When U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approved your application for American citizenship, you received a Certificate of Naturalization. This document serves as proof of your new U.S. citizenship. In addition to including your photograph and information like your name, age, date of naturalization and country of former citizenship, it also contains a unique certificate number. This is your American citizenship number, commonly known as your C-File number.
C-File Number Located on Naturalization Certificate
Your C-File number is located in red type at the top of your Certificate of Naturalization. This number is present on all naturalization certificates. It may be possible to also locate this number on the court index referencing your naturalization petition or the petition itself if the number was added when your citizenship was approved. If your naturalization certificate is lost, mutilated or destroyed, you can request a replacement by submitting Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document.
Read More: Difference Between Certificate of Citizenship & Naturalization
C-File Number Also Present On Citizenship Certificate
If you have a Certificate of Citizenship, proof of American citizenship for persons born abroad to American parents, this document also has a C-File number. This number is present on all citizenship certificates issued on or after September 27, 1906. If you need to order a replacement citizenship certificate, you can also use Form N-565.
References
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Naturalization Ceremonies
- Cornell University Law School, Legal Information Institute: 8 U.S. Code § 1449 - Certificate of Naturalization; Contents
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Where Do I Find a C-File Number?
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Instructions for Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship Frequently Asked Questions
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Based on the West Coast, Mary Jane Freeman has been writing professionally since 1994, specializing in the topics of business and law. Freeman's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including LegalZoom, Essence, Reuters and Chicago Sun-Times. Freeman holds a Master of Science in public policy and management and Juris Doctor. Freeman is self-employed and works as a policy analyst and legal consultant.