USCIS forms

Who can file

• All non-U.S. citizens (including permanent residents) who change their address
• Must be filed within 10 days of the address change

Send with it

• New address
• A-number (alien registration number)
• Current immigration status information

Worth knowing

• File online — it is the fastest and easiest method
• Failing to file can have serious immigration consequences
• Also update your address with the USPS and on any pending applications
• Keep a confirmation of your AR-11 filing

Who can file

• Licensed attorneys representing immigration clients
• DOJ-accredited representatives of recognized organizations

Send with it

• Attorney bar information
• Client authorization signature

Worth knowing

• Must be filed with every application or petition if represented
• Both the attorney and the client must sign
• A new G-28 is needed for each separate filing or case

Who can file

• No longer used — information collected within other forms

Worth knowing

• This form has been discontinued
• Biographic information is now included directly in forms like I-485
• Do not submit this form with current applications

Who can file

• Nonimmigrants who lost their paper I-94 card
• Persons who never received an I-94 upon admission

Send with it

• Copy of passport
• Evidence of admission to the U.S.
• Police report (if stolen)

Worth knowing

• Check online first at i94.cbp.dhs.gov — most I-94s are now electronic
• If your I-94 is available electronically, you may not need this form
• A CBP deferred inspection site may be able to help correct I-94 issues faster

Who can file

• U.S. employers sponsoring H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, L-1, O-1, P, Q, R, TN workers
• Agents petitioning for O or P workers

Send with it

• Labor Condition Application (LCA) for H-1B
• Employer support letter detailing job duties
• Beneficiary credentials and qualifications
• Itinerary (for certain classifications)
• Company financial documents

Worth knowing

• H-1B is subject to annual cap — register during the lottery period in March
• Premium processing ($2,965) provides a 15 business-day decision
• O-1 requires extraordinary ability — prepare a strong petition letter
• L-1 requires one year of foreign employment with a qualifying organization

Who can file

• U.S. citizens only (LPRs cannot file)
• Must have met in person within the last 2 years
• Both parties must be legally free to marry

Send with it

• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Evidence of meeting in person within 2 years
• Proof both parties are free to marry (divorce decrees if applicable)
• Passport-style photos of both parties
• Evidence of ongoing relationship

Worth knowing

• You must marry within 90 days of your fiance(e) entering the U.S.
• The 2-year meeting requirement can be waived in limited circumstances
• Start gathering adjustment of status documents before the K-1 visa arrives

Who can file

• U.S. citizens petitioning for spouse, parent, child, or sibling
• Lawful permanent residents petitioning for spouse or unmarried child

Send with it

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence
• Marriage certificate (if petitioning for spouse)
• Birth certificates showing relationship
• Passport-style photos
• Evidence of bona fide relationship

Worth knowing

• File I-130 and I-485 concurrently if the beneficiary is in the U.S. and a visa is immediately available
• Include plenty of evidence of bona fide marriage — joint accounts, leases, photos
• Keep copies of everything you submit

Who can file

• Beneficiary spouses of I-130 petitions

Send with it

• Completed with I-130 petition
• Beneficiary identification documents

Worth knowing

• This form must be filed together with I-130
• The beneficiary spouse should complete this form, not the petitioner

Who can file

• Pending I-485 adjustment of status applicants
• Refugees and asylees needing to travel
• TPS beneficiaries
• DACA recipients

Send with it

• Copy of I-94
• Passport-style photos
• Copy of pending application receipt
• Explanation of travel purpose
• Copy of refugee/asylee approval (if applicable)

Worth knowing

• No fee when filed concurrently with I-485
• Do NOT travel before receiving advance parole — your pending application may be abandoned
• Refugee travel documents are valid for 1 year
• Consider re-entry permit if you plan extended travel

Who can file

• Sponsors of K-1 fiance(e) visa applicants
• Sponsors of B-1/B-2 visitor visa applicants
• Sponsors of parolees under certain programs

Send with it

• Sponsor tax returns and W-2s
• Bank statements
• Employment verification letter
• Evidence of assets

Worth knowing

• This is NOT the same as I-864 — it is less binding
• Used primarily for nonimmigrant visa applications
• Required for Uniting for Ukraine and other parole programs

Who can file

• U.S. employers sponsoring foreign workers
• Self-petitioners under EB-1A or EB-2 NIW
• Multinational managers/executives (EB-1C)

Send with it

• Approved labor certification (PERM) for EB-2/EB-3
• Evidence of job offer and ability to pay
• Beneficiary qualifications and credentials
• Employer financial documents

Worth knowing

• Premium processing is available — consider it to speed up the decision
• EB-1A and EB-2 NIW do not require employer sponsorship or PERM
• Maintain the I-140 approval even if you change employers

Who can file

• LPRs with convictions predating April 1, 1996
• Must demonstrate positive equities outweigh negative factors

Send with it

• Evidence of long-term residence
• Evidence of rehabilitation
• Family ties documentation
• Court records

Worth knowing

• This is a legacy form — only applicable in very specific circumstances
• Consult an experienced immigration attorney to determine eligibility

Who can file

• Nonimmigrants who are inadmissible under one or more grounds
• Canadian and Mexican citizens seeking temporary entry
• Applicants for T or U nonimmigrant status

Send with it

• Evidence of the ground of inadmissibility
• Evidence supporting the waiver (ties to home country, purpose of visit)
• Travel itinerary and purpose

Worth knowing

• This is a nonimmigrant waiver — different from I-601 (immigrant waiver)
• Can be filed at a port of entry for immediate adjudication in some cases
• Must be renewed for each admission or period specified

Who can file

• Students accepted to a SEVP-certified school
• F-1 (academic) and M-1 (vocational) students
• Dependents (F-2/M-2) of student visa holders

Send with it

• School acceptance letter
• Proof of financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses
• Valid passport
• Academic transcripts

Worth knowing

• The I-20 is issued by the school, not USCIS
• You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before your visa interview
• Keep your I-20 updated — any changes in program require a new I-20
• Have your DSO sign your I-20 for travel before leaving the U.S.

Who can file

• Persons previously deported or removed from the U.S.
• Persons who departed while a removal order was outstanding
• Must demonstrate favorable factors outweigh negative ones

Send with it

• Copy of removal/deportation order
• Evidence of rehabilitation since removal
• Evidence of ties to the U.S.
• Police clearances
• Letters of support

Worth knowing

• Must generally wait until the bar period has elapsed before filing
• Favorable exercise of discretion depends on length of residence, family ties, and moral character
• May need to be filed concurrently with an I-601 waiver

Who can file

• Individuals with final orders of deportation or removal
• Must show good cause for the stay

Send with it

• Copy of removal order
• Evidence supporting the stay request
• Pending appeals or motions documentation

Worth knowing

• Time-sensitive — file as soon as possible after the removal order
• Often filed in conjunction with a motion to reopen or appeal
• This is temporary relief only — it does not cancel the removal order

Who can file

• Applicants or petitioners whose cases were denied
• Must file within 30 days of the unfavorable decision (33 days if mailed)

Send with it

• Copy of the denial notice
• Brief or statement explaining why the decision was wrong
• New evidence (for motions to reopen)
• Legal arguments (for motions to reconsider)

Worth knowing

• The 30-day deadline is strict — do not miss it
• An appeal goes to the AAO; a motion goes back to the original office
• Motions to reopen require new facts; motions to reconsider address legal errors
• Consider whether filing a new application is a better strategy

Who can file

• Religious workers with 2+ years of experience
• Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJS) with state court orders
• Certain Afghan and Iraqi nationals who worked with U.S. forces
• Widows/widowers of U.S. citizens (within 2 years of death)
• Amerasians

Send with it

• Evidence of qualifying special immigrant category
• Religious worker: denomination letter and 2 years of membership
• SIJS: State court order declaring dependency or abuse
• Identity documents and photos

Worth knowing

• No filing fee for most I-360 categories
• SIJS petitions must be filed before the child turns 21
• Religious workers need a job offer from a qualifying organization
• Self-petitioners (VAWA) can file confidentially

Who can file

• Lawful permanent residents who wish to voluntarily give up their status

Send with it

• Green card
• Valid identification

Worth knowing

• This is permanent — once you abandon LPR status, you cannot simply get it back
• Consider the tax implications of abandoning LPR status
• You will need a visa to re-enter the U.S. after abandoning your green card
• Consult with an immigration attorney and tax advisor before filing

Who can file

• Beneficiaries of approved immigrant petitions with current priority dates
• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens
• Asylees and refugees eligible for adjustment
• Certain special immigrant categories

Send with it

• Birth certificate with translation
• Passport and I-94
• Medical exam (I-693)
• Affidavit of Support (I-864)
• Tax returns and employment records
• Passport-style photos
• Police clearances and court records (if applicable)

Worth knowing

• File I-765 and I-131 concurrently to get work and travel authorization while waiting
• Do not travel outside the U.S. without advance parole after filing
• Complete the medical exam close to your filing date — results are valid for 2 years
• Respond to RFEs (Requests for Evidence) promptly

Who can file

• Foreign investors investing $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise
• Investors investing $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
• Investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs

Send with it

• Evidence of lawful source of investment funds
• Business plan showing job creation
• Evidence of investment or active investment process
• Corporate organizational documents
• Tax returns and financial statements

Worth knowing

• Regional Center projects may simplify the job creation requirement
• Ensure impeccable documentation of lawful source of funds
• Processing times are very long — plan accordingly
• Consult an experienced EB-5 attorney before investing

Who can file

• B-1/B-2 visitors seeking extension
• Nonimmigrants seeking to change status (e.g., B to F, B to H)
• Dependents of nonimmigrant workers
• F-1 students extending program dates

Send with it

• Current I-94
• Valid passport
• Evidence of nonimmigrant status
• Evidence supporting the extension or change
• Proof of financial support

Worth knowing

• File before your current status expires
• You are authorized to stay while the application is pending
• Premium processing is not available for I-539
• Changing status from B to H requires careful timing

Who can file

• Dependents included on a principal I-539 application

Send with it

• Passport copies
• I-94 copies
• Evidence of dependent status

Worth knowing

• Filed together with the principal I-539 application
• Each co-applicant needs a separate I-539A
• The biometric fee applies per person

Who can file

• Issued to all lawful permanent residents
• Use I-90 to renew or replace

Worth knowing

• Your green card is valid for 10 years (or 2 years if conditional)
• Renew using Form I-90 before it expires
• Carry your green card at all times as proof of status
• An expired card does not mean your status has expired

Who can file

• Diplomats and their families (A visas)
• International organization employees (G visas)
• NATO personnel (NATO visas)

Send with it

• Official diplomatic/organizational credentials
• Sponsoring agency documentation

Worth knowing

• Processed through the State Department, not standard USCIS channels
• Status is tied to your official position

Who can file

• Persons physically present in the U.S. regardless of immigration status
• Must file within 1 year of last arrival (with limited exceptions)
• Must demonstrate persecution or fear of persecution

Send with it

• Detailed personal declaration describing persecution
• Country condition reports and evidence
• Identity documents (passport, national ID)
• Evidence of persecution (medical records, police reports, photos)
• Supporting affidavits from witnesses

Worth knowing

• The 1-year filing deadline is strictly enforced — file as soon as possible
• Include a detailed, well-organized personal declaration
• Country condition evidence from reputable sources strengthens your case
• You may apply for work authorization 150 days after filing
• Consider hiring an attorney — asylum law is complex

Who can file

• U.S. citizen adoptive parents
• Child must meet the definition of orphan under immigration law
• For adoptions from non-Hague Convention countries

Send with it

• Home study
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Marriage certificate
• Evidence of orphan status
• Adoption decree or evidence of custody

Worth knowing

• For Hague Convention countries, use I-800 instead
• The home study must be conducted by an authorized agency
• Processing can be complex — work with an experienced adoption attorney

Who can file

• Persons found inadmissible who have a qualifying relative
• Must demonstrate extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or LPR qualifying relative
• Available for fraud/misrepresentation, unlawful presence bars, and certain criminal grounds

Send with it

• Evidence of qualifying relationship
• Detailed hardship declaration from the qualifying relative
• Medical, psychological, financial evidence of hardship
• Country condition evidence (if relevant)
• Evidence of rehabilitation (if criminal ground)

Worth knowing

• The "extreme hardship" standard is high — document thoroughly
• Hardship to the applicant alone is generally not enough
• Consider hiring an attorney experienced in waiver cases
• I-601A (provisional waiver) may be available if applying from within the U.S.

Who can file

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens with approved I-130 petitions
• Present in the U.S. at time of filing
• Must demonstrate extreme hardship to qualifying U.S. citizen relative
• Must be 17 years or older

Send with it

• Evidence of approved I-130 petition
• Evidence of qualifying relationship
• Extreme hardship evidence (medical, financial, psychological)
• Country condition evidence

Worth knowing

• This allows you to get the waiver BEFORE traveling abroad for the consular interview
• Significantly reduces the time spent outside the U.S. during consular processing
• The extreme hardship standard is the same as I-601
• If approved, you still must attend the consular interview abroad

Who can file

• J-1 exchange visitors subject to the two-year home residency requirement
• Must demonstrate eligibility through one of the waiver bases

Send with it

• DS-2019 forms
• Evidence supporting the waiver basis (persecution, hardship, no objection statement, etc.)
• Interested Government Agency (IGA) request if applicable

Worth knowing

• There are several bases for the waiver: no objection, persecution, exceptional hardship, IGA request
• A "no objection" statement from your home country is often the easiest path
• The waiver must be processed through the State Department waiver review division
• You cannot change to most other statuses until the 2-year requirement is waived or fulfilled

Who can file

• All I-485 adjustment of status applicants
• Certain other immigration benefit applicants

Send with it

• Vaccination records
• Government-issued photo ID
• Any relevant medical records

Worth knowing

• Only USCIS-designated civil surgeons can complete this form
• The exam results are valid for 2 years from the date of the civil surgeon's signature
• Complete vaccinations before the exam to avoid delays
• Bring your vaccination records — missing records mean additional vaccines
• Costs typically range from $200-$500 depending on location

Who can file

• Granted refugees or asylees
• Petitioning for spouse or unmarried children under 21
• Must file within 2 years of being admitted as a refugee or granted asylum

Send with it

• Proof of refugee/asylee status
• Marriage certificate (for spouse)
• Birth certificates (for children)
• Photos of beneficiaries
• Evidence of relationship

Worth knowing

• There is no filing fee for this petition
• The 2-year filing deadline is critical — do not miss it
• Beneficiaries abroad will be processed through a U.S. embassy

Who can file

• Conditional residents who obtained green card through marriage
• Must file within 90 days before the 2-year green card expires
• Waiver available if marriage ended in divorce, abuse, or good faith

Send with it

• Copy of green card (front and back)
• Evidence of bona fide marriage (joint taxes, leases, bank accounts)
• Birth certificates of children born to the marriage
• Affidavits from people with knowledge of the relationship
• Photos together over the 2-year period

Worth knowing

• File during the 90-day window before your card expires
• Joint filing with your spouse is the standard approach
• Waiver requests (divorce, abuse, good faith) require extensive evidence
• Your green card is automatically extended for 48 months upon filing

Who can file

• Pending I-485 applicants
• Asylum applicants (after 150 days)
• H-4, L-2, E, and other dependent visa holders
• DACA recipients
• TPS beneficiaries

Send with it

• Copy of I-94
• Copy of most recent EAD (if renewal)
• Passport-style photos
• Evidence of eligibility category
• Copy of pending I-485 receipt (if applicable)

Worth knowing

• No fee when filed concurrently with I-485
• Apply for renewal 6 months before your current EAD expires
• Keep copies of the receipt notice — it may extend your work authorization automatically
• Check if your category qualifies for automatic 180-day extension

Who can file

• Issued by USCIS to applicants and petitioners
• Not a form that is filed

Worth knowing

• Keep ALL I-797 notices — they are critical proof of your immigration history
• The receipt number on I-797 is used to check case status online
• I-797C is the receipt notice; I-797 (without letter suffix) is an approval notice
• Some I-797 notices serve as proof of status extension

Who can file

• U.S. citizen adoptive parents
• Child must be from a Hague Convention country
• Must have an approved I-800A (advance processing application)

Send with it

• Approved I-800A
• Home study
• Adoption documents from the Convention country
• Child background documents

Worth knowing

• File I-800A first — it must be approved before I-800
• The Hague process has additional safeguards to protect children
• Work with a Hague-accredited adoption service provider

Who can file

• Spouses and unmarried children of legalized aliens under IRCA
• Must have been in the U.S. since a qualifying date

Send with it

• Evidence of relationship to the legalized alien
• Evidence of residence in the United States
• Proof of legalized status of the qualifying relative

Worth knowing

• This program is specific to relatives of IRCA-legalized aliens
• Benefits must be renewed periodically

Who can file

• Nationals of a TPS-designated country
• Must have been continuously present in the U.S. since the designation date
• Must have been continuously residing in the U.S. since the specified date
• Must register during the open registration period

Send with it

• Proof of nationality (passport, birth certificate)
• Proof of continuous residence in the U.S.
• Proof of continuous physical presence
• Passport-style photos
• Evidence of identity

Worth knowing

• File during the registration period — late filings are generally not accepted
• You can apply for an EAD at the same time with I-765
• TPS must be re-registered each time the designation is extended
• TPS does not lead directly to a green card, but it provides work authorization and protection from removal

Who can file

• Arrived in the U.S. before age 16
• Were under age 31 as of June 15, 2012
• Have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
• Were present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012 and at the time of filing
• Have no lawful immigration status
• Currently in school, have a GED/high school diploma, or are an honorably discharged veteran

Send with it

• Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, school ID)
• Proof of arrival before age 16
• Proof of continuous residence since June 2007
• Proof of physical presence on June 15, 2012
• Proof of education or military service
• Passport-style photos

Worth knowing

• DACA status must be renewed every 2 years
• Note: DACA program availability may change based on court rulings and policy changes
• File renewal applications 5-6 months before expiration
• Keep meticulous records of continuous residence
• DACA does not provide a path to permanent residence by itself

Who can file

• Beneficiaries of approved petitions needing consular notification
• Persons needing duplicate approval notices

Send with it

• Copy of the approved petition or application
• Copy of the approval notice (I-797)
• Reason for the request

Worth knowing

• Typically used when a beneficiary needs to process at a different consulate
• Can also be used to request additional approval notice copies
• Processing times vary significantly

Who can file

• EB-5 conditional residents who must prove sustained investment
• Must file within 90 days before the conditional green card expires

Send with it

• Evidence capital investment has been sustained
• Evidence 10 full-time jobs were created
• Tax returns showing investment income
• Business payroll records
• Updated business plan and financials

Worth knowing

• Start preparing evidence well before the 90-day filing window
• Maintain detailed records of all job creation throughout the 2 years
• Consult your EB-5 attorney early for document preparation

Who can file

• U.S. citizen or LPR sponsors of family-based immigrants
• Sponsors must have income at 125% of federal poverty guidelines
• Joint sponsors allowed if primary sponsor income is insufficient

Send with it

• Most recent federal tax return with W-2s
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or LPR status
• Employment verification letter
• Bank statements (if needed to show assets)
• Evidence of domicile in the United States

Worth knowing

• The sponsor obligation lasts until the immigrant becomes a citizen, earns 40 work quarters, or leaves the U.S. permanently
• Joint sponsors must independently meet income requirements
• Assets can supplement income at a 3:1 ratio (5:1 for non-citizen sponsors)
• This is a legally binding contract — take it seriously

Who can file

• Sponsors who use only their own salary or pension income
• Sponsors of only one intending immigrant
• No need for household member income or assets

Send with it

• Most recent federal tax return
• W-2s or 1099s
• Employment letter showing current salary

Worth knowing

• This is simpler than the full I-864 — use it if you qualify
• You must be sponsoring only one immigrant
• You must meet the income requirement with your own employment income alone

Who can file

• Immigrants who have earned 40 qualifying quarters of Social Security coverage
• Self-petitioning widows/widowers
• Children of U.S. citizens under the Child Citizenship Act

Send with it

• Social Security earnings record
• Evidence of qualifying work quarters

Worth knowing

• Only a small number of applicants qualify for this exemption
• The 40 quarters can include quarters credited from a spouse
• File this in place of the I-864 if you qualify

Who can file

• Permanent residents with expired or expiring green cards
• Residents with lost, stolen, or damaged cards
• Residents who need to update name or other information
• Commuter residents converting to resident status

Send with it

• Copy of current/expired green card (if available)
• Passport-style photos
• Government-issued ID
• Police report (if stolen)
• Legal name change documents (if applicable)

Worth knowing

• File at least 6 months before your card expires
• The receipt notice extends your green card validity for 48 months
• An expired green card does NOT mean you lost your permanent residence
• You can still travel with an expired card plus the I-797 receipt notice

Who can file

• Victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons
• Physically present in the U.S. on account of trafficking
• Have complied with reasonable requests from law enforcement (or qualify for an exception)
• Would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm upon removal

Send with it

• Personal statement describing trafficking experience
• Law enforcement certification (I-914 Supplement B) or secondary evidence
• Evidence of trafficking
• Evidence of physical presence due to trafficking
• Evidence of extreme hardship

Worth knowing

• No filing fee — completely free to apply
• You do not need to have a law enforcement certification if you can explain why
• T-visa holders may apply for a green card after 3 years
• Family members may be eligible for derivative T status
• Legal aid organizations often provide free representation

Who can file

• Victims of qualifying crimes (domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, etc.)
• Must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse
• Must have information about the criminal activity
• Must be helpful to law enforcement (or have been helpful)
• Crime must have occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws

Send with it

• Personal declaration about the crime and abuse
• Law enforcement certification (I-918 Supplement B) signed by certifying agency
• Evidence of the qualifying criminal activity
• Evidence of substantial abuse
• Evidence of helpfulness to law enforcement

Worth knowing

• There is an annual cap of 10,000 U-visas — expect long wait times
• No filing fee required
• You may receive a work authorization (bona fide determination) while waiting
• After 3 years in U status, you can apply for a green card
• Many legal aid organizations provide free help with U-visa cases

Who can file

• U-1 nonimmigrant who has been granted lawful permanent residence
• Petitioning for spouse, child, or parent (if U-1 is under 21)

Send with it

• Evidence of U-1 visa holder permanent residence
• Evidence of qualifying relationship
• Beneficiary identity documents

Worth knowing

• The U-1 petitioner must already have permanent residence
• Can petition for family members who never had U status themselves

Who can file

• All nonimmigrants admitted to the United States
• Available electronically at i94.cbp.dhs.gov

Send with it

• Passport for electronic retrieval
• Date of most recent arrival

Worth knowing

• Check your I-94 online immediately after each entry to verify accuracy
• The date on the I-94 (not the visa) determines how long you can stay
• Errors on the I-94 should be corrected immediately at a CBP port of entry or deferred inspection site
• Keep records of all I-94s for future immigration applications

Who can file

• No longer required as of March 2021
• Previously required for certain adjustment of status applications

Send with it

• No longer required

Worth knowing

• This form is no longer required — do NOT submit it with new applications
• USCIS will not reject applications for not including this form
• The public charge ground of inadmissibility still exists, but this form is not used

Who can file

• Applicants whose N-400 application was denied
• Must file within 30 days of the denial

Send with it

• Copy of the denial notice
• Brief explaining why the denial was incorrect
• Additional evidence addressing the grounds for denial

Worth knowing

• You have only 30 days to file — act immediately after denial
• The hearing is before a different officer than the one who denied your case
• You can also choose to file a new N-400 instead of requesting a hearing
• If the hearing is unsuccessful, you can appeal to federal court

Who can file

• LPRs with 5 years of permanent residence (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
• Must have continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
• Must demonstrate good moral character
• Must pass English and civics tests

Send with it

• Copy of green card (front and back)
• Passport-style photos
• Tax returns for the last 5 years (or 3 years)
• Travel history for the statutory period
• Court records for any arrests or citations

Worth knowing

• You can file up to 90 days before meeting the residency requirement
• Study the 100 civics questions — you will be asked 10 and must answer 6 correctly
• Disclose all trips abroad — even short ones
• Bring originals of all documents to your interview

Who can file

• Naturalized citizens who lost or damaged their certificate
• Citizens whose certificate contains errors
• Citizens who legally changed their name and need an updated certificate

Send with it

• Copy of the original certificate (if available)
• Government-issued photo ID
• Legal name change documents (if applicable)
• Police report (if stolen)

Worth knowing

• A U.S. passport can serve as proof of citizenship in most situations
• Getting a passport is often faster and cheaper than replacing the certificate
• Keep a photocopy or digital scan of your certificate as a backup

Who can file

• Persons born abroad to U.S. citizen parents
• Children who derived citizenship through naturalizing parents
• Must be under 18 and in legal/physical custody of citizen parent (for derivation)

Send with it

• Birth certificate of applicant
• Proof of parent U.S. citizenship
• Marriage certificate of parents
• Evidence of parent physical presence in the U.S.
• Legal custody documents (if applicable)

Worth knowing

• This is a proof of existing citizenship, not an application for new citizenship
• A U.S. passport can sometimes serve as proof of citizenship instead
• Gather extensive evidence of the citizen parent's U.S. physical presence