N-400 and N-600

[john_and_marlene 162]

From reading the filing requirements for the N-400 and N-600, I get the impression that we may need to file both if we expect to get a certificate of naturalization. What do you get if you only file N-400? Is the N-600 necessary?

[aleful 1,905]

From reading the filing requirements for the N-400 and N-600, I get the impression that we may need to file both if we expect to get a certificate of naturalization. What do you get if you only file N-400? Is the N-600 necessary?

no, only one is required, the N400 is for adults 18 and over.

why do you believe that?

[john_and_marlene 162]

no, only one is required, the N400 is for adults 18 and over.

why do you believe that?

Did you get a certificate of naturalization?

The reason I asked is that the filing instructions for the N-600 says to include separate payments for the N-400 and N-600 if you submit them together.

[aleful 1,905]

Did you get a certificate of naturalization?

The reason I asked is that the filing instructions for the N-600 says to include separate payments for the N-400 and N-600 if you submit them together.

yes of course. that's the point of naturalizing.

you have an interview and the civics test, then, depending if the office has the Oath Ceremony on the same day or at a later date, you will take the Oath and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

the N400 is for children under 18. they are never sent together.

if you have a child who is a resident and under 18, once you naturalize, you can derive citizenship to your child. the N600 is optional for your child, since you would be a US Citizen, you can file for a US passport for your child, if you want your child to have a Naturalization certificate, then you file the N600 for him or her.

[nwctzn 55]

From reading the filing requirements for the N-400 and N-600, I get the impression that we may need to file both if we expect to get a certificate of naturalization. What do you get if you only file N-400? Is the N-600 necessary?

You will file N-400 only and once you get approved and take the oath, you will receive a "Certificate of Naturalization" at your oath ceremony. That certificate will be proof of your citizenship and you can apply with that certificate for your US passport. You will not need a separate certificate of citizenship. What you get is the certificate of naturalization.

The N-600 can come in play if you have children under 18 who are green card holders as well. They become automatically US citizens as soon as you do (again, they have to be below 18 and green card holders). You can apply for a US passport for your children using your own certificate. The US passport of your children is proof of citizenship for them. Now, some people prefer to have a separate Certificate of Citizenship for their children as an additional proof of citizenship besides their US passport. However, this is not a requirement and you are free to file for N-600 or not. The US passport book and/or card are enough proof (and cheaper). If you still decide that you want to get a separate certificate for your children, then you can go ahead and file for N-600 once you get naturalized.

Edited January 26, 2012 by nwctzn

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

The N-400 is an application for naturalization. It is filled out by a foreigner who wants to become a U.S. citizen.

The N-600 is an application for a Certificate of Citizenship. It is filled out by a U.S. citizen who needs proof that his or her citizenship status.

The Certificate of Naturalization identifies you as a naturalized U.S. citizen. Its primary purpose is to get you your first U.S. passport. Thereafter you should never need to take it out of the bank safe again.

The Certificate of Citizenship identifies you as a U.S. citizen. Its primary purpose is as well to get you your first U.S. passport. Thereafter it too goes into the bank safe and should never be needed again.