So, what really happens if I lost my US citizenship certificate?In this blog we clear the concerns about this scenario.
Losing your US naturalization certificate can be a really stressful scenario.However, there is nothing to worry about.Ourimmigration lawyers in New Jerseyare experts in all types of immigration procedures.
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Table of Contents
What Can I Do If I Lost My Certificate Of American Citizenship?
If the certificate of American citizenship is lost, the citizen must file with USCISForm N-565, Application for replacement of naturalization/citizenship document to request the replacement of their certificate.
To file this form with USCIS there are two options:
- File it online throughMyUSCIS, or;
- Send it by post.
Submission of this form is only available to those individuals who haveobtained US citizenship.
It is important not to forget to sign the form and fill in its corresponding sections, USCIS will reject any application that is incomplete.
When Can I Apply For A Replacement Certificate Of Citizenship?
American citizens can apply for a replacement certificate of citizenship if they:
- Changed their name due to marriage or some court order after the document was issued.
- Received a certificate of naturalization, citizenship, declaration of intent, or repatriation that was lost, destroyed, or stolen.
- Obtained one that contains a typographical error made by USCIS.
- Obtained a certificate of citizenship or naturalization and their gender change is legally recognized through a court order, medical certification, or government-issued document.
- Are naturalized citizens seeking a special naturalization certificate for the purpose of having a foreign country recognize them as American citizens.
- Obtained a court order or a document issued by the state where their date of birth changes after the certificate of citizenship has been issued.
USCIS will not change the name without proof.For example, a marriage certificate, a court order or a divorce decree.Nor will the date of birth on the certificate of citizenship change without a court order or a state-issued document.
How To Obtain A Copy Of My Certificate Of Naturalization?
Through form N-565, the citizen can obtain a copy of his certificate of naturalization or citizenship.If you submit this form by mail, you must do so at one of the following addresses:
- USCIS Phoenix Lockbox,
US Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: N-565
PO Box 20050
Phoenix, AZ 85036-0050.
- For deliveries via FedEx, UPS, and DHL:
USCIS
Attn: N-565 (Box 20050)
1820 E. Skyharbour Circle S
Ste. 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034-4850.
The N-565 application is strictly to reissue the citizenship document when one has already been granted.Therefore, this request should not be submitted under the following circ*mstances:
- American citizens who want an original certificate of citizenship.Instead, they must fileForm N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship.
- Green Card holdersapplying for US citizenship.Instead, they must fileForm N-400, Application for Naturalization.
If you are about to apply for the N-400 form, we invite you to read our blog on themost common mistakes when completing the N-400 naturalization application.
Documents Needed To Obtain A Copy Of The Certificate Of American Citizenship
The submission of the N-565 application must be accompanied by the following documentation:
- The original document that is being requested to be replaced.
- Evidence of any legal name change, gender change, marital status, or date of birth (if applicable).
- Two identical passport-style color photographs.
- A police report or affidavit showing that the certificate:
- It got lost.
- It was damaged, or
- It was stolen.
All these documents must not be the original copies, unless otherwise specified.Additionally, all documents must include a full English translation, in case they are submitted in another language.
How Long Does It Take To Obtain The Certificate Of Citizenship?
After the N-600 application for Certificate of Citizenship is filed with USCIS, processing time can take approximately 9-14 months.
Did you apply for US citizenship or permanent residence and have not received a response?Sometimes the waiting time can take longer than normal.If you’ve been waiting a long time, you may want to know what awrit of mandamusis .
What role does the certificate of American citizenship play?
The US Citizenship Certificate is a certificate that proves to US authorities that the individual is a US citizen.USCIS recommends that this document be kept in a safe place.
This certificate is proof of citizenship for an individual who was born outside of the US. In other words, the certificate does not grant citizenship, it only acknowledges and confirms the individual’s citizenship status.
If what you are interested in is obtaining citizenship, review our article on how to get US citizenship.
How Long Does It Take To Obtain A Replacement US Certificate Of Naturalization?
The processing time for a replacement US naturalization certificate usually takes approximately 5-8 months.In some cases, the waiting time can be much shorter.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A US Naturalization Certificate?
The filing fee for a replacement naturalization certificate is $555.You can pay this fee with one of the following checks:
- Personal,
- Cashier’s, or
- Bank.
If you file at a USCISLockbox facility, you can also pay this fee with a credit card.To do so,Form G-1450, Credit Card Transaction Authorization, must be filed.
What Is A Certified True Copy Of A Certificate Of Naturalization?
So, you are wondering: How do I get a certified copy if I lost my certificate of US citizenship?Sometimes you may need an actual certified copy of your naturalization certificate.
- The US Department of State (DOS) uses the term “authentication” to describe USCIS certified true copies.
- When USCIS is required to authenticate a certificate of naturalization, be sure to use the term “real certified copy.”
This is useful when a naturalized citizen needs to have a DOS-authenticated certificate of naturalization for use by foreign governments or embassies.To certify this copy, an appointment with USCIS must be scheduled.
You should bring the following to this appointment:
- A perfect photocopy of the certificate of naturalization.
- The original certificate you are seeking to certify.
- Any form of identification, be it a passport or a driver’s license.
At the scheduled appointment, a USCIS officer will confirm your identity and US citizen status.Later, they will provide you with a certified copy of the citizenship certificate.
How Can We Help You With The Certificate Of American Citizenship?
At Curbelo Law you will find the help you need.At Law Curbelo we know every immigration process to the letter.Therefore, we will be able to assist you in the best possible way.
Our firm provides the best guidance possible, which is comprehensive, affordable, and with step-by-step details of what needs to be done.We have more than 10 years of experience helping aliens and American citizens in these cases.
Call us today at our phone number, send us an E-mail or if you prefer, schedule an appointment with our office, located in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
WE ARE IMMIGRANTS OURSELVES AND UNDERSTAND YOUR FEARS AND CONCERNS
10+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN IMMIGRATION LAW
Let us know about your caseWe can help you
