Applying for a N-600K as a Grandparent Sponsor 

Applying for a N-600K as a Grandparent Sponsor 

If you are a U.S. citizen and a grandparent of a foreign child, they may be eligible for a U.S. citizenship through the Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate process. This process grants a Certificate of Citizenship to a child born abroad who did not automatically acquire citizenship at birth.

Eligibility Requirements

A U.S. citizen grandparent is allowed to apply for citizenship of their foreign born grandchild if and only if: 

• If the child’s parent (the grandparent’s child) has died

• or does not meet physical presence requirements.

• The U.S. citizen grandparent must be physically present in the U.S. for at least 5 years (2 after age 14).

• The child the grandparent is sponsoring must be under 18, residing outside the U.S.

• They must have some sort of legal guardian (if the U.S. citizen parent is deceased,the child must be in the legal and physical custody of a person who does not object to the application). 

If your child has just turned 18, you cannot file Form N-600K because your child must complete the adjudication process and take the Oath of Allegiance before their 18th birthday.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This form must be filed within 5 years of the death of the child’s parent (and/or guardian). 

Application Process

The grandparent can file their N-600K application through an online applications with an USCIS account or by mail with the following documents; 

• The N-600K USCIS form, 
• supporting documents (birth/death certificates), 
• and fees.

Post from outside the U.S. → Send to the Phoenix Lockbox: 

USPS: PO Box 20100

Phoenix, AZ 85036-0100

Courier: 2108 E. Elliot Rd.

Tempe, AZ 85284-1806 

Post from inside the U.S. →Send to the Elgin Lockbox: 

USPS: PO Box 4088

Carol Stream, IL 60197-4088

Courier: 2500 Westfield Drive

Elgin, IL 60124-7836

*DISCLAIMER: The addresses are correct at the time of writing this article, however, we advise you to check them with the official USCIS website when you file your petition(s).

The Interview 

When you file Form N-600K, you will provide a preferred interview date. You, the U.S. citizen grandparent, and your child must appear in person to be interviewed by a USCIS officer. You should write to the USCIS office where you requested your interview to be held if you would like to be interviewed on a different date, or if you would like to be interviewed in a different USCIS office other than the office designated in your application. However, doing so may delay your case.

What to bring to the interview:

• Bring all original documents you submitted when you filed your child’s Form N-600K,

(Birth certificate/ parent’s death certificate)

• as well as any additional documents that will establish your child’s eligibility. 

• If any of your documents are not in English, you must bring a certified translation. 

• You must also provide evidence of your child’s current, valid lawful admission.

The USCIS officer at the interview will determine if the N-600K form is approved or not; 

APPROVED: we will issue your child a Certificate of Citizenship after we interview you and your child. If your child is over 14 years of age, they will take the Oath of Allegiance. If your child is under the age of 14, we may not require them to take the Oath of Allegiance.

DENIED: you may file an appeal on Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, within 30 days of the date of our decision. If the time for appeal has expired, you must file a motion to reopen or reconsider, also on Form I-290B. You may not file another Form N-600K. If you do, we will reject it.

Blue Lake Law Can Help You!

At Blue Lake Law, we have experience guiding clients through the N-600K naturalization process. No matter what immigration problems you might be facing, we understand how critical precision and speed are to your case. 

We’ll help you determine your eligibility, gather the required documentation, prepare you for your interview, and prepare your N-600K form, ensuring that your petition is submitted correctly and efficiently. At Blue Lake Law we take pride in clear & effective communication with our clients and U.S. immigration services.

Contact us today to explore whether filing a N-600K is the right step for you!