Form N-600K Guide

USCIS evaluates several criteria for the N-600K, including the child's age, marital status, and the relationship to the U.S. citizen parent. A common evidence mismatch occurs when the proof of the U.S. citizen parent's physical presence does not meet the five-year requirement, which can lead to application delays or denials.

• Provide the child's birth certificate to establish identity.
• Submit the U.S. citizen parent's proof of physical presence, such as employment records.
• Include adoption documents if applicable to show legal custody.
• Gather affidavits or attestations from third parties if primary documents are unavailable.
• Ensure all translations are certified and complete.

• Missing required documents or evidence, such as proof of the U.S. citizen parent's physical presence.
• Inconsistent information between the application and supporting documents, which can lead to delays.
• Invalid or missing signatures on the application, which can result in rejection.
• Failure to provide a full English translation for documents in a foreign language, which is necessary for processing.

• Child must be under 18 years of age and unmarried.
• Child must reside outside the United States.
• U.S. citizen parent must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least five years.
• Child must appear for an interview and take the Oath of Allegiance.
• All evidence must be submitted with the application.

• General Instructions

  Follow the guidelines for completing the application and submitting evidence.

• Specific Instructions

  Detailed requirements for each part of the form, including what evidence to submit.

• When To File

  Timing for filing the application to ensure the child meets age requirements.

• Address Change

  Instructions for updating your address if it changes during the application process.

• Processing Information

  Overview of how the application will be processed and what to expect.

• DHS Privacy Notice

  Information on how your data will be used and protected during the application process.

• Part 3. Information About the Child for Whom This Application Is Being Filed
  • Item Number 2. Child’s Current Legal Name
  • Item Number 4. USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
  • Item Numbers 5. Date of Birth
  • Item Numbers 6. Country of Birth
  • Item Number 7. Country of Citizenship or Nationality
  • Item Number 8. Sex
  • Item Number 9. Height
  • Item Number 10. Marital Status
• Part 4. Information About the Child’s Adoption
  • and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322
  • Form N-600K
  • What Is the Purpose of Form N-600K?
  • Who Is Eligible to Obtain a Certificate of Citizenship via the Form N-600K Process?
  • administration of the Oath of Allegiance;
  • in wedlock or legitimated.);
  • also the child’s legal parent;
  • adoption, including having an adoption before age 16 (or age 18 if the sibling exception at INA 101(b)(1)(E)(ii)
  • 4. The child resides outside the United States;
  • Who May File Form N-600K?
  • 1. U.S. Citizen Parent
  • 2. U.S. Citizen Grandparent

• Evidence of identity (passport, government ID, or USCIS-issued document).
• Evidence of current immigration status or admission/parole.
• Evidence that supports the eligibility category selected.
• Evidence of any required family relationship or sponsorship.
• Evidence of residence, physical presence, and good moral character.

• Missing or invalid signatures on the application.
• Submitting original documents when not required.
• Not providing translations for foreign language documents.
• Failing to include required photographs.
• Inconsistencies in the child's name or date of birth.
• Omitting evidence of the U.S. citizen parent's physical presence.

• Situation: An applicant is preparing N-600K and must include all required evidence. Task: They submit a complete packet within a 30-day preparation window. Action: They compile identity records, eligibility evidence, and the filing fee before submitting. Result: The petition is accepted without a request for missing items.
• Situation: A filer is close to a deadline for N-600K. Task: They submit within the required 90-day timeline. Action: They finalize the packet and file within the stated window. Result: The case proceeds without a late-filing issue.
• Situation: A petitioner must reference a receipt number. Task: They match the receipt number to the underlying petition. Action: They include the exact receipt number on N-600K and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.

• The child must be physically present in the U.S. at the time of application; however, they can be residing outside the U.S. as long as they meet other eligibility criteria.
• Only biological parents can file the N-600K; in fact, legal guardians and grandparents can also file under specific circumstances.
• A stamped signature is acceptable; it must be an original handwritten signature to meet the validity requirements.
• The child can apply for citizenship at any age; however, they must be under 18 years of age and unmarried throughout the application process.

This guide is built from the official instructions for Form N-600K, ensuring that you have the most current and accurate information. It provides non-legal advice to help you navigate the application process effectively.

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