Losing or damaging your Naturalization Certificate can be a stressful situation. Especially when you come to know that the replacement comes with a price of $555! This blog will guide you through the entire process, from understanding why you might need to replace this critical document to how and where you can apply for its replacement.
Keep reading; it’s easier than it sounds!
Key Takeaways
- The cost to get a copy of your naturalization certificate is $555, which includes the application fee.
- Reasons for replacing a naturalization certificate include loss or damage, name change, or clerical errors.
- You can apply for a replacement online or on paper using Form N – 565 and need to provide required documents such as proof of identity and citizenship.
- The processing time for a replacement naturalization certificate is usually less than one year, but expedited options are available for an additional fee.
Reasons for Replacing a Naturalization Certificate
There are several reasons why someone may need to replace their naturalization certificate, including if it is lost or damaged, if they have had a name change, or if there are clerical errors on the original certificate.
Lost or damaged certificate
You need a new naturalization certificate if you lose or damage yours. This paper shows that you are a US citizen. It is important to keep it safe. If your naturalization certificate gets lost, torn or wet, you cannot use it anymore.
You must then get a new one as soon as possible. To do this, send Form N-565 to the USCIS with $555 for the cost of filing and wait up to one year until they send you a new one. Buying a safe box for your papers will help stop them from getting lost or hurt again in the future.
Name change
If you need to replace your naturalization certificate because of a name change, it will cost $555. This fee applies whether you’re getting a new Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, Declaration of Intention, or Repatriation document.
The processing time is usually less than one year, but USCIS may be able to expedite the process in certain cases. Remember to include the application fee with your Form N-565 when you apply for a replacement certificate due to a name change.
Clerical errors
If the USCIS made a mistake on your naturalization certificate, you can get a replacement without paying any fees. The $555 filing fee is waived in cases where there was a clerical error by the USCIS.
This means you won’t have to spend any extra money to fix their mistake and get a correct copy of your naturalization certificate. Just make sure to provide evidence of the error when you submit your application for replacement.
Ways to Replace a Naturalization Certificate
There are two ways to replace a naturalization certificate: filing online or on paper using Form N-565.
Filing online or on paper (Form N-565)
To replace your naturalization certificate, you can file the application online or on paper using Form N-565. This form is used for various replacement documents, including the Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, Declaration of Intention, and Repatriation.
The filing fee for this application is $555. It’s important to include the processing fees with your original application.
Required documents for replacement
To get a copy of your naturalization certificate, you will need to provide some documents. Here is what you need:
- Form N-565: This is the application for a replacement naturalization certificate.
- Proof of identity: You will need to submit a photocopy of your current valid government-issued identification document, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Proof of citizenship: You must include a photocopy of your current immigration document that shows your status as a U.S. citizen, such as your old naturalization certificate or U.S. passport.
- Photographs: You will need to include two identical color photographs taken within 30 days of filing the application.
- Supporting documents: If you are requesting a replacement due to name change or clerical error, you will need to provide additional supporting documents.
Filing Fees for a Replacement Naturalization Certificate
The filing fee for a replacement naturalization certificate is $555, with an additional fee of $85 for biometric services.
Application fee: $555
You will need to pay an application fee of $555 to get a copy of your naturalization certificate. This fee applies if you’re applying for a replacement Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, Declaration of Intention, or Repatriation.
However, it’s important to note that the USCIS may waive this fee if they made a clerical error when preparing your certificate.
Additional fees for biometric services ($85)
When you apply for a replacement naturalization certificate, there is an additional fee of $85 for biometric services. Biometrics involves providing your fingerprints and a photograph so that the government can verify your identity.
This fee is separate from the $555 application fee and must be paid when you submit your application. Keep in mind that these fees are subject to change, so it’s important to check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.
Processing Time for a Replacement Naturalization Certificate
The processing time for a replacement naturalization certificate can vary, but on average it takes around 6 months to receive a new certificate. However, expedited processing options are available for an additional fee.
Timeframe for receiving a new certificate
Once you submit your application for a replacement naturalization certificate, the processing time is generally less than one year. However, it’s important to note that this timeframe can vary depending on various factors such as the current workload of USCIS and any additional review requirements.
If you need your new certificate urgently, USCIS offers options for expedited processing in certain cases.
Expedited processing options
If you need your replacement naturalization certificate quickly, there are options to expedite the processing. While the standard processing time is generally less than one year, USCIS may be able to speed up the process in certain cases.
However, it’s important to note that expedited processing does not guarantee immediate delivery of your new certificate. The fee for Form N-565, the application for a replacement naturalization or citizenship document, remains the same at $555 regardless of whether you choose expedited processing or not.
Conclusion
Getting a copy of your naturalization certificate can cost $555, which includes the application fee. This applies to replacements for various citizenship documents. The processing time is usually less than a year, and there may be options to expedite the process if needed.
Remember to include the required fees when submitting your application.
FAQs
1. How much do I need to pay to get a copy of my naturalization certificate?
The cost of replacing a lost US citizenship certificate with an application for replacement citizenship document has a certain fee set by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
2. Can I speed up the process to replace my naturalization certificate?
Yes, you can apply for an expedite process, though it may require extra costs on top of the replacement naturalization certificate application fee.
3. Where can I apply for a copy of my naturalization certificate if it gets lost?
You have two options: You could use certified mail or make an online application using N form suggested by USCIS for your lost US citizenship certificate.
4. Is there any help available if I can’t afford the fees?
Indeed! For those who show that payment would affect their life needs like food and housing, USCIS offers a fee waiver based on immigration status or benefits they receive.
5. How long will it take before receiving my new document?
The time varies in each case but generally after completing your application including passing citizenship test, getting your immigration documents verified; you should expect your new copy within weeks.
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