Certificate of Citizenship in Chicago

Document Citizenship Acquired Through a U.S. Citizen Parent

Form N-600 is for people who already acquired U.S. citizenship through a parent and need formal evidence of that status. At Milla & Associates, LLC, we develop case strategy, prepare application packets, and represent Chicago clients during citizenship interviews and examinations.

A Certificate of Citizenship case requires careful review of how and when citizenship may have been acquired. The requirements can depend on the applicant’s birth date, the parent’s citizenship, the parent-child relationship, and events that occurred before the applicant turned 18.

Call (312) 702-1782 to schedule a consultation about Form N-600 and the evidence supporting your basis for citizenship.

What Form N-600 Does

Form N-600 asks U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to issue a Certificate of Citizenship to someone who already holds U.S. citizenship. It isn’t an application to become a citizen. People born abroad may use it to document citizenship acquired at birth through a U.S. citizen parent or after birth but before age 18, often called derivative citizenship.

A Certificate of Citizenship differs from a Certificate of Naturalization. The latter documents citizenship obtained through naturalization, while the former documents status acquired through a qualifying parent. USCIS doesn’t issue Certificates of Citizenship to people whose citizenship comes from birth in the United States.

Eligibility for a Certificate of Citizenship

Eligibility generally requires proof of a qualifying parent-child relationship with a parent who held U.S. citizenship at the relevant time. Depending on the circumstances and the law then in effect, that relationship may involve a biological parent, an adoptive parent, or a non-genetic gestational or married parent who’s also the applicant’s legal parent.

A stepchild doesn’t acquire citizenship through a stepparent solely because of the marriage. The stepchild generally must have been adopted for that relationship to establish citizenship. Because the laws have changed over time, we review the facts against the requirements tied to the applicant’s history rather than assuming one rule applies to every family.

A valid, unexpired U.S. passport generally serves as proof of citizenship during its validity period unless it has been revoked. A person who already has one generally isn’t required to file Form N-600. Some people may still seek a Certificate of Citizenship as formal, permanent documentation of how they acquired citizenship.

Evidence for a Form N-600 Application

A well-organized application connects each document to a specific eligibility requirement. We prepare application packets that present the applicant’s history, basis for citizenship, and supporting evidence consistently.

Common Form N-600 documents may include:

• Two passport-style photographs
• The applicant’s birth certificate
• Evidence of the U.S. citizen parent’s citizenship, such as the parent’s birth certificate or other citizenship documentation
• Marriage certificates or other records establishing the relevant family relationship
• Adoption decrees when citizenship depends on an adoptive relationship
• Proof of legal custody when required by the applicable citizenship rules
• Evidence of the parent’s physical presence in the United States when the case depends on a physical-presence requirement

The necessary records vary with the basis of the application. A parent’s citizenship documents may be central when the applicant’s status depends on that parent. Records concerning custody, adoption, marriage, or residence may establish events that occurred before the applicant reached a legally significant age.

The Form N-600 Process for Chicago Clients

After filing, USCIS may schedule an interview. Applicants should bring the original versions of documents previously submitted as copies, along with any additional eligibility evidence requested for the case. Documents in a language other than English require a complete certified English translation.

We appear with clients at citizenship interviews and examinations. Before an appearance, we can review the filing, supporting records, and issues likely to require clarification. If USCIS approves Form N-600, it issues the Certificate of Citizenship.

Applicants older than 14 are generally scheduled to take the Oath of Allegiance if they haven’t already participated in an oath ceremony. Requirements and interview procedures depend on the individual case and instructions issued by USCIS.

Filing Fees & Fee Waivers

As of 2026, the Form N-600 filing fee is $1,385 for a paper application and $1,335 for an online application. Current or former members of the U.S. armed forces requesting a certificate for themselves, as well as certain qualifying adoptees, have a $0 filing fee. Applicants who can’t afford the fee may request a fee waiver by filing Form I-912, subject to the applicable eligibility and documentation requirements.

Representation Beyond Form N-600

Citizenship questions don’t always begin or end with Form N-600. We also assist with Form N-400 naturalization applications, Form N-648 medical certifications, and Form N-336 hearing requests.

Our citizenship representation includes responses to Requests for Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny, motions to reopen or reconsider, and federal court actions involving delayed or denied naturalization applications. The appropriate strategy depends on the filing, its procedural history, and the government’s reasons for requesting evidence or issuing an adverse decision.

Build a Clear Record of Your Citizenship

Robert C. Milla has practiced immigration law since 2006. We serve Chicago clients with Certificate of Citizenship matters and other immigration concerns, bringing each applicant’s family history, legal basis, and supporting documents into a focused case strategy.

A consultation requested through our contact form can address the circumstances of a potential N-600 filing and the records that may be relevant.

Call (312) 702-1782 to schedule your Certificate of Citizenship consultation.