Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600)
Application for Certificate of U.S. Citizenship in Columbus, Ohio
What is Form N-600?
Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is used by individuals who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship automatically at birth or after birth through a U.S. citizen parent. Unlike naturalization (N-400), Form N-600 does not make you a citizen — it establishes and documents citizenship that you already possess under the law. The Certificate of Citizenship serves as official proof of U.S. citizenship issued by USCIS. At Asal Multi Services in Columbus, Ohio, we help applicants prepare their N-600 applications and organize the required documentation.
Two Types of Citizenship Through a Parent
- Acquired Citizenship (at birth): You were born outside the United States to at least one U.S. citizen parent who met certain physical presence requirements in the U.S. before your birth. The specific requirements depend on the law in effect at the time of your birth and whether one or both parents were citizens.
- Derived Citizenship (after birth): You automatically became a U.S. citizen after birth when your parent naturalized while you were under 18, you were a lawful permanent resident, and you were in the legal and physical custody of the naturalizing parent. This is governed by the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (INA § 320).
When You Need N-600
- You were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent and need proof of citizenship
- You automatically derived citizenship as a child when your parent naturalized
- You need official documentation of citizenship for federal agencies
- You want a permanent, non-expiring proof of U.S. citizenship
Required Documents
- Your birth certificate (with certified English translation if foreign)
- Parent's proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport)
- Parent's marriage certificate
- Evidence of legal custody and physical presence
- Your green card (for derived citizenship)
- Parent's evidence of U.S. physical presence before your birth (for acquired citizenship)
- Passport-style photographs
Filing Process
- Determine your eligibility based on acquired or derived citizenship provisions
- Complete Form N-600 with accurate information about yourself and your citizen parent
- Gather all supporting documents proving the parent-child relationship and citizenship transmission
- Submit the application to USCIS with the filing fee
- Attend biometrics and interview if scheduled by USCIS
- Receive your Certificate of Citizenship upon approval
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between N-400 and N-600?
Form N-400 is for lawful permanent residents who want to become citizens through naturalization. Form N-600 is for people who are already U.S. citizens automatically through birth abroad to a citizen parent or through a parent who naturalized while they were a minor. N-600 does not make you a citizen — it proves you already are one.
Who qualifies for derived citizenship?
A child may automatically derive citizenship if: at least one parent is a U.S. citizen, the child is under 18, the child is a lawful permanent resident, and the child is residing in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent. The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 governs most derived citizenship cases.
How long does N-600 processing take?
Processing times typically range from 9 to 15 months. Complex cases involving overseas birth or multiple countries may take longer.
Do I need a Certificate of Citizenship if I have a U.S. passport?
A U.S. passport is generally sufficient proof of citizenship for most purposes. However, a Certificate of Citizenship is a permanent document that does not expire, unlike a passport. Some federal agencies may specifically require it.
Important Notice
Asal Multi Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal representation, or interpretation of immigration law. Services are limited to administrative assistance, document preparation, and guidance in accordance with publicly available government instructions.
Need Help With Your N-600 Application?
Asal Multi Services in Columbus, Ohio helps prepare Form N-600 applications for individuals who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship. We speak English, Somali, and Arabic. Visit us at 3185 Morse Rd, Ste 15, Columbus, OH 43231.