Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate under Section 322
[N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322]
IMPORTANT: Information on this site may be outdated. For up-to-date instructions and filing fees check always with the USCIS site:
http://www.uscis.gov/forms
Purpose of Form :
For a child who regularly resides abroad to claim U.S. citizenship based on parentage.
Number of Pages :
14
Edition Date :
10/26/05. Prior versions acceptable.
Where to File :
Submit this application to any USCIS District or Sub-Office
Filing Fee :
$255.00
Special Instructions :
Please note: This is a large file (1.64 MB). We recommend that it not be filled out in your web browser, but that you download it to your computer (by “right-clicking” on the link below and selecting “Save Target At”. Then launch the file from Adobe Reader.
Note on Filing Fee:
If you are filing on behalf of an adopted minor child, the fee is $215.
Please consult the “Paying Fees” section of your local office site to learn which forms of payment will be accepted. Acceptable forms of payment may vary by office. Checks should be made payable to Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
OMB No. 1615-0087; Expires 07/31/07
N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322
What Is This Form?
This form, the N-600K is an application for the naturalization of a child who regularly resides outside the United States and for the issuance of a certificate of citizenship to the child.
To request U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms, call our toll-free forms line at 1-800-870-3676. You may also get USCIS forms and information about the immigration laws and regulations by calling 1-800-375-5283 or from the USCIS internet website at http://www.uscis. gov.
Who Should Use This Form?
The following individuals may use this form:
” A U.S. citizen parent seeking citizenship on behalf of a minor adopted or biological child under section 322 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (providing for citizenship through an application process for biological and adopted children who regularly reside outside of the United States and meet certain conditions while under the age of 18 years).
” If a U.S. citizen parent of a child who otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of INA 322 has died, a U.S. citizen parent of the U.S. citizen parent or a U.S. legal guardian can file this application at any time within five years of the U. S. citizen parent’s death.
Who Can File This Form?
In the case of minor adopted or biological children (under 18 years) qualifying for citizenship under section 322 of the INA, the application must be filed by the U.S. citizen parent with legal and physical custody of the child.
In the case of an application filed by a U.S. citizen parent of a deceased citizen parent or of an application filed by a U.S. citizen legal guardian, the child does not have to be residing in the legal and physical custody of the applicant. The application can be filed and approved if the child is residing in the legal and physical custody of a person who does not object to the application.
This form should be filed only if the child:
” Will not yet have reached their 18th birthday at the time of fulfilling all of the requirements for citizenship, including the required interview of United States citizen parent and the child, and
” Is a biological child who is a legitimate child or is a child who was legitimated, while in the legal custody of the legitimating parent(s), prior to reaching the 16th birthday or
” Is an adopted child who has a full and final adoption and the child either is the beneficiary of an approved 1-600 or fulfilled the two-years legal custody, two-years joint residence requirements of INA section 101(b)(1)(E).
Who Should Not Use This Form?
Therefore this form should not be used for stepchildren, children who are not legitimate and children who were not legitimated prior to their 16th birthday. Such children are not eligible for benefits under section 322 of the INA. Any person other than a citizen parent should not use this form except in cases in which a U.S. citizen parent has died.
What Is the Fee to Apply for a Certificate of Citizenship?
Except for a person who is requesting a certificate of citizenship for an adopted child, (checking Part 2, Box A or C on the Form), all applicants must pay the fee for this Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate, under section 322 of the INA – $255.00.
For U.S. citizen parents, or a U.S. citizen grandparent or U.S. citizen legal guardian filing in lieu of a deceased U.S. citizen parent, filing on behalf of an adopted minor child under section 322 of the INA (checking Part 2, Box B on the form), the fee for this is $215.00.
The fee must be paid at the time of filing the application. The fee is not refundable, even if the application is subsequently withdrawn.
Use the following guidelines when you prepare your check or money order:
” The check or money order must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States and must be payable in U.S. currency. Do not mail cash.
” Make the check or money order payable to: Department of Homeland Security, unless: – If you live in Guam and are filing your application there, make it payable to Treasurer, Guam; or – If you live in the U.S. Virgin Islands and are filing your application there, make it payable to Commissioner of Finance of the Virgin Islands.
Do not use the initials “USDHS” or “DHS” on your check or money order.
How to Check If the Fees Are Correct.
The fees on this form are current as of the edition date appearing in the lower right corner of this page. However, because USCIS fees change periodically, you can verify if the fees are correct by following one of the steps below:
” Visit our website at www.uscis.gov and scroll down to “Forms and E-Filing” to check the appropriate fees, or
” Review the Fee Schedule included in your form package, if you called us to request the form, or
” Telephone our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask for the fee information.
Where Do I Send the Application?
For all applicants seeking a U.S. citizenship and the issuance of a certificate of citizenship for a minor adopted or biological child who resides outside of the United States and qualifies for citizenship under section 322 of the IN A, the Form N-600K may be filed at any USCIS office or suboffice in the United States or its outlying possessions (including San Juan, Puerto Rico; the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Guam). The address of USCIS offices can be found at:
http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/alphaa.htm.
What Documents or Evidence Must I Send With the Application?
The following is a list of documents that must be submitted with the Form N-600K. Unless specifically noted otherwise, every applicant must submit each of the documents listed below for himself/herself and the U.S. citizen parent(s) (or grandparent(s) if applicable) through whom the applicant is claiming U.S. citizenship.
Any document in a foreign language must be accompanied by a translation in English. The translator must certify that he/she is competent to translate and that the translation is true and accurate. For each document needed, you may submit a clear, readable copy or the originals. Do not send an original Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization. USCIS may request that you present original documents at the interview.
” Photographs – (Only required of the person to whom the Certificate of Citizenship will be issued)
You must submit three identical, unglazed passport-style photographs in color taken within 30 days of the date of filing of this application. The photographs should be 2″ x 2″, and must be in natural color and taken without any headdress (unless the applicant is wearing a headdress as required by a religious order of which he or she is a member). The dimensions of the full-frontal facial position should be about 1 inch from the top of the hair to the chin. The photographs must be on thin paper with a light background and not mounted in any way. The photographs must not be signed but you should print your name (or if a U.S. citizen parent applying on behalf of a minor child, the child’s name) and Alien Registration Number in the center of the back of each photograph with a soft lead pencil.
” Birth Certificate or Record of the Child – A certified birth certificate or record issued by a civil authority in the country of birth.
” Birth Certificate or Record of the Citizen Parent – A certified birth certificate or record issued by a civil authority in the country of birth is required for applications filed by a citizen parent of a citizen parent.
” Marriage Certificate(s) – Certified marriage certificate(s) issued by a civil authority in the state or country of marriage.
” Documents Showing the Termination of a Marriage – Examples include a divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment document.
” Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Examples of this are birth certificates showing birth in the United States; an N-550, Certificate of Naturalization; an N-560, Certificate of Citizenship; an FS-240, Report of Birth Abroad of United States Citizen; or a valid unexpired U.S passport.
” Proof of Legitimation – (Only required for applicants who were born out of wedlock).
Documents must establish legitimation according to the laws of the child’s residence or domicile or father’s residence or domicile (if applicable).
Legitimation for INA benefits requires that the child is in the legal custody of the legitimating parent(s) at the time of legitimation.
” Proof of Legal Guardianship – Proof of legal guardianship issued by competent authority in the place of residence of the legal guardian must be submitted for any application filed by a legal guardian in lieu of a deceased citizen parent.
” Proof of Legal Custody – (Only required for applicants whose U.S. citizen parent(s) divorced and/or separated and for applicants who are adopted or legitimated).
” Evidence of Lawful Admission and Maintenance of Such Lawful Status (e.g. Form 1-94, Arrival/ Departure Record) – (Required at time of interview for all applicants seeking citizenship under section 322 of the INA).
” Proof of Required Residence or Physical Presence in the United States – Any document that proves the U.S citizen parent(s)’ residence or physical presence in the United States. This proof may include but is not limited to the following: – School, employment, military records; – Deeds, mortgages, leases showing residence; – Attestations by churches, unions, or other organizations; – U.S. Social Security quarterly reports; – Affidavits of third parties having knowledge of the residence and physical presence.
” Proof of U.S. Citizen Grandparent(s)’ Required Physical Presence in the United States – (Only required for applicants seeking citizenship under section 322 of the Act whose U.S. citizen parent(s) does not meet the physical presence requirement of five years in the United States, two years of which were after the age of 14).
Documentation establishing that the U.S. citizen grandparent(s) met the required physical presence requirements.
” Current Status of Citizen Grandparent.
An application filed by a citizen parent that relies on the physical presence in the United States of a citizen grandparent cannot be approved unless the citizen grandparent is a U.S. citizen, if living, or if deceased, was at the time of his or her death a U.S. citizen.
An application filed by any grandparent or legal guardian in lieu of a deceased citizen parent that relies on the physical presence of a citizen grandparent cannot be approved unless evidence is submitted that the citizen grandparent was a U.S. citizen and still alive at the time of the death of the citizen parent.
” Copy of Notice of Approval of a Form 1-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, and Supporting Documentation for Such Form (Except Home Study) – (All adopted orphans applying under section 322 of the INA must either have this form or have complied with the two years legal custody and two years of joint residence requirement of INA 101(b)(1)(E)).
” Copy of Full, Final Adoption Decree – (Only required for adopted applicants).
” Evidence of All Legal Name Changes.
What If a Document Is Not Available?
If it is not possible to obtain any one of the above-required documents, you must establish why the evidence is not available. You may be required to submit an original written statement from the relevant government or other authority explaining the reason for the unavailability of the document(s). You may submit the following secondary evidence for consideration. However, secondary documents that do not overcome the availability of primary documents may result in denial of the application:
” Baptismal Certificate: A certificate under the seal of the church where the baptism occurred, showing the date and place of the child’s birth, date of baptism, the names of the godparents, if known.
” Church Records: A certificate under the church seal issued within two months of birth.
” School Record: A letter from authorities of the school attended (preferably the first school), showing the date of admission to the school, the child’s date of birth or age at that time, place of birth, and the names and places of birth of parents, if shown in the school records.
” Census Records: State or federal census records showing the name(s) and place(s) of birth, and the date(s) of birth or age(s) of the person(s) listed.
” Affidavits: Written statements sworn to (or affirmed) by two persons who have personal knowledge of the claimed event (i.e., the date and place of a birth, marriage, or death). The persons may be relatives and need not be citizens of the United States. Each affidavit should contain the following information regarding the person making the affidavit: his (her) full name and address; date and place of birth; relationship to the applicant, if any; full information concerning the event; and complete details concerning how he (she) acquired knowledge of the event.
How Do I Complete This Application?
” Please print clearly or type your answers using CAPITAL letters in each box.
” Use black ink.
” If the child has a USCIS “A” number, write the “A” number in the place indicated on the top right hand corner of the first page. Use the “A” number on the Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as the Alien Registration Receipt or “Green” Card), if the child has one. Otherwise, use the “A” number shown on the USCIS or former INS-issued correspondence about the child.
If a question does not apply to you, write N/A (meaning “Not Applicable”) in the space provided.
If you need extra space to answer any item: – Attach a separate sheet of paper (or more sheets if needed); – Write your name, your “A” number (if available), and “N-600K” on the top right corner of the sheet; and – Write the number of each question for which you are providing additional information.
Step-By-Step Instructions.
This form is divided into ten parts. The information below will help you fill out the form.
Part 1. Information About Your Child.
NOTE: If you are a U.S. citizen parent, grandparent or legal guardian applying for a certificate of citizenship on behalf of your minor biological or adopted child, give information for your minor child.
A. Current Legal Name – The child’s current legal name is the name on the birth certificate unless it has been changed after birth by a legal action such as a marriage, adoption, or court order.
B. Name Exactly as It Appears on Your Permanent Resident Card (if applicable and if different from above) – Write the child’s name exactly as it appears on the card, even if it is misspelled.
C. Other Names Used Since Birth – If the child has ever used any other names since birth, write them in this section. If you need more space, use a separate sheet of paper.
D. U.S. Social Security Number – Print the child’s U.S. Social Security number. If the child does not have a Social Security number, write “N/A” in the space provided.
E. Date of Birth – Use eight numbers to show the child’s date of birth (example: May 1, 1992, should be written 05/01/1992).
F. Country of Birth – Give the name of the country where the child was born. Write the name of the country even if it no longer exists. If the name of the country has changed, write the name of the country as it was at the time of your birth.
G. Country of Citizenship/Nationality – Write the name of the country of the child’s citizenship/nationality.
” If the country no longer exists and/or the child is stateless, write the name of the country where the child was last a citizen or national.
” If the child is a citizen or national of more than one country, write the name of the foreign country that issued the last passport.
H. Gender – Indicate whether male or female.
I. Height – Give the child’s height in feet and inches.
Part 2. Information About the Child’s Eligibility.
Check the box that indicates why the child is eligible to apply for a certificate of citizenship.
If you are a U.S. citizen parent applying for a certificate of citizenship on behalf of a minor biological child, check the box in Section A. If you are a U.S. citizen parent applying for a certificate of citizenship on behalf of a minor adopted child, check the box in Section B. If you are the U.S. citizen parent of a deceased U.S. citizen parent applying for your grandchild, check the box in Section C. If you are the U.S. citizen legal guardian of an eligible child, check the box in Section C.
Part 3. Additional Information About the Child.
The information in this section should be about the child who will be issued the certificate of citizenship.
NOTE: If you are a U.S. citizen parent, grandparent or legal guardian applying for a certificate of citizenship on behalf of a minor biological or adopted child, give information for your minor child.
A. Home Address – Give the address where the child now lives. Do not put post office (P.O.) box numbers here.
B. Mailing Address – If the mailing address is the same as the home address, write “same.” If the mailing address is different from the home address, write it in this part. Provide “Care Of information if applicable.
C. Telephone Numbers – Telephone numbers and e-mail addresses allow USCIS to contact you more quickly about the application. If you are hearing impaired and use a TTY telephone connection, please indicate this by writing “(TTY)” after the telephone number.
D. Current Marital Status – Check the marital status the child has on the date you are filing this application.
E. Information About the Child’s Entry Into the U.S. and Current Immigration Status – Do not complete this section. The USCIS Adjudicator will complete this during the interview.
F. Previous Application for Certificate of Citizenship or U.S. Passport – If you know of any prior application for a certificate of citizenship or a U.S. passport (or you are a U.S. citizen parent who previously applied for a certificate of citizenship or U. S. passport for your minor child), indicate on a separate piece of paper what happened with the application and whether a certificate of citizenship or U.S. passport was or was not issued.
G. Information on Adoption – If the child was adopted, provide information as to the place and date of adoption.
H. Marital Status of Parents at Time of Birth (or Adoption) – Indicate whether the child’s parents were married to each other at the time of the child’s birth. If the child was born out-of-wedlock, indicate “No,” even if the parents subsequently married. If the child was adopted, indicate whether the adoptive parents were married to each other at the time of the adoption.
Part 4. Information on Child’s U.S. Citizen Father or Mother (or Adoptive Father or Mother).
NOTE: If you are a U.S. citizen father or mother (or adoptive father or mother) applying for citizenship and a certificate of citizenship on behalf of your minor child, where information is requested about in this section, provide information about YOURSELF in the sections noted. If you are a U.S. citizen grandparent or legal guardian, provide information about the child’s U.S. citizen PARENT in the sections noted.
A. Current Legal Name – Give current legal name, or name at time of death, of the U.S. citizen father or mother. It is the name on the birth certificate unless it was changed after birth by a legal action such as a marriage, adoption, or court order.
B. Date of Birth – Use eight numbers to show the U.S. citizen father or mother’s date of birth (example: May 1, 1969, should be written 05/01/1969).
C. Country of Birth – Give the name of the country where the U.S. citizen father or mother was born. Write the name of the country even if it no longer exists. If the name of the country has changed, write the name of the country as it was at the time of your U.S. citizen father or mother’s birth.
D. Home Address – Give the address where the U.S. citizen father or mother now lives. Do not put post office (P.O.) box numbers here.
E. U.S. Citizenship – Indicate how the U.S. citizen father or mother became a U.S. citizen. Provide all the requested information.
F. Loss of U.S. Citizenship – Indicate whether the U.S. citizen father or mother ever lost U.S. citizenship. Provide this information even if the U.S. citizen father or mother regained citizenship at a later date.
G. Residence and/or Physical Presence – Provide all the dates when the U.S. citizen father or mother was in United States. Dates should include all time immediately after birth as well as after the age of 14 years and older.
H. Marital History.
1. Write the number of times the U.S. citizen father or mother was married. Include any annulled marriages. If there were more than one marriage to the same spouse, count each time as a separate marriage.
2. If now married, provide information about the U.S. citizen father or mother’s current spouse. Check appropriate box to indicate immigration status.
3. Indicate whether the U.S. citizen father or mother’s current spouse is also your parent. If “No,” you will be asked to provide information about your father or mother’s previous spouse or spouses.
Part 5. Information About the U.S. Citizen Grandfather or Grandmother.
Complete This Section Only If:
1. You are a U.S. citizen parent, grandparent or legal guardian applying for citizenship on behalf of a United States citizen’s adopted or biological child who regularly resides outside the United States;
2. The U.S. citizen parent, has not been physically present in the United States for five years, two years of which were after the age of 14 years; and
3. If the eligible application is relying on the physical presence in the United States of the U.S citizen father or mother of the United States citizen parent (the child’s grandfather or grandmother) to get citizenship for the adopted or biological child.
The applicant should provide information about the U. S. citizen parent (the grandparent of the child) of the U. S. citizen father or mother in the sections noted.
A. Current Legal Name – Give current legal name of the U.S. citizen grandfather or grandmother. It is the name on his or her birth certificate unless it was changed after birth by a legal action such as a marriage, adoption or court order.
B. Date of Birth – Use eight numbers to show the U.S. citizen grandfather or grandmother’s date of birth (example: May 1, 1949, should be written
05/01/1949).
C. Country of Birth – Give the name of the country where the U.S. citizen grandfather or grandmother was born. Write the name of the country even if it no longer exists. If the name of the country has changed, write the name of the country as it was at the time of the U.S. citizen grandfather or grandmother’s birth.
D. Home Address – Give the address where the U.S. citizen grandfather or grandmother now lives. Do not put post office (P.O.) box numbers here.
E. U.S. Citizenship – Indicate how the U.S. citizen grandfather or grandmother became a U.S. citizen. Provide all the requested information.
F. Loss of U.S. Citizenship – Indicate whether the U.S. citizen grandfather or grandmother ever lost U.S. citizenship. Provide this information even if the U.S. citizen grandfather or grandmother regained citizenship at a later date.
G. Residence and/or Physical Presence – Provide all the dates when the U.S. citizen grandfather or grandmother was in United States. Dates should include all time immediately after birth as well as after the age of 14 years and older.
Part 6. Legal Guardian.
Complete this part only for applications filed by a legal guardian in lieu of a deceased U.S. citizen parent.
Part 7. Your Signature.
Except in cases in which a U.S. citizen parent of the child has died, only a U.S. citizen parent may file this application on their child’s behalf. In cases in which a U.S. citizen parent has died, a U.S. citizen grandparent or U.S. citizen legal guardian can file the application. The applicant must sign and date the application. If the applicant does not sign the application, the application will be returned.
Part 8. Signature of Person Preparing Form, If Other Than Applicant.
If you do not fill out the Form N-600K yourself, the preparer must also sign, date and give his or her address. If the preparer is a business or organization, its’ name must be included on the form.
Part 9. Affidavit.
Do not complete this part. You will be asked to complete this part at the interview.
Part 10. Officer Report and Recommendation.
Do not complete this part. This part is for USCIS use only.
Penalties.
USCIS wants to make sure that you receive the requested immigration benefit if you are eligible for it. To do this, we may ask for more evidence, interview you, and/or conduct an investigation. If you give us false documents, misrepresent facts, or otherwise engage in fraud, USCIS will take appropriate action. This means we will not only deny your application, but you may lose current and future immigration benefits and you may face penalties including criminal and/or civil prosecution leading to fines and/or imprisonment.
Privacy Act Notice
USCIS will use the information and evidence requested on Form N-600K to determine your eligibility for the requested immigration benefit. We may provide information from your application to other government agencies.
Use InfoPass for Appointments.
As an alternative to waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can now schedule an appointment through our internet-based system, InfoPass. To access the system, visit our website at www.uscis.gov. Use the InfoPass appointment scheduler and follow the screen prompts to set up your appointment. InfoPass generates an electronic appointment notice that appears on the screen. Print the notice and take it with you to your appointment. The notice gives the time and date of your appointment, along with the address of the USCIS office.
Paperwork Reduction Act Notice.
You are not required to respond to this form unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The USCIS strives to create forms and instructions that are accurate, easy to understand and impose the least possible burden on you to provide the information and evidence needed to process your application.
For this application we estimate that it takes 15 minutes to learn about the law, form, and process. The time it takes to complete the form is estimated at 20 minutes and 1 hour to assemble and file the application, including average travel time. The total preparation time is estimated at 1 hour and 35 minutes. If you have comments about this estimate or suggestions for simplifying this form, write to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration, Regulatory Management Division, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20529, OMB No. 1615-0087. Do not mail your completed application to this address.