in its place. The Letter of No Record must include the applicant’s name, date of birth, and a statement confirming that no birth certificate exists on file.

Evidence of citizenship at birth abroad applies to individuals born outside the United States who acquired citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent. Supporting documents may include a foreign birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, the parent’s evidence of U.S. citizenship, a marriage certificate if applicable, and a statement from the U.S. citizen parent detailing their physical presence in the United States prior to the applicant’s birth.

Evidence of citizenship through adoption applies to those who acquired citizenship through adoption. Applicable documents include a full and final adoption decree and evidence of lawful entry for permanent residence.

Applying for a Certificate of Citizenship

To apply for a Certificate of Citizenship, eligible individuals must file Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, directly with USCIS. The filing fee is $1,385 for paper filing or $1,335 online. Fee exemptions are available for current or former U.S. armed forces members filing on their own behalf, and for certain adoption cases. Current fee information and exemption details are available on the USCIS fee schedule.

U.S.-born citizens do not need to file Form N-600 to prove citizenship. A birth certificate issued at birth serves as sufficient proof.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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Contact an Immigration Attorney

Obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship can involve navigating complex documentation requirements, particularly for those who acquired citizenship through a parent abroad or through adoption. Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. has represented clients in citizenship and naturalization matters for over 30 years.

Call 312.444.1940 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your situation with an experienced immigration attorney.