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Form N-644: Application for Posthumous Citizenship
USCIS Form N-644 is an Application for Posthumous Citizenship, used by next-of-kin to seek U.S. citizenship for a deceased veteran. If approved, this form results in the issuance of a Certificate of Citizenship.
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USCIS Form N-644 - Application for Posthumous Citizenship
USCIS Form N-644 is an Application for Posthumous Citizenship, used by next-of-kin to seek U.S. citizenship for a deceased veteran. If approved, this form results in the issuance of a Certificate of Citizenship.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not write in Parts II, III, or IV unless specifically instructed; keep them reserved for executive departments/USCIS use.
- 2Failing to complete only Part I (leaving Parts II, III, or IV filled by filer).
- 3Not typing legibly in black ink on Form N-644.
- 4Omitting required evidence documents, such as a military certificate of death.
- 5Filing without having a valid United States address.
Plain English
This form allows someone who died while serving in the U.S. military (or related service) to be granted honorary U.S. citizenship after their death. When USCIS approves Form N-644, it issues a Certificate of Citizenship that confirms the person was a citizen on the date they passed away.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The form must be filed when the decedent dies as a result of injury or disease incurred during specified military hostilities periods, such as World War II (09/01/1939 - 12/31/1946).
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when a qualifying family member needs to apply for benefits under section 319(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) or remain classified as an immediate relative after the decedent's death.
- Do not use it if your relationship to the decedent was not Spouse, Father/Mother, Son/Daughter, Brother/Sister, or if you are not a guardian, conservator, or committee of next-of-kin.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when seeking specific information about the applicable filing fees for USCIS Form N-644.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Decedent is a Veteran
Used to facilitate certification of military service and death by executive departments
✓ Check before you continue
Not stated in the official source (verify on the agency site)
Decedent's Death Certificate Issue
Required documentation for supporting evidence
✓ Check before you continue
Form DD 1300, Report of Casualty/Military Death Certificate
Decedent is a Military Service Member
Document to facilitate certification of military service and death by executive departments
✓ Check before you continue
Form DD214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
Deadline or filing window
The filing is triggered by the veteran's death due to service-related injury or disease. There is no specific deadline date given other than the requirement that the decedent must have been an alien or non-citizen national of the United States. No extension mechanism is stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Decedent's Death Certificate
A legible copy of the death certificate is needed. · Submitted with Form N-644
Proof of Relationship
Documentation proving the filer's relationship (Spouse, Parent/Child, Sibling) to the decedent. · Submitted with Form N-644
Military Service Record
Form DD214 or Form DD 1300 are recommended for military service documentation. · Submitted with Form N-644
Translation (if applicable)
A certified English translation must include translator's signature, printed name, date, and contact information. · Attached to Form N-644
Filer's Address Proof
Documentation showing the filer has a United States address. · Submitted with Form N-644
Before you submit
- 1Ensure all required fields on USCIS Form N-644 are completed.
- 2Verify the signature is handwritten ink, not stamped or typewritten.
- 3If under 14 years old, confirm parent or legal guardian signs on your behalf.
- 4If translating from a foreign language, ensure the translator's certification is included and complete.
- 5Confirm that any military documentation submitted (like DD214) is legible.
- 6Verify you have provided proof of a United States address.
- 7Check if you need to notify USCIS of an address change within 10 days of moving.
How to file this form
- 1Complete USCIS Form N-644, ensuring all required fields are filled out and the signature is handwritten ink.
- 2Attach supporting evidence, including the decedent's death certificate and any military documentation (like DD214).
- 3If applicable, attach a fully certified English translation with the translator's details.
- 4Mail or submit the completed Form N-644 package to an appropriate USCIS filing location found at www.uscis.gov/n-644.
- 5Keep a copy of the entire submitted application packet for your records.
Known limitations
- 1USCIS will not approve a later application for Form N-644 unless it is to replace a certificate that was lost, mutilated, or destroyed.
- 2Part I of the form must be completed; Parts II, III, and IV are reserved for executive department use.
- 3The decedent must have been an alien or non-citizen national of the United States who meets specific military service criteria listed in General Requirements A through G.
- 4If filing online, a USCIS Online Account Number (OAN) is only available if a previously filed form has a receipt number beginning with IOE.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Eligibility
1 items
Select: 5-year permanent resident, 3-year married to U.S. citizen, or military service.
Personal Info
3 items
Your name exactly as shown on your Green Card.
Found on your Green Card. Required.
MM/DD/YYYY from your Green Card.
Residence
2 items
All addresses for the past 5 years (or 3 years if married to U.S. citizen).
Calculate days outside the U.S. in the past 5 years — must total less than 30 months.
Moral Character
1 items
Answer questions about criminal history, taxes, and immigration violations honestly.
Signatures
1 items
Certifies all answers are true under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form N-644 is dated 04/01/24; the instructions direct filers to visit www.uscis.gov/n-644 for the most current filing information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form reads 04/01/24.
- Fee — see Form G-1055 for specific fee information, available at www.uscis.gov/forms.
- Mailing address — visit www.uscis.gov/n-644 for current filing locations; do not submit to the USCIS Lockbox if changing address.
- Signature — ensure all signatures are handwritten ink (photocopies/scans of originals are valid).
- Required Address — confirm you have a United States address to file this application.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed Form N-644 for personal records.
- 2If filing online, locate your OAN in your account profile; if mailing, find it on the Account Access Notice.
- 3USCIS will check the application upon acceptance for completeness and may request more information or evidence.
- 4A Certificate of Citizenship will be issued if the application is approved, establishing U.S. citizenship as of the date of death.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form N-644 is to grant U.S. citizenship posthumously to an alien or non-citizen national who died due to injury or disease incurred by active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — USCIS will not approve later applications for Form N-644 unless replacing a lost, mutilated, or destroyed certificate.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Only Part I of Form N-644 should be completed; Parts II, III, and IV are reserved for executive departments.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — To qualify, the decedent must have been an alien/non-citizen national who served honorably in active duty during specified periods (e.g., WWI: 04/06/1917 - 11/11/1918).
- SRCInstructions p.3 — A United States address must be provided to file Form N-644.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Supporting documentation should include a legible copy of Form DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (if available).
Common confusion points
What is the difference between an A-Number and an OAN?
The A-Number is a general identifier; the OAN is a specific number tied to USCIS Online Account use, which only exists if a receipt number begins with IOE.
→ Ensure your form has either one or both listed.
Do I need to fill out Parts II, III, and IV?
No, Part I must be completed, as the other three parts are reserved for executive department use.
→ Verify that all information is in Part I before submitting.
What if my death certificate isn't a standard military one?
The decedent can have 'Any other military or state issued certificate of the decedent's death,' but submission may delay certification without automatically resulting in denial.
→ Attach any non-military death certificate you possess.
How do I prove service/death for someone who served outside the listed dates?
The general requirements list specific date ranges (e.g., World War II: 09/01/1939 - 12/31/1946), but any other period designated by an Executive Order of the President is acceptable.
→ Check if a specific range applies, or confirm it falls under 'Any other period.'
What must I include besides the main form?
A United States address is required to file; supporting documentation (like Form DD-214) should be submitted if available.
→ Do not submit the application without proof of U.S. residency.
When do I need to notify USCIS of a new address?
If you are not a U.S. citizen, notification must occur within 10 days of moving from your previous residence.
→ Use www.uscis.gov/addresschange or call the Contact Center for guidance.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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⚠ If something goes wrong
- USCIS may request additional evidence or the originals of copies submitted.
Questions about USCIS Form N-644
What is USCIS Form N-644 used for?
This form allows someone who died while serving in the U.S. military (or related service) to be granted honorary U.S. citizenship after their death. When USCIS approves Form N-644, it issues a Certificate of Citizenship that confirms the person was a citizen on the date they passed away.
Who must file USCIS Form N-644?
The next-of-kin files this form for an alien or non-citizen national of the United States who died as a result of injury or disease incurred by active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods of military hostilities.
What information does USCIS Form N-644 require?
Part I collects general information about the deceased veteran, while Part III is completed by the Department of Defense official to certify the death was related to service. The application also requires documentation regarding the date of death and the specific period of hostilities.
When is USCIS Form N-644 due?
The form must be filed when the decedent dies as a result of injury or disease incurred during specified military hostilities periods, such as World War II (09/01/1939 - 12/31/1946).
Where do I file USCIS Form N-644?
Filing location details require checking www.uscis.gov/n-644 for the most current information; applicants must have a United States address to file.
How do I complete USCIS Form N-644?
The applicant must complete only Part I, ensuring all questions are answered fully and accurately using black ink. If extra space is needed, attach a separate sheet noting the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number. The application requires a signature from the filer or their signing authority.
What happens if USCIS Form N-644 is filed incorrectly?
Failure to provide required information or evidence may delay a final decision or result in denial of Form N-644.
What is the difference between an A-Number and an OAN?
The A-Number is a general identifier; the OAN is a specific number tied to USCIS Online Account use, which only exists if a receipt number begins with IOE. Ensure your form has either one or both listed.
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