Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322 (Paper File)

Instructions for Application for Citizenship
and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS
Form N-600K

OMB No. 1615-0087
Expires 09/30/2027

What Is the Purpose of Form N-600K?
This application is for U.S. citizenship and issuance of a Certificate of Citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality
Act (INA) section 322 for a child who resides outside of the United States.

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Who Is Eligible to Obtain a Certificate of Citizenship via the Form N-600K Process?

NOTE: You must meet all requirements, provide all documentation, and the child must appear before USCIS for an
interview and take the Oath of Allegiance (if applicable) before the child turns 18 years of age.
A child may obtain U.S. citizenship if they meet all the following criteria to be eligible for citizenship under INA section
322:
1. The child is under 18 years of age and not married;

2. The child must remain under 18 years of age and unmarried throughout the application process, including the
administration of the Oath of Allegiance;
3. The child has one of the following relationships to a U.S. citizen parent:
•

The biological child of a U.S. citizen parent. (The child’s U.S. citizen parent must also be their legal parent. If
the U.S. citizen parent is the child’s biological father, you will generally have to establish that the child was born
in wedlock or legitimated.);

•

The child of a non-genetic gestational U.S. citizen parent (person who carried and gave birth to the child) who is
also the child’s legal parent;

•

The child of a U.S. citizen parent who was married to the child’s genetic or gestational parent at the time of the
child’s birth (even if no genetic or gestational relationship exists with the U.S. citizen parent) and both of the
child’s parents are also the child’s legal parents; or

•

The adopted child of a U.S. citizen parent. You must have a full, final, and complete adoption and meet the
requirements of one of the following provisions for adoption-based immigration: Hague Adoption Convention,
including having an approved Form I-800; orphan, including having an approved Form I-600; or family-based
adoption, including having an adoption before age 16 (or age 18 if the sibling exception at INA 101(b)(1)(E)(ii)
applies), and two years of legal custody and joint residence with the adoptive parent.

NOTE: Stepchildren are not eligible for citizenship through a U.S. citizen stepparent, unless the U.S. citizen
stepparent adopted the stepchild and the stepchild meets the requirements applicable to adopted children.
4. The child resides outside the United States;
5. The child is in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent;
In cases where the U.S. citizen parent died in the preceding five years, the child does NOT have to be residing in
the legal and physical custody of the person filing the application, as long as the person who has legal and physical
custody of the child does not object to the Form N-600K;

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6. The child’s U.S. citizen parent has been physically present in the United States for a period or periods totaling at least
five years, at least two of which were after 14 years of age. If the U.S. citizen parent does not meet this requirement,
the U.S. citizen parent’s own U.S. citizen parent (the child’s grandparent) has to have been physically present in the
United States for a period or periods totaling at least five years, at least two of which were after 14 years of age; and
7. The child is temporarily present in the United States at the time of approval of the application in a lawful status
pursuant to a lawful admission.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the individual seeking the child’s Certificate of Citizenship under INA section 322 to
secure any visa necessary for lawful admission to the United States.
N-600K Process for Children of Members of the U.S. Armed Forces

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The entire process may be completed outside the United States if the child is residing outside the United States with a
parent who is a member of the U.S. armed forces and the child is authorized to accompany and reside outside the United
States with the service member under official military orders. The child does not need to demonstrate the temporary
physical presence, lawful admission, or maintenance of lawful status requirements to be eligible for naturalization under
INA section 322. Additionally, the military member may count any time spent outside the United States on official U.S.
military orders as physical presence in the United States.
However, a child under these circumstances who is a lawful permanent resident may have already acquired citizenship,
and therefore cannot obtain a Certificate of Citizenship through the N-600K process. See the USCIS Policy Manual
Volume 12, Part H - Children of U.S. Citizens, Chapter 4, Automatic Acquisition of Citizenship after Birth (INA 320) at
www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-h-chapter-4.

Who May File Form N-600K?

The following individuals may file this application on behalf of an eligible foreign-born child:
1. U.S. Citizen Parent

A U.S. citizen mother or father who has legal and physical custody of a child under 18 years of age. The U.S. citizen
parent must regularly reside outside the United States and seek naturalization for the child under INA section 322,
and the parent-child relationship must satisfy one of the categories described above in Who Is Eligible to Obtain a
Certificate of Citizenship via the Form N-600K Process.
2. U.S. Citizen Grandparent

If the qualifying U.S. citizen parent has died, a U.S. citizen parent of the child’s U.S. citizen parent (the child’s
grandparent) may file this form within 5 years of the parent’s death.
3. U.S. Citizen Legal Guardian
A child’s U.S. citizen legal guardian may file Form N-600K within five years of the death of the child’s qualifying
citizen parent. The U.S. citizen legal guardian does not have to meet the physical presence requirements under INA
section 322. The physical presence requirements under INA section 322 must have been met by either the deceased
U.S. citizen parent or by the U.S. citizen grandparent before the U.S. citizen parent’s death.

Who Should Not File Form N-600K?
This application should not be filed:

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1. If the child has already acquired citizenship automatically under the INA . If the child had a U.S. citizen
parent who met certain residence or physical presence requirements in the United States at the time of the
child’s birth, then the child may have acquired citizenship at the time of their birth. If the child was admitted
to the United States as a lawful permanent resident and had at least one U.S. citizen parent, they may have
already acquired citizenship at some point after their birth. For more information see USCIS Policy Manual at
www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-h;
2. If the child meets the requirements for automatic acquisition of citizenship under INA section 320(c), Children of
Armed Forces Members or U.S. Government Employees (or their Spouses) as described in the USCIS Policy
Manual at www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-h-chapter-4;
3. By a U.S. citizen whose only relationship to the child is as a stepparent (unless the stepparent adopted the child);

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4. By any person other than a U.S. citizen parent of the child, unless that parent has died;
5. By any person once the child is over 18 years of age or married; or

6. If the purpose is to replace a lost or stolen certificate. Please refer to Form N-565, Application for Replacement
Naturalization/Citizenship Document, for information to replace a lost or stolen certificate.

General Instructions

We provide free forms through the USCIS website. To view, print, or complete our forms, you should use the latest
version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/.
Signature. You (or your signing authority) must properly complete your application. USCIS will not accept a stamped
or typewritten name in place of any signature on this application. Each application must be properly signed and filed by
the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian applying on behalf of the child. A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally
incompetent person. If your application is not signed, or if the signature is not valid, we will reject your application. See
8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A). If USCIS accepts a request for adjudication and determines that it has a deficient signature,
USCIS may deny the request.
Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of an original, handwritten signature
as valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten, ink
signature.
Filing Fee. See Form G-1055, available at www.uscis.gov/forms, for specific information about the fees applicable to
this form.
Evidence. When you file your application, you must submit all evidence and supporting documents listed in the Specific
Instructions and What Evidence Must You Submit sections of these Instructions.
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require the child to appear for an interview and that the child provide
biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature) at any time to verify their identity, obtain additional information,
and conduct background and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI), before making a decision on your application or petition. After USCIS receives your
application and ensures it is complete, we will inform you in writing if the child needs to attend a biometric services
appointment. If an appointment is necessary, you will be provided a notice with further instructions about how to set up
an appointment.
Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless the Instructions specifically instruct you to
submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at any time during our process. If we request an
original document from you, we will return it to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs the original.
NOTE: If you submit original documents when they are not required or requested, USCIS may destroy them after we
receive them.
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Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English
translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and
that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must also include the
translator’s signature, printed name, the signature date, and the translator’s contact information.
USCIS Contact Center. For additional information on the application and Instructions about where to file, change of
address, and other questions, visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter or call at 800-375-5283
(TTY 800-767-1833). The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish.
Disability Accommodations/Modifications. To request a disability accommodation/modification, follow the instructions
on your appointment notice or at www.uscis.gov/accommodationsinfo.

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How To Complete Out Form N-600K
1. Type or print legibly in black ink.

2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space provided in Part 13. Additional
Information or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print the child’s name and Alien Registration Number
(A-Number) (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which
your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet.
3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been
married and the question asks, “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A” unless otherwise
directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many
children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None” unless
otherwise directed.

Specific Instructions

This application is divided into 13 parts.

Part 3. Information About the Child for Whom This Application Is Being Filed

Item Number 2. Child’s Current Legal Name. Provide the child’s legal name. This should be the name on the birth
certificate unless it has been changed after birth by legal action such as marriage, adoption, or court order. Do not
provide a nickname.
Item Number 4. USCIS Online Account Number (if any). Providing the child’s unique USCIS Online Account
Number (OAN) helps them manage their online account. The child may have an Online Account Number if they
previously filed an application, petition, or request online or by mail and were issued a receipt number that begins with
IOE. If the child filed a form online, they can find their OAN in their USCIS Online Account profile. If they mailed their
form, they can find their OAN at the top of the USCIS Account Access Notice we sent them. The OAN is not the same as
an A-Number. If the child does not have a receipt number beginning with IOE, they do not have an OAN.
Item Numbers 5. Date of Birth. Use eight numbers to show the date of birth. For example, May 1, 1992, must be typed
or printed as 05/01/1992.
Item Numbers 6. Country of Birth. Provide the name of the country where the child was born. Type or print the name
of the country as it was when the person was born even if the country’s name has since changed or the country no longer
exists.
Item Number 7. Country of Citizenship or Nationality. Provide the name of the child’s country of citizenship or
nationality before the child becomes a U.S. citizen.
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NOTE: If the country no longer exists or the child is stateless, provide the name of the Country of Citizenship or
Nationality where the child was last a citizen or national, if any.
If the child is a citizen or national of more than one country, provide the name of the country that issued the latest
passport.
Item Number 8. Sex. Indicate whether the child is male or female as provided on the child’s birth certificate issued at the
time of birth or issued closest to the time of birth or in secondary evidence you provided to USCIS, if applicable.
Item Number 9. Height. Provide the child’s height in feet and inches.
Item Number 10. Marital Status. Select the marital status of the child as of the date of filing Form N-600K.

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Item Number 12. Current Mailing Address. Provide the child’s mailing address. Provide “In Care Of Name”
information, if applicable. Type or print something in every box, except an apartment number or “In Care Of Name” if
none, within “Current Mailing Address.”
If the child does not have a State or Province, enter the name of the city or town again in that box. If the child does not
have a ZIP or Postal Code, enter 00000 in the ZIP or Postal Code box.
NOTE: USCIS may not be able to contact the child or the person applying on behalf of the child, if the address is not
complete and valid. If USCIS rejects your application, USCIS may not be able to return the fee for the Form N-600K if
the address is not complete and valid. If USCIS cannot return the fee, USCIS will cash the check.
Item Number 13. Current Physical Address (if different from the address above). Provide the address where the
child now resides if it is different than the child’s current mailing address. Do not provide a Post Office (PO) Box number
here unless it is the child’s ONLY address.
If the child does not have a State or Province, enter the name of the city or town again in that box. If the child does not
have a ZIP or Postal Code, enter 00000 in the ZIP or Postal Code box.
Part 4. Information About the Child’s Adoption

Item Number 1. Indicate whether the child was adopted. If “Yes,” answer Items in Part 4., as applicable. If “No,” go
to Part 5.
Item Number 2. Full, Final and Complete Adoption Information. If the child was adopted pursuant to a full, final,
and complete adoption, provide the date and place of the adoption. If the child was not adopted pursuant to a full, final,
and complete adoption, they do not qualify as an adopted child and their application will be denied. For additional
information on adoptions, see www.uscis.gov/adoption.
Item Number 3. If the adoptive parent did not use the orphan process (Form I-600) or Hague process (Form I-800),
complete this item. Indicate in Item Number 3. the date when the adoptive parent began to have legal custody of the
child. Indicate in Item Number 3. the dates the child jointly resided with the adoptive parent.
Part 5. Information About the Child’s U.S. Citizen Parent
Item Number 1. Current Legal Name of U.S. Citizen Parent. Provide the legal name of the child’s U.S. citizen parent.
This should be the name on the U.S. citizen parent’s birth certificate, unless it has been changed after birth by legal action
such as marriage, adoption, or court order. Do not provide a nickname.
Item Number 2. Date of Birth. Use eight numbers to show the date of birth. For example, May 1, 1992, must be typed
or printed as 05/01/1992.

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Item Number 3. Country of Birth. Provide the name of the country where the U.S. citizen parent was born. Type
or print the name of the country as it was when the U.S. Citizen Parent was born even if the country’s name has since
changed or the country no longer exists.
Item Number 4. Current Physical Address. Provide the address where the U.S. citizen parent now resides. Do not
type or print a Post Office (PO) Box number here unless it is the U.S. citizen parent’s ONLY address.
If the U.S. citizen parent does not have a State or Province, enter the name of the city or town again in that box. If the
person does not have a ZIP or Postal Code, enter 00000 in the ZIP or Postal Code box.
Item Number 6. This item is used to determine whether the child has been legitimated, which can be established under
the laws of the U.S. citizen father’s or child’s residence(s).

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For more information regarding legitimation, see the USCIS Policy Manual at www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume12-part-h-chapter-2#S-B.
Part 6. Information About the Child’s Other Parent

See Part 5. Information About the Child’s U.S. Citizen Parent for information on completing these questions.
Part 7. Information About the Child’s U.S. Citizen Grandparent or U.S. Citizen Legal Guardian

If the child’s U.S. citizen parent is deceased and you are the child’s U.S. citizen grandparent or the child’s U.S. citizen
legal guardian, provide information about yourself in Part 7.
If you are the U.S. citizen parent, and you will rely on your U.S. citizen parent’s physical presence in Part 8., please
provide your parent’s information in Part 7.
If the child’s U.S. citizen parent is not deceased and the child’s parent will not rely on the child’s U.S. citizen
grandparent’s physical presence, skip to Part 8.
The grandparent must be a U.S. citizen, or if the U.S. citizen parent is deceased, must have been one at the time of death
of the U.S. citizen parent, if the child is relying on the grandparent’s physical presence in the United States to meet that
requirement.
Item Number 1. Current Legal Name. Provide the legal name of the child’s U.S. citizen grandparent or U.S. citizen
legal guardian. This should be the name on the U.S. citizen grandparent or U.S. citizen legal guardian’s birth certificate,
unless it has been changed after birth by legal action such as marriage, adoption, or court order. Do not provide a
nickname.
Item Number 2. Date of Birth. Use eight numbers to show the date of birth. For example, May 1, 1992, must be typed
or printed as 05/01/1992.
Item Number 3. Country of Birth. Provide the name of the country where the person was born. Type or print the name
of the country as it was when the person was born even if the country’s name has since changed or the country no longer
exists.
Item Number 4. Current Physical Address. Provide the address where the U.S. citizen grandparent or U.S. citizen
legal guardian now resides. Do not type or print a Post Office (PO) Box number here unless it is the U.S. citizen
grandparent or U.S. citizen legal guardian’s ONLY address.
NOTE: If the person does not have a State or Province, enter the name of the city or town again in that box. If the person
does not have a ZIP or Postal Code, enter 00000 in the ZIP or Postal Code box.
Part 8. U.S. Citizen Parent’s or U.S. Citizen Grandparent’s Physical Presence in the United States From Their
Birth Until Filing of Form N-600K

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Item Number 2. Physical Presence in the United States. Provide all the dates when the U.S. citizen parent or
grandparent was physically present in the United States. Include all dates from the parent’s or grandparent’s birth
until the present, including when the parent or grandparent was not a U.S. citizen. If you need extra space to provide
any additional information within this application, use the space provided in Part 13. Additional Information. If you
do not provide evidence of the required physical presence, your case may be delayed or denied. See the What Evidence
Must You Submit section.
NOTE: A U.S. citizen parent who is a member of the U.S. armed forces may count any time they resided outside the
United States on official military orders towards the physical presence requirements under INA section 322(a)(2) as long
as the child is residing outside the United States with the U.S. citizen parent per official military orders at the time of
filing.

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Part 9. Preferred Location and Date for Interview

Provide your preference regarding when and where the child and parent, grandparent, or legal guardian would like to be
interviewed. USCIS will consider your preference. To find the USCIS office closest to you, please use the Field Office
Locator on our website at https://www.uscis.gov/field-offices.
NOTE: USCIS CANNOT immediately adjudicate the Form N-600K once the application is filed. Processing of Form
N-600K must be completed within the United States, unless the application is filed under INA section 322(d) (child of a
member of the U.S. armed forces who is residing outside the United States with the member pursuant to the member’s
official orders). The processing generally includes: interview of the child and the applicant (parent, grandparent, or legal
guardian), taking the Oath of Allegiance (required for children 14 years of age or older), and receipt of the Certificate of
Citizenship.
Part 10. Applicant’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature

You must sign and date your application and, if applicable, provide your daytime telephone number, mobile telephone
number, and email address. The signature of a parent or legal guardian, if applicable, is acceptable. A stamped or
typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
Part 11. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature

If you used anyone as an interpreter to read the Instructions and questions on this application to you in a language in
which you are fluent, the interpreter must fill out this section and sign and date the application.
Part 12. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than
the Applicant
The person who completed your application, if other than the applicant, must sign this section. If the same individual
acted as your interpreter and your preparer, then that person should complete both Part 11. and Part 12. A stamped or
typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
Do not complete Part 14. until a USCIS Officer instructs you to do so at the interview.
Do not complete Part 15., as it is for USCIS use only.

We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application to review in the future and
for your records.

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What Evidence Must You Submit?
You must submit all evidence requested in these Instructions with your application. If you fail to submit required
evidence, USCIS may reject or deny your application in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these Instructions.
Photographs. The applicant must submit two identical color passport-style photographs of the child taken recently. The
photos must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and
unretouched.
The photos must be 2 by 2 inches with a full face, frontal view. Head height should measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from top
of the child’s hair to the bottom of the child’s chin, and eye height should measure between 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches from
the top of the child’s eyes to the bottom of photo. The child’s head must be bare unless wearing headwear as required by
a religious denomination of which he or she is a member. Use a pencil or felt pen to lightly print the child’s name and
A-Number (if any) on the back of the photos.

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Unless specifically noted otherwise, the person filing this application must submit each of the documents listed below at
the time of filing to avoid delays in processing Form N-600K.
USCIS may require verification for any or all information provided with Form N-600K. The child and the qualifying
parent, grandparent or legal guardian must bring documentation to the interview if information has been updated or has
changed after filing.
Child’s Birth Certificate or Record. Issued and certified by a civil authority in the country of birth.

U.S. Citizen Parent’s Birth Certificate or Record. Submit a birth certificate issued and certified by a civil authority in
the country of birth.
Marriage Certificates of the U.S. Citizen Parent or Child (if applicable). Issued and certified by a civil authority in the
state or country of marriage.
Documents Showing the Marriage Termination of the U.S. Citizen Parent or Child (if applicable). Certified divorce
decree, death certificate, or annulment document.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship of Qualifying Parent or Grandparent (if applicable). Examples of this are a U.S. birth
certificate; Form N-550, Certificate of Naturalization; Form N-560, Certificate of Citizenship; Form FS-240, Consular
Report of Birth Abroad of United States Citizen; or a valid unexpired U.S. passport.
Proof of U.S. Citizen Parent’s Death (if applicable).

NOTE: For applications filed by the U.S. citizen grandparent or legal guardian, evidence must be submitted to prove that
the U.S. citizen parent died within the preceding five years.
Proof of Legitimation. If the child was born out of wedlock and their U.S. citizen parent is their father, submit evidence
establishing legitimation. Documents must establish legitimation under the laws of the child’s or parent’s residence or
domicile. The child must have been in the legal custody of the parent at the time of legitimation.
For information regarding legitimation see the USCIS Policy Manual at
www.uscis.gov/policymanual/HTML/PolicyManual-Volume12-PartH.html.
Legal Guardianship Evidence (if applicable). Certified evidence of legal guardianship.
Proof of Legal and Physical Custody. In cases of divorce, legal separation, or adoption, evidence that the qualifying
U.S. citizen parent has legal and physical custody of the child.
Evidence of Lawful Admission and Maintenance of Such Lawful Status. Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, is
required, if available, at the time of interview for all children seeking citizenship under INA section 322.
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If U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or USCIS issued Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, to the child, provide
a copy of Form I-94 (with the number and date that the child’s authorized period of stay expires or expired). The Form
I-94 number also is known as the Departure Number on some versions of Form I-94. If the child does not have an I-94
number, one of the following scenarios may apply:
1. If CBP or USCIS issued Form I-94 to the child, but it is now lost or destroyed, the child may apply for a
replacement by filing Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Document.
2. If CBP or USCIS did not issue Form I-94 to the child and the child believes that Form I-94 should have been
issued, the person filing this form may contact the agency that should have issued it to attempt to resolve the matter.
3. If CBP did not issue Form I-94 to the child because it captured arrival information electronically, it is important
for the child to provide a passport or travel document number. (See below.)

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NOTE: If CBP admitted the child into the United States at an airport or seaport after April 30, 2013, the child may have
been issued an electronic Form I-94 instead of a paper Form I-94. You may visit the CBP website at www.cbp.gov/i94
to obtain a paper version of an electronic Form I-94. CBP does not charge a fee for this service. Some travelers may
also be able to obtain a replacement Form I-94 from the CBP website for free if they were admitted to the United States
at a land border, airport, or seaport after April 30, 2013, with a passport or travel document and received a paper Form
I-94 from CBP. If you cannot obtain your Form I-94 from the CBP website, you may obtain it by filing Form I-102,
Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record, with USCIS. See the USCIS website at
www.uscis.gov/I-102 for more information. USCIS does charge a fee for Form I-102. See Form G-1055, available at
www.uscis.gov/forms, for specific information about the fees applicable to this form.
Passport and Travel Document Numbers. If the child used a passport or travel document to travel to the United States,
provide a copy of the passport or travel document, even if the passport or travel document is currently expired.
Proof of Required Physical Presence in the United States. Any document that proves the U.S. citizen parent’s or
grandparent’s (if applicable) physical presence in the United States. Physical presence is calculated in the aggregate and
includes time accrued in the United States even during periods when not a U.S. citizen. For example:
1. School, employment, or military records;

2. Deeds, mortgages, or leases showing residence;
3. U.S. Social Security Administration reports;

4. Attestations by churches, unions, or other organizations;

5. Affidavits by third parties having knowledge of the parent’s (or grandparent’s) residence and physical presence; or
6. Passport copies showing all entries and exits.
7. Evidence the child is the adopted child of a U.S. citizen parent (if applicable). You must submit the following
required evidence unless such documents are already contained in the USCIS administrative record or do not apply.
8. Copy of a full, final, and complete adoption decree; AND
9. Copy of Notice of Approval of Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative and supporting
documentation for the petition (except home study), if the child was adopted under INA section 101(b)(1)(F) through
the orphan process; or
10. Copy of Notice of Approval of Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative and
supporting documentation for the petition, if the child was adopted under INA section 101(b)(1)(G) through the Hague
Adoption Convention process; or
11. Evidence the child has been admitted to the United States on an IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, or IH-4 visa; or
12. Evidence the child was adopted before age 16 (or age 18 if the INA section 101(b)(1)(E)(ii) sibling exception
applies) and that the adoptive parent had 2 years of legal custody and joint residence with the child, if the child meets
requirements for family-based adoption under INA section 101(b)(1)(E).
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Evidence of All Legal Name and Date of Birth Changes. If the child legally changed their name or date of birth, submit
evidence such as a document issued and certified by the court that authorized the changes.
What If a Document Is Unavailable?
The person filing this form must provide a typed or printed explanation of the reasons why required documents are
unavailable and submit secondary evidence to establish eligibility. Secondary evidence must overcome the unavailability
of the required documents. USCIS may request an original typed or printed statement from the appropriate government or
other legal authority to support the claim that the documents are unavailable.
The following are examples of secondary evidence that may be submitted to establish eligibility.
•

Baptismal Certificate;

•

School Record;

•

Census Records; or,

•

Affidavits (if other types of secondary evidence are not available). Typed or printed statements sworn to (or affirmed)
by two people who have personal knowledge of the claimed event. Affidavits must overcome the unavailability of
both required documents and secondary evidence.

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Where To File?

Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/N-600K for the most current information about where to file this application.

When To File

In order for a child to obtain U.S. citizenship through this Form N-600K:
1. All the required evidence must be received and verified; and

2. USCIS must administer the oath of allegiance to the child before they reach 18 years of age.

Form N-600K should be filed at least 90 days prior to the requested interview date, allowing USCIS time to review
the Form N-600K as well as schedule the interview and send a timely appointment notice to the foreign address. USCIS
will not schedule an interview date until it has determined that the Form N-600K is complete. Therefore, Form N-600K
processing may be further delayed if any of the required information and evidence is missing from Form N-600K.
Requests for a change in the designated local USCIS office may also delay processing.
NOTE: USCIS advises you to wait for the appointment notice from USCIS before traveling to the United States with the
understanding that USCIS cannot assist in obtaining a visa to enter the United States. USCIS may not be able to schedule
the interview for the requested date.

Address Change
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving from your previous
residence. For information on changing your address, go to our website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange, or call the
USCIS Contact Center.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox.

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Processing Information
Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your application we will check it for completeness. If you do not properly
complete fill this application, the child will not establish a basis for his or her eligibility and we may reject or deny your
application.
Requests for More Information. USCIS may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your
application. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If USCIS requests an original
document from you, we will returned it to you after USCIS determines it is no longer needed.
Requests for Interview. We will request that the child and the applicant (parent, grandparent, or legal guardian) appear at
a USCIS office for an interview based on your application. During your interview, USCIS may require you to provide the
child’s biometrics to verify identity.

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Decision. The decision on Form N-600K involves a determination of whether the child has established eligibility for the
immigration benefit they are seeking. USCIS will notify you of our decision in writing.
NOTE: Any Form N-600K that is not signed will be rejected. If Form N-600K is not completed according to these
Instructions, is missing pages or otherwise not executed in its entirety, or is not accompanied by the required initial
evidence it may be rejected or delayed. If USCIS rejects Form N-600K for any of the reasons above, the application and
any fees will be returned to the applicant if a complete and valid mailing address was provided. USCIS may not be able
to return the fee for the Form N-600K if you do not provide a complete and valid mailing address. If USCIS cannot return
the fee, USCIS will deposit the fee. USCIS will send a notification if the form is considered deficient. The applicant may
correct the deficiency and refile Form N-600K. An application or petition is not considered properly filed until accepted
by USCIS.

USCIS Forms and Information

To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit www.uscis.gov.

Penalties

If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with Form N-600K, we will
deny your application and may deny any other immigration benefit. In addition, you will face severe penalties provided
by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

DHS Privacy Notice
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under the INA
section 322 and101(c).
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information is to determine if you have established
eligibility for naturalization and issuance of a Certificate of Citizenship for a child who regularly resides outside the
United States. DHS will use the information you provide to grant or deny the immigration benefit you are seeking.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information,
including your Social Security number (if applicable), and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in
denial of your application.

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ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this application and any additional requested
evidence with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows
approved routine uses, as described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001
Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking, DHS/USCIS-007 Benefits Information System, and DHS/USCIS-018
Immigration Biometric and Background Check] and the published privacy impact assessments [DHS/USCIS/PIA-056
USCIS Electronic Immigration System and DHS/USCIS/PIA-071 myUSCIS Account Experience], which you can find at
www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS may also share the information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the
interest of national security.

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USCIS may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and you are not required to respond to a collection of
information, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The public
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 1.53 hours per response, including time for reviewing
instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, preparing statements,
attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the application. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or
any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: U.S. Citizenship
and Immigration Services, Office of Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive,
Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009; OMB No. 1615-0087. Do not mail your completed Form N-600K
to this address.

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