Overview (What is N-644 used for?)
#Form N-644, the Application for Posthumous Citizenship, is used to grant U.S. citizenship to an alien or non-citizen national who died due to injuries or diseases incurred during active military duty. If approved, a Certificate of Citizenship will be issued in the name of the deceased veteran, recognizing their honorary status as a U.S. citizen at the time of death.
This form is particularly important for family members seeking benefits under section 319(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It allows qualifying relatives to apply for certain immigration benefits or maintain their status as immediate relatives for lawful permanent residence.
To file Form N-644, you must have a U.S. address and submit specific documentation to support the application. This includes an affidavit authorizing you to apply on behalf of the decedent, along with proof of their military service and death.
For more details, you can access the official form and instructions [here](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/n-644.pdf).
What USCIS is really evaluating (N-644)
#USCIS evaluates whether the decedent was an alien or non-citizen national of the U.S. who died due to military service. A common mismatch occurs when the affidavit lacks sufficient details about the affiant's relationship to the decedent. It's crucial to provide clear and complete documentation to avoid delays.
Context & workflow (How does N-644 fit into the case?)
#Most cases file this form together with the required evidence listed on the official form page. Verify [fees](/en/united-states/visas/fees) before filing. Check [processing times](/en/united-states/visas/processing-times) for your category. Review [requirements](/en/united-states/visas/requirements) that apply to your status.
Who uses it
Applicants seeking U.S. citizenship or naturalization.
When it is used
- When the official checklist or instructions list this form.
- When submitting an initial application or petition.
- When providing updated information requested by the agency.
Evidence strategy (What evidence does USCIS expect for N-644?)
#- Submit a legible copy of the decedent's military service documentation.
- Include a certified copy of the death certificate.
- Ensure the affidavit is properly completed and signed.
- Provide any additional evidence that supports the relationship to the decedent.
- Use clear and legible documents to avoid delays in processing.
Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)
#Technical rejections
- Missing signatures on the affidavit, which is necessary for validation.
- Submitting an outdated version of Form N-644, which can lead to processing issues.
- Not including all required pages of the application, which is critical for completeness.
Substantive weaknesses
- Inconsistencies in the relationship stated in the affidavit, which can cause confusion.
- Insufficient evidence of the decedent's military service, which is crucial for approval.
- Failure to provide a certified translation for non-English documents, which is necessary for acceptance.
RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for N-644?)
#- Incomplete affidavit or missing relationship details, which can lead to requests for further evidence.
- Lack of supporting documentation for military service, which is essential for the application.
- Missing certified translation for non-English affidavits, which can delay processing.
Eligibility signals
#- The decedent must have been an alien or non-citizen national of the U.S.
- The application must be accompanied by an affidavit from the affiant.
- Documentation of the decedent's military service is required.
- Proof of the decedent's death must be submitted.
- The affidavit must include the affiant's relationship to the decedent.
- A U.S. address is necessary to file the application.
Form sections (Which sections matter most on N-644?)
#General Instructions
Gather all supporting documents required for the application and ensure they are complete.
General Requirements
Review the eligibility criteria for posthumous citizenship and confirm that the decedent meets these requirements.
DHS Privacy Notice
Understand how your personal information will be used and protected during the application process.
Address Changes
If your address changes after filing, you must notify USCIS of the new address.
Processing Information
Be aware of the processing times and what to expect after submitting your application.
What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on N-644?)
#- What Is the Purpose of This Form?
- When Should I Use Form N-644?
- Who May File Form N-644?
- General Instructions
- Authorization documents
- What Evidence Must You Submit?
- How To Complete Form N-644
- General Requirements
- DHS Privacy Notice
- Where To File?
- Address Changes
- Processing Information
- Penalties
- Documentation of the decedent's service and death
- Living
- Deceased
- a. Married
- c. Widowed
- b. Divorced
- d. Single
What you need before you start (What should you gather before N-644?)
#- Provide An affidavit from the affiant stating their name, address, and relationship to the decedent
- Documentation of the decedent's military service
- Documentation of the decedent's death
- Provide If the affidavit is not in English, a certified English translation must be included
- Proof of the affiant's U.S. address
- Provide Any additional supporting documents as required by the instructions
- Provide Accurate identity details that match your supporting documents
- Provide Documents that support the information you enter
- Provide Official instructions for signature and submission rules
- Provide When Should I Use Form N-644?
- Provide What Evidence Must You Submit?
- Provide have a United States address to file this application
Evidence checklist (Which documents should you prepare for N-644?)
#- 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.
Checklist (What are the key steps before filing N-644?)
#- Review the affidavit for completeness and accuracy.
- Include a legible copy of the decedent's military service documentation.
- Attach a legible copy of the decedent's death certificate.
- If applicable, ensure the affidavit is translated and certified.
- Check that you have a U.S. address listed on the application.
- Review the declarations before signing the application.
- Ensure all documents are included in the submission package.
- Download the current N-644 from the official form page.
- Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader if the form has validation fields.
- Complete every required section and review for consistency.
- Follow the signature and submission instructions exactly.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Fees (verify before filing)
#Fees change over time and can vary by category. Verify the latest schedule before filing.
USCIS filing feesCommon mistakes (What errors delay N-644 petitions?)
#- Failing to provide a complete affidavit.
- Not including necessary documentation of military service.
- Submitting documents that are not legible.
- Omitting the certified translation for non-English affidavits.
- Not having a U.S. address listed on the application.
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect forms.
Examples (What does a strong N-644 submission look like?)
#- Situation: An applicant is preparing N-644 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-644. 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-644 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about N-644?)
#- The affidavit does not need to be notarized, but it must include the affiant's name, address, and relationship to the decedent.
- Only immediate family members can file Form N-644, but any authorized individual can submit the application with the proper affidavit.
- The application can be submitted without proof of military service, but documentation of the decedent's service is required for processing.
How this guide is built (Where this N-644 guidance comes from)
#This guide is based on the official instructions for Form N-644 and current practices. It provides non-legal advice to help you navigate the application process effectively.
FAQs
What is the purpose of Form N-644?
Form N-644 is used to apply for posthumous citizenship for a deceased veteran who was an alien or non-citizen national of the United States. It recognizes their service and allows family members to access certain benefits under section 319(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
What documents are required to submit with Form N-644?
You need to submit an affidavit from the affiant, documentation of the decedent's military service, and proof of the decedent's death. If the affidavit is in another language, a certified translation is also required to meet submission standards.
Can I file Form N-644 if I do not live in the U.S.?
No, you must have a U.S. address to file this application. This requirement is crucial for processing the application and receiving correspondence.
What happens if I submit incomplete documents?
While incomplete submissions may not automatically result in denial, they can delay the certification process. It's important to ensure all required documents are included to avoid any hold-ups.
How long does it take to process Form N-644?
Processing times can vary. It's advisable to check the USCIS website for the most current information on processing times for Form N-644 to stay informed.
Is there a fee to file Form N-644?
There is no fee for filing Form N-644. However, you should verify any updates on fees through the USCIS website to ensure you have the latest information.
What if the affidavit is in a language other than English?
If the affidavit is not in English, it must be accompanied by a certified English translation to be accepted. This is necessary for the application to be processed without issues.
What should I do if my address changes after filing?
You must notify USCIS of any address changes after filing Form N-644. This is important to ensure you receive all correspondence regarding your application.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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