If you were issued a Certificate of Citizenship or a Certificate of Naturalization but you no longer have the original, it is best to apply for a replacement certificate. While the process is fairly easy, a $505 USCIS filing fee makes it expensive.
The Process
USCIS requires Form N-565 to apply for a replacement certificate (whether it is a replacement for a Certificate or Citizenship or a Certificate of Naturalization). While the N-565 form can be submitted on paper by regular mail, the easiest, fastest, and more reliable way to apply is online through MyUSCIS, the online filing and user account system. Within that system, the N-565 is completed and submitted online, together with payment of the filing fee.
Once the N-565 is filed, the only other requirement is to appear for “biometrics,” in which you will sign the application in person and have your photograph taken for the new certificate (it’s also possible that some USCIS field offices will require fingerprints). USCIS typically schedules the biometrics appointment about a month after you file the application. It is a quick appointment, and the only in-person appointment required throughout this process. After biometrics, the application is processed and, if approved, the new certificate is mailed to you.
Completing the N-565 is not hard, and AU’s Citizenship Clinic provides pro bono legal representation to intercountry adopted people who wish to apply for a replacement certificate. If you are a transnational adoptee and would like to be considered for representation in obtaining a replacement certificate, complete the Citizenship Clinic intake. Please note that the clinic’s priority for N-565 cases are for replacement certificates for a certificate that has been lost, stolen, or destroyed.
Do not apply for a replacement certificate if you are not sure you had one. If you are unsure if you have ever received or possessed a Certificate of Citizenship or a Certificate of Naturalization, do not apply for a replacement certificate until you have confirmed that you once had one. Why? Because if you never had a Certificate of Citizenship or a Certificate of Naturalization in the past, your application for a replacement will be denied—and you will not receive a refund of the $505 filing fee.
Documents Required
You must provide a photo of a government-issued identification card (e.g., driver’s license). In addition, depending on the reason to request a replacement certificate, additional required documents may include:
- a photocopy of your prior certificate, if you have a copy;
- a name change order if you are applying for a new certificate because of a name change (or you are requesting a new certificate for anothe reason and your name has changed since the last certificate);
- a marriage certificate or divorce decree if you have married or divorced since you received your initial certificate;
- the damaged or mutilated certificate if the reason for applying for a new certificate relates to an unusable certificate;
- other documents for reasons related to a change in gender designation or a change in your date of birth.
Cost and Fee Waivers
The filing fee for the N-565 is $505, which must be paid to USCIS at the time you submit the application. While fee waivers are available, you must provide proof of one of the following to qualify for a waiver:
- you, your spouse, or your head of household currently receives a means-tested benefit (e.g., SNAP or SSI); or
- your household income is at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; or
- you have an extreme financial hardship. Requesting a waiver based upon extreme hardship, however, can be incredibly burdensome to document. In addition, they are rarely approved.
Filing for a fee waiver for a replacement certificate cannot be completed online. If you need to apply for a fee waiver, the entire application process must be done on paper, using Form I-912. Both the fee waiver and the N-565 application for a replacement certificate must be filed together.
Timeframe
Most people receive a Replacement Certificate approximately 7-8 months after submitting the application, though the times often vary depending on current USCIS workloads. You can check the current estimated N-565 processing times here.
About OUR ResourceS
Adoptees United provides general information resources specifically for intercountry adoptees who have US citizenship or immigration issues. Our resources are not intended for a general audience. While our resources are written and reviewed by an immigration lawyer, the information is not intended nor should it be considered legal advice. If you an intercountry adoptee and have questions about this resource, consult an attorney or consider completing an intake with the Adoptees United Citizenship Clinic.