If you live in the US and have lost your essential immigration/naturalization certificates by mistake, there is no need to panic. The US government provides a Form N-565, which is a critical instrument for people who want to get their Certificate of Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization, or Declaration of Intention substituted.
In this blog, we will examine everything about Form N-565 that an applicant might need to know. Leaving no stone unturned, we will break down every detail, starting with the form, required documents, and the application procedure.
What Does N-565 Form Mean?
Form N-565 is a submission for Lost Naturalization or Citizenship Documentation for individuals within the US immigration system. With Form N-565, you can get a new certificate or a duplicate one that replaces the original one that was destroyed, lost, or stolen by any chance.
The N-565 form is primarily used for three documents: a Certificate of Citizenship, a Certificate of Naturalization, and a Declaration of Intention. These documents act as evidence of a person’s citizenship status in the US.
What Documents Are Required For the N-565 Form?
To file the application Form N-565, you need several documents such as birth certificates, passports, and others.. Below is the checklist of the required documents to complete the application.
1. A Copy of Certificates
The applicant must send in a well-written supportive document that carries the exact copy of the Certificate of Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization, or the Declaration of Intention. If the original document is absent or lost, the applicant may submit a duplicate copy of the whole document and provide all the information about the original document.
2. Evidence of Identity
People should submit proof of identity in the form of a valid government identity document. It should include a photocopy of the passport, driver’s license, and state ID that captures the applicant’s photo, name, signature, and date of birth.
3. Evidence of Legal Name Change (If Applicable)
Suppose an applicant has a different legal name from the one already documented in the naturalization/citizenship document. In that case, this applicant should have legal proof of the name change, such as a certificate of marriage/divorce or a court order.
4. Supporting Documents for Specific Requests
For each particular replacement reason, the involved applicants will have to provide extra supportive documents. Similarly, applicants may be expected to provide some proof of mistake correction if the document initially appears to be in some error.
How To File Form N-565?
The Petition N-565 form, a replacement for the Naturalization/Citizenship Document, requires steps to ensure seamless and successful filing. Here’s a general guide on how to file Form.
1. Download the Form
The first step is to download the form. The form can be easily downloaded from the USCIS website.
2. Read the Instructions
Review the instructions carefully. It will help you to get acquainted with their eligibility requirements, necessary documents, and the application procedure.
3. Complete the Form
Complete the N-565 form and fill in all relevant information and details correctly. Also, include a valid and reasonable statement explaining why you need a new document.
4. Gather Supporting Documents
Obtain all supporting documents, such as a photocopy of the naturalization/Citizenship Certified Document, proof of identity, and all other documents related to the reason you are requesting a replacement of your original documents.
5. Prepare the Application File
All the information in form and documents should be placed in a file that serves the primary purpose.
6. Pay the Filing Fee
Pay the required fee to apply for the new documents.
7. Wait for Processing
Once you complete the Form application, you must wait for the application to process further. Processing times may vary.
Can I File Form N-565 Online?
USCIS offers applicants the possibility to file the N-565 form online through its official website. This is the best option for saving time and effort. However, there are several cons to applying it online. One such con is that if you make any mistakes in the form, USCIS will not correct them. This can cause long-term damage to your certificate.
How Much Does N-565 Cost?
The fee for filing the N-565 form (application for replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Document) is $555.
However, USCIS fees are subject to change from time to time, so it is highly recommended that you visit uscis.gov or contact USCIS directly before applying so that you can pay the current fee.
Please remember that in some circumstances, we could grant fee waivers or exemptions. It is imperative to go through the USCIS fee schedule and the guidelines, which will help you find the valid filing fee amount and any waivers or exemptions that the individual case could be eligible for.
Where To File Form N-565?
Application form, Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, must be filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This well-reputed and well-structured organization established in 2003 to handle all immigration and naturalization applications and issues.
How Long Does USCIS Take To Process N-565?
USCIS processes Form—Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document based on the volume of applications received, its workload, and the applicant’s circumstances.
Candidates often undergo a waiting period that ranges from a few months to one year. Applicants can look up the status of their application online by using the USCIS official site or by contacting USCIS for further details.
Make the Process of the N-565 Form Easy and Smooth With the Right Law Firm
In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed four significant aspects of Form, i.e., the document required for the form, how much it costs, the procedure of application submission, and the time spent by the USCIS to process the application.
However, the best way is to involve a good naturalization lawyer, who will guide you through the application of the N-565 form. To find an efficient and eminent lawyer, you can reach out to Di Martino Law Group. It is a US-based law firm with a broad knowledge of USCIS casework documentation.
FAQs
1. Can I get a U.S. passport without my naturalization certificate?
Yes, you can apply for a U.S. passport without your naturalization certificate by providing alternative proof of citizenship or any other supporting documents.
2. How much does citizenship cost in 2024?
In 2024, citizenship usually costs $760 in the US. also, you can check the latest information on the fee structure of USCIS filing fees service.
3. Can I apply for citizenship again if I lose my naturalization certificate?
No, you do not need to reapply for citizenship if you have lost your naturalization certificate; instead, you can file Form N-565 to obtain a replacement.
4. Can I file Form N-565 if I’ve changed my name?
Yes, if you have legal documentation of the name change, you can file Form to request a replacement document with your updated name.
5. What if my application for Form N-565 is denied?
USCIS will provide a valid reason for denying your application, and you can process it further accordingly.