Form N-600 Requirements & Eligibility: Who Qualifies and What You Need to Apply

If your child was born abroad or outside of a U.S. hospital and you’re a U.S. citizen, you might be wondering if your child can still get U.S. citizenship—yes, they can, but only if they meet the USCIS form N-600 requirements.

But before you rush to file, it matters that you meet the N-600 citizenship requirements.

Fortunately, this blog will break it all down for you. Here you will learn all about the USCIS N-600 requirements, N-600 eligibility, required documents, and how to file it the right way.

What is Form N-600 and Who Should File the N-600 Form?

Form N-600, officially called the Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is used to request official proof of U.S. citizenship, especially when someone has automatically acquired or derived citizenship through their parents but doesn’t have a citizenship document yet.

This form is not used to become a citizen. Instead, it helps people, usually children, get a Certificate of Citizenship if they:

• Automatically acquired U.S. citizenship at birth
  or
• Became U.S. citizens through their parents after birth (but before the age of 18)

This is especially helpful if your child was born outside the U.S., or if you’re an immigrant who later naturalized and wants your child to be legally recognized as a citizen.

Form N-600 USCIS Eligibility Criteria Explained

Before filing Form N-600, it’s important to understand who is actually eligible according to USCIS requirements. This form is intended for individuals—usually children—who have automatically acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through a parent, but need official documentation of that status. According to USCIS, a person may qualify to file form N-600 if:

• At least one parent is a U.S. citizen, either by birth or naturalization.
• The child was under 18 years old when they acquired citizenship.
• The child was living in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent.
• The child was lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident (green card holder).

In adoption cases or complex family structures, additional requirements may apply. Keep in mind: Form N-600 USCIS eligibility is based on existing citizenship laws—it’s not a path to becoming a citizen but a way to prove citizenship that already exists. Always review USCIS guidelines thoroughly or consult an immigration attorney if you’re unsure about your child’s eligibility.

Form N-600 Requirements: What You Need to Prepare

To successfully file Form N-600, you’ll need to gather the documents that prove the U.S. citizen parent’s status, lawful permanent resident status, birth or adoption history, and residence and custody details.

These are the official N-600 requirements outlined by USCIS to confirm that you—or your child, already qualify for U.S. citizenship under existing law. Here’s what you should prepare:

1. Child’s birth certificate (must be translated if not in English)
2. Parents’ proof of U.S. citizenship (U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)
3. Proof of lawful permanent resident status, such as a valid green card
4. Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)
5. Adoption decree, if the child was adopted
6. Evidence of legal and physical custody—this may include school records, medical records, lease agreements, or tax filings
7. Documents showing U.S. residence with the citizen parent
8. Two passport-style photos that meet official N-600 photo requirements
9. USCIS filing fee (currently $1,170) or Form I-912 if you’re requesting a fee waiver

Each case may vary depending on family structure, immigration history, or whether the child was adopted. That’s why it’s critical to review the USCIS checklist carefully before submitting your Application for Certificate of Citizenship, to avoid delays or rejections.

N-600 Photo Requirements (Avoid Rejection!)

When filing Form N-600, USCIS requires two identical color photographs of the applicant, whether it’s a child or an adult. These photos are used for official identification and must follow the guidelines exactly, otherwise, your application may be delayed or rejected.

Here are the specific N-600 photo requirements you must follow:

• 2×2 inch size
• White or off-white background
• Taken within the last 30 days
• No glasses or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
• Neutral expression, no smiling
• Full-face view facing the camera

Go to a professional passport photo service. Many drugstores and post offices in the U.S. offer USCIS-compliant photos.

Note that if you’re applying for your child, make sure the child’s face is fully visible and not supported by hands or props.

How to File Form N-600 (Step-by-Step)

You can file Form N-600 either online or by mail.

Online Filing:

1. Create a USCIS online account
2. Fill out Form N-600
3. Upload your supporting documents
4. Pay the fee
5. Submit and track your case status online

Paper Filing:

• Download the latest Form N-600 and instructions from uscis.gov/n-600
• Print and fill it out in black ink
• Mail it with supporting documents and the filing fee to the correct USCIS Lockbox address based on your state

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Form N-600

Avoid these errors to prevent delays or denials:

• Submitting incomplete or old versions of the form
• Forgetting translations of non-English documents
• Uploading blurry or incorrectly sized photos
• Filing the form for someone who is already a U.S. citizen with a valid passport
• Missing the legal custody or residency proof

Is Form N-600 Right for You?

If you or your child already meet the legal requirements for U.S. citizenship through a parent, but don’t yet have proof—Form N-600 is your path to securing a Certificate of Citizenship. Remember, this form doesn’t make you a citizen; it simply confirms the citizenship you already have under U.S. law.

Before you file, take time to understand the N-600 eligibility criteria, prepare all required documents, and carefully follow USCIS instructions. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen parent of a child born abroad or someone who derived citizenship after birth, this form helps you establish your legal status with confidence.

Still unsure if Form N-600 is right for your case? Visit Immigration Questions to ask your questions for free and get direct answers from registered immigration attorneys, often within hours. It’s a smart, secure way to gain clarity about your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need Form N-600 if I already have a U.S. passport?

No. A valid U.S. passport already serves as proof of citizenship. Form N-600 is optional but provides a Certificate of Citizenship, which some people want for permanent records.

2. What documents are needed for Form N-600?

You’ll need your child’s birth certificate, your proof of citizenship, green card, photos, and evidence of legal custody. See the full list above under “Documents Required.”

3. Who qualifies for Form N-600?

Children under 18 who automatically acquired or derived citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent, and who reside in the U.S. legally with that parent.

4. How long will it take to process Form N-600?

It usually takes 6–12 months, depending on your USCIS field office and how complete your application is.

5. What are the N-600 photo requirements?

Photos must be 2×2 inches, recent, clear, with a white background. No smiling, no glasses. Refer to the “Photo Requirements” section above.

6. What are the n-600 documents required?

You’ll need proof of the parents’ U.S. citizenship, the child’s birth certificate, green card, custody and residence evidence, photos, and the filing fee.