Form N-600K, Application For Citizenship And Issuance Of Certificate Under Section 322

Last updated: April 8, 2024.

By Asel Williams, Esq. · Columbia Law School · Licensed immigration attorney

What is Form N-600K?

Form N-600K, officially known as “Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322,” is an immigration form used to apply for citizenship on behalf of foreign-born children who regularly reside outside the U.S.

Section 322 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides a process for U.S. citizen parents to transmit citizenship to their foreign-born children under certain conditions.

To be eligible, the U.S. citizen parent must meet specific residency and physical presence requirements, and the child must meet age and custody requirements.

The Form N-600K is used to initiate the process and apply for a Certificate of Citizenship for the eligible child.

This certificate serves as official proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship.

Who can file Form N-600K?

To be eligible to file Form N-600K, the child must meet all of the following requirements:

Child is unmarried;
USCIS must administer the Oath of Allegiance to the child before reaching 18 years of age;
The child regularly resides outside the U.S.;
The child is in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent;
The child’s U.S. citizen parent has been physically present in the U.S. for at least 5 years total, at least 2 of which were after 14 years of age. If the U.S. citizen parent does not meet this requirement, the U.S. citizen’s own U.S. citizen parent (child’s grandparent) has to have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 5 years total, at least 2 of which were after 14 years of age.
The child is temporarily in the U.S. in lawful status.

Requirements for children of members of U.S. Armed Forces:

If the child is residing abroad with a U.S. citizen parent who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces under military orders, the process can be completed outside the U.S.
The child doesn’t have to meet the physical presence and lawful status requirements
U.S. citizen parent who is serving in the U.S. Armed Forces can count the time spent outside the U.S. under official military orders as 5 years of physical presence in the U.S. as long as the child is residing abroad under official military orders at the time of filing.

The following individuals may file Form N-600K on behalf of the child:

U.S. citizen parent;
U.S. citizen grandparent;
U.S. citizen legal guardian.

Who cannot file Form N-600K?

The following individuals are not eligible to file Form N-600K:

U.S. citizen step parents on behalf of their step children;
Children over 18 years of age;
If the child has already acquired citizenship automatically under INA sections 301, 209, 320 or on or before February 27, 2001;
If you need to replace a lost or stolen certificate of citizenship. You can file Form N-656 to replace the certificate
If you previously filed Form N-600K and it was denied

How to file Form N-600K online

The process of filing Form N-600K online involves the following steps:

Step 1. Create an online USCIS account if you do not have one

Step 2. From the “My account” dropdown menu, choose “File a form online”. Choose “Form N-600K”

Step 3. Carefully answer all of the questions and upload scanned copies of the documents requested.

Step 4. Review your answers, make sure that all the requested documents are uploaded and submit the application. You will pay the filing fee online using a credit card.

Step 5. Download the Form N-600K receipt notice from “Your cases” – “Documents” – “USCIS Notices”. Hard copy notice will arrive by mail within a couple of weeks.

Step 6. Wait for USCIS processing: you can track the status of your case in your online account. If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE), you can upload your request to RFE directly to your online account.

How to file Form N-600K by mail

The process of filing Form N-600K by mail involves the following steps:

Step 1. Download the Form N-600K:

Obtain the latest edition of Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322, from the USCIS website.
USCIS will reject any outdated editions of Form N-600K

Step 2. Gather Supporting Documents:

Collect all the necessary supporting documents (see the checklist below). Unless directed otherwise, submit only photocopies of the documents

Step 3. Complete the Form:

Fill out the form accurately and completely. Sign and date the form in ink
USCIS does not accept computer-generated or stamped signatures
Fill out and submit Form G-1145 to receive an electronic notification (text message or email) containing USCIS receipt number

Step 4. Filing fee payment:

Check the USCIS website for the most current filing fee.
Acceptable forms of payment include: money order, personal check, cashier’s check or credit card payment (fill out Form G-1450)
If paying by check, the check must be payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Step 5. Mail the Application:

Once the form is completed and the supporting documents are gathered, filing fee payment is submitted, mail the entire package to the correct filing address (“Where to File” section).
It’s recommended to mail the application via express mail with a tracking number

Step 6. Check Application Status:

USCIS will mail the receipt notice 2-3 weeks after the submission date
You can track the status of your application online by entering the Form N-600K receipt number

Step 7. Wait for Processing:

USCIS will process your application, and if additional information or document is needed, an RFE notice will be mailed to you. Once processed, you will receive a decision on your application by mail.

Form N-600K filing fee

N-600K Filing Category	Paper Filing Fee	Online Filing Fee
General Filing	$1,385	$1,335
If you are filing on behalf of a child who is the subject of a final adoption for immigration purposes and meets the definition of child under the Immigration and Nationality Act section 101(b)(1)(E), (F), or (G).	$0	$0

Certain applicants may be eligible for a Fee Waiver. Learn more: Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.

Acceptable forms of payment include:

Money order
Personal check
Cashier’s check, or
Credit card payment (for credit card payments, fill out Form G-1450)

USCIS fees are subject to change, check the latest Form N-600K filing fee on the USCIS website.

Form N-600K checklist of required documents

The following documents must be submitted with your Form N-600K application:

Evidence	Examples of acceptable documents
Completed and signed Form N-600K	Download the most recent edition of Form N-600K on USCIS website Answer all questions Sign and date the form Unsigned, undated or outdated editions of Form N-600K will be rejected by USCIS
Filing fee	Check the most current Form N-600K filing fee If you file the application online, the filing fee will be paid online using a credit card If submitting application by mail, you can pay this fee with a money order, personal check, cashier’s check or pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions If you pay by check, it must be payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. passport-style photographs	Two identical color U.S. passport-style photographs of the child taken recently
Child’s birth certificate	Child’s long-form birth certificate that lists both parents’ names, date of birth and place of birth
U.S. citizen parent’s birth certificate	The parent’s birth certificate (the parent through whom the child is claiming U.S. citizenship)
U.S. citizen parent’s marriage certificate	U.S. citizen parent’s marriage certificate (the parent through whom the child is claiming U.S. citizenship)
U.S. citizen parent’s marriage termination documents	U.S. citizen parent’s marriage termination documents (the parent through whom the child is claiming U.S. citizenship): Certified divorce decree; Annulment decree; Death certificate
Child’s marriage termination documents (if applicable)	Child’s marriage termination documents: Certified divorce decree; Annulment decree; Death certificate
Parent’s proof of U.S. citizenship	Provide at least one of the following document confirming the parent’s U.S. citizenship status: U.S. birth certificate (if parent was born in the U.S.); Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550); Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560); Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form DS-240); or Unexpired U.S. passport (biographic page)
Grandparent’s proof of U.S. citizenship (only if applying through the child’s U.S. citizen grandparent)	Provide at least one of the following document confirming the grandparent’s U.S. citizenship status: U.S. birth certificate (if parent was born in the U.S.); Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550); Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560); Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form DS-240); or Unexpired U.S. passport (biographic page)
Proof of legitimation	Required ONLY if the child was born out-of-wedlock to a U.S. citizen father: Legitimation documentation from the country or state in which the child was legitimated. The child must have been in the legal custody of the parents at the time of legitimation
Proof of legal and physical custody	Required ONLY if your US citizen parents divorced/separated, you were adopted or legitimated: Court order(s) Proof of residing with the parent Proof that US citizen parents is engaged in daily care of the child
Proof of child’s lawful admission to the U.S. and maintenance of lawful status (not required for children of U.S. Armed Forces members)	Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record Child’s passport or travel document used to travel to the U.S.
Parent’s or grandparent’s proof of physical residence/presence in the U.S.	School records Employment records (pay stubs, employment agreement) Lease agreement(s) Monthly utility bills U.S. military records Affidavits from churches, unions, or other US organizations U.S. Social Security quarterly reports Affidavits from landlords, employers, neighbors, friends and family members who have personal knowledge of U.S. citizen parent’s residence and physical presence in the U.S.
Legal Guardianship (if applicable)	ONLY if the legal guardian is filing Form N-600K: Certified documents of legal guardianship
Final adoption decree	Required ONLY if the child was adopted: Copy of full final adoption decree
Proof of legal name change	If the child has changed name(s): Court order
Adoption documents	For adopted children only (at least one of the following): Approved Form I-600 Approved Form I-800 Proof of compliance with the 2 years of legal custody and joint residence requirement
Secondary evidence	ONLY if the primary evidence is unavailable: Written explanation outlining why the primary evidence is unavailable and your attempts to obtain it and secondary evidence, such as: Baptismal certificate School record(s) Census record(s) Sworn affidavits of individuals who have personal knowledge of the event(s)
English translation	If any supporting documents are in a foreign language, provide certified English translation. Attach the photocopy of the original document in foreign language

Form N-600K processing time

Processing times of Form N-600K vary depending on several factors, including the workload at the specific USCIS field office processing the application and the complexity of the case:

USCIS field office	N-600K average processing time
Agana GU	28 months
Albany NY	63.5 months
Albuquerque NM	24.5 months
Anchorage AK	17 months
Atlanta GA	11.5 months
Baltimore MD	15.5 months
Boise ID	17.5 months
Boston MA	13 months
Brooklyn NY	27.5 months
Buffalo NY	24 months
Burlington VT	37 months
Charleston SC	25.5 months
Charlotte Amalie VI	17 months
Charlotte NC	13 months
Chicago IL	10.5 months
Christiansted VI	10.5 months
Cincinnati OH	17 months
Cleveland OH	13 months
Columbus OH	53.5 months
Dallas TX	9.5 months
Denver CO	33.5 months
Des Moines IA	7 months
Detroit MI	10.5 months
El Paso TX	27 months
Fort Myers FL	6 months
Fort Smith AR	17.5 months
Fresno CA	17 months
Greer SC	4 months
Harlingen TX	15.5 months
Hartford CT	17.5 months
Helena MT	11 months
Hialeah FL	16.5 months
Honolulu HI	18 months
Houston TX	6.5 months
Imperial CA	5.5 months
Indianapolis IN	16.5 months
Jacksonville FL	6.5 months
Kansas City MO	14.5 months
Kendall FL	17 months
Las Vegas NV	17 months
Lawrence MA	5.5 months
Long Island NY	16.5 months
Los Angeles CA	12.5 months
Los Angeles County CA	19.5 months
Louisville KY	5 months
Manchester NH	9.5 months
Memphis, Tennessee	51.5 months
Miami FL	51.5 months
Milwaukee WI	6.5 months
Minneapolis-St. Paul MN	11.5 months
Montgomery AL	40 months
Mount Laurel NJ	10.5 months
Nashville, Tennessee	28.5 months
Newark NJ	28.5 months
New Orleans LA	9 months
New York City NY	49.5 months
Norfolk VA	28.5 months
Oakland Park FL	38 months
Oklahoma City OK	21.5 months
Omaha NE	24 months
Orlando FL	26 months
Philadelphia PA	7.5 months
Phoenix AZ	8 months
Pittsburgh PA	41.5 months
Portland ME	12 months
Portland OR	85 months
Providence RI	26.5 months
Queens NY	20 months
Raleigh NC	43.5 months
Reno NV	14 months
Sacramento CA	44 months
Saint Louis MO	56.5 months
Salt Lake City UT	6.5 months
San Antonio TX	12.5 months
San Bernardino CA	8 months
San Diego CA	12 months
San Fernando Valley CA	12 months
San Francisco CA	9 months
San Jose CA	26 months
San Juan PR	18.5 months
Santa Ana CA	14 months
Seattle WA	20.5 months
Spokane WA	9 months
Tampa FL	11.5 months
Tucson AZ	7.5 months
Washington DC	39.5 months
West Palm Beach FL	17.5 months
Wichita KS	29.5 months
Yakima WA	24.5 months

To check the most current processing times for Form N-600K:

Visit the USCIS website at https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times
Choose “Form N-600K”
Choose your USCIS field office. You can find your USCIS field office by entering your physical address ZIP code: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-a-uscis-office/field-offices (scroll down to the bottom of page, “Field Office Locator”)

Keep in mind that processing times are general estimates, and individual cases may take less or more time to complete.

Additionally, USCIS may issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) during the processing of your application, which can add to the overall processing time.

It’s crucial to respond promptly and thoroughly if you receive an RFE to avoid delays.

If your case is outside the normal processing time, you place an Outside Normal Processing Time e-Request or request assistance from your local congressman’s office.

Related Links:

U.S. Citizenship Application Guide – N-400

Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship

Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document

Form N-600K, Application For Citizenship And Issuance Of Certificate Under Section 322 | Williams Law (2024)