The N-600 processing time can vary depending on many factors, including your local USCIS office, whether a biometrics appointment is required, and how complete your initial application is. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.
If you are applying for U.S. citizenship through Form N-600, you may be wondering how long it will take for your application to be processed.
The entire process can seem overwhelming at first, but understanding the processing time involved can help make the procedure smoother and much more efficient.
Read on to learn about:
• The N600 processing time
• Who is eligible to file Form N600
• Ways to file Form N600
• Filing tips for Form N600
Save time and skip the guesswork of complex citizenship laws by working with an experienced immigration attorney.
Table of Contents
The N-600 form is an application filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This application is used to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship, which provides legal proof that you are a U.S. citizen.
A Citizenship Certificate can be used as evidence for certain rights and privileges—such as eligibility for a U.S. passport. It serves as legal proof that you become a U.S. citizen through derivation — not naturalization — and can be used to apply for a U.S. passport.
It can also be used in certain cases as evidence in court proceedings regarding immigration matters or other legal proceedings involving your status as a U.S. citizen.
You may be eligible to file the N-600 form if you meet one of the following criteria:
• You're born outside the U.S. to a biological or adoptive parent or parents who are U.S. citizens
• You are under the age of 18, and have at least one U.S. citizen parent
• You are over age 18, and both your parents are United States citizens
• You were born in the United States but have lost or never obtained documentation confirming your citizenship status (e.g., birth certificate or naturalization record)
Speak with a qualified immigration lawyer to verify your eligibility and streamline the process.
When filing Form N-600, you have two options:
The easiest way to file Form N-600 is through the USCIS website.
Create an online account on the website and fill out all sections of the application with as much detail as possible. You will also be required to upload digital copies of your supporting documents during this process. Once you have completed all sections, double-check everything before submitting.
Filing your Form N-600 online will allow you to:
• Pay the filing fee
• Monitor your case status
• Receive case updates and notifications
• Manage and update your contact information, including your address
• Respond to requests for evidence
Our immigration attorneys or any accredited representatives may create your online account, allowing us to manage our client’s application in a single place.
Note: You can’t file online if you are applying for a fee waiver or from outside the U.S. A veteran or member of any U.S. military branch filing on your own behalf can’t also file Form N-600 online. Please check how to file by mail.
If you can’t file online or prefer to submit a paper application form, you will need to file your Form N-600 through regular mail. Send your application with all necessary documents enclosed to the USCIS field office using the listed mailing address listed on their website. You may also need to submit additional forms depending on your circumstances.
Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a USCIS Account Acceptance Notice through the mail. This includes instructions for creating your online account to manage and track your case. Remember that even if you don’t create an online account, USCIS will process your application. They will also send you copies of notifications about your case by mail. But creating and accessing an online account is highly recommended.
The average N-600 processing time is six months to over a year, depending on your chosen USCIS Service Center. You can check your case processing time here – check your receipt notice to find your form, category, and the office processing your case.
• Where you are located
• How complicated and complete your application is
• How backed up the USCIS is at any given time
In general, applications for citizenship through naturalization (Form N-400) tend to take longer than applications for certificates of citizenship (Form N-600).
The fee for filing Form N-600 online is $1,335. (No filing fee if you are a member or veteran of the armed forces of the U.S., provided that you present proof of service.)
You can pay this fee with:
• Personal check
• Money order
• Cashier’s check
• Credit card
Note: If you choose to pay by check, make it payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Once you send your payment, you agree to pay for the government service. Biometric service and filing fees are non-refundable, regardless of any action the USCIS may take on your application or if you withdraw it.
Immigration Answers - Join Live Shows
Here are things you can do to ensure that your application is processed quickly and correctly:
• Make sure that all of your paperwork is filled out correctly and completely.
• Provide as much evidence as possible that proves your eligibility for citizenship. This includes documents such as birth certificates or marriage certificates, if applicable.
• Ensure all requested documentation is included with your application and signed in all the appropriate places.
With these tips, you can ensure that there will be no delays in processing due to incomplete paperwork.
While waiting on approval of your Form N-600, do not engage in any activity that could jeopardize or delay the approval of your application. These include committing a crime or traveling outside the United States without permission from USCIS.
Important Note: If anything changes regarding the information you provided on your application (for example, if you get married), inform USCIS right away. And provide them with supporting documentation. That way, they can update their records and adjust their processing time.
What is the difference between a Certificate of Citizenship and a green card?
A Certificate of Citizenship is legal proof that you are a U.S. citizen, while green cards grant lawful permanent resident status - not citizenship. Unlike green cards, a Certificate of Citizenship does not expire and confirms full citizenship rights, including the ability to apply for a U.S. passport.
What is the current N-600 processing time?
The current N-600 processing time is typically six months to over a year. Processing times vary based on your local USCIS office or service center, the completeness of your application, and USCIS workload at any given time.
When does the waiting period for Form N-600 begin?
The waiting begins on your filing date - the date USCIS receives your initial application. USCIS will send you a receipt notice that confirms your filing date and receipt number, which you can use to track your case status in your USCIS account.
Do I need a biometrics appointment for Form N-600?
In most cases, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at a local application support center to collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. These are used for background checks. Make sure to attend your scheduled appointment promptly to avoid delays.
Will I need to attend an oath ceremony?
Not always. If you are applying as a minor child, you are generally not required to take the Oath of Allegiance. However, in some cases, USCIS may require applicants to attend an oath ceremony at a USCIS office. Your USCIS approval notice will specify whether this step is required for your case.
What happens if my case involves adoption?
If your case involves adoption, additional documentation is required to establish your legal and physical custody relationship with your U.S. citizen parent(s). You may need to provide adoption decrees, custody orders, and other evidence. At Hacking Immigration Law, LLC, we can help ensure all required supporting documents are gathered correctly.
Can I request expedited processing for Form N-600?
Yes. USCIS may grant expedited processing in limited circumstances, including urgent humanitarian reasons, severe financial loss, or critical government needs. You must contact USCIS directly and submit documentation to support your request. Not all requests are approved, but it is worth pursuing if your situation qualifies.
Applying for U.S. citizenship through the N-600 form involves several steps and waiting periods throughout the process. Knowing exactly how long each step should take may not be enough to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently. This is where immigration attorneys can come into play.
Our immigration attorneys here at Hacking Immigration Law, LLC can help ensure you get your Certificate of Citizenship as quickly as possible.
We provide immigration services, and we can assign competent lawyers to assist you with filing Form N-600. We will use our expertise in immigration law to ensure that all forms are filled out properly and completely. We can also provide guidance throughout each step, from completing paperwork correctly to gathering any additional documents needed for evidence.
Ultimately, utilizing an experienced immigration attorney could be one of your most important decisions if you are planning on filing Form N-600. So, whether you need help with your citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, immigration benefits, or anything related to immigration services, we can help you.
