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Form N-644: Application for Posthumous Citizenship
USCIS Form N-644 is used to request posthumous citizenship for a deceased person who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces or as a result of service-related injuries. This form is typically filed by the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased service member.
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USCIS Form N-644 - Application for Posthumous Citizenship
USCIS Form N-644 is used to request posthumous citizenship for a deceased person who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces or as a result of service-related injuries. This form is typically filed by the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased service member.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting an incomplete application may result in a rejection of the posthumous citizenship request.
- 2Missing or incomplete military service documentation
- 3Failure to establish the direct link between death and military service
- 4Incorrect relationship evidence between applicant and deceased
- 5Outdated form edition being submitted
Plain English
This form helps the family of a military service member who died while serving or from service-related injuries to get U.S. citizenship for their loved one after death. Posthumous citizenship grants many of the same rights as living citizens, including the ability to file certain immigration petitions for family members.
Submission Date
- Filing date: This form should be filed as soon as possible after the service member's death, as there is no statutory deadline. However, processing times may vary, so early submission is recommended.
- 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 requesting posthumous citizenship for a deceased U.S. military service member
- Do not use this form for civilian deaths or non-military service-related deaths
- Check Form N-400 for naturalization applications for living service members
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Deceased service member was not a U.S. citizen at time of death
Different eligibility requirements
✓ Verify citizenship status first
Family member seeking citizenship based on service member's status
Different petition process
✓ Check relationship eligibility
Service member died before completing basic training
Special eligibility rules
✓ Gather all training records
Deadline or filing window
There is no statutory deadline for filing Form N-644. However, it should be filed as soon as possible after the service member's death to ensure timely processing. The processing time can vary significantly based on case complexity and current USCIS workload.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Section 1: Deceased service member's personal information
Birth certificate, military ID · Usually found in personal records
Section 2: Military service details
DD Form 214, military orders · Usually found in military personnel file
Section 3: Death circumstances
Death certificate, autopsy report · Usually found in medical or coroner records
Section 4: Applicant's relationship to deceased
Marriage certificate, birth certificates · Usually found in family records
Supporting documents: Fee payment
Check or money order · Usually prepared by applicant
Before you submit
- 1Verify you have the current edition of Form N-644
- 2Complete all sections of the form with accurate information
- 3Include copies of the service member's military records
- 4Provide a certified copy of the death certificate
- 5Include proof of your relationship to the deceased service member
- 6Verify the correct filing fee amount
- 7Ensure all documents are signed where required
- 8Make copies of your entire application before mailing
- 9Use the correct mailing address for submission
- 10Include a cover letter explaining the request
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form N-644 with accurate information about the deceased service member
- 2Gather all required supporting documents including military records and death certificate
- 3Prepare payment for the filing fee (check or money order)
- 4Mail the complete application package to the appropriate USCIS address
- 5Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records
- 6Wait for receipt notice from USCIS (typically 2-3 weeks)
- 7Respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence
- 8Monitor case status online using receipt number
Known limitations
- 1Posthumous citizenship does not retroactively grant benefits that were only available to living citizens
- 2This form cannot be used to expedite citizenship for living service members
- 3The death must be directly related to military service or training
- 4Citizenship is granted only if the service member would have become a citizen through naturalization
- 5The application must be filed by an eligible family member or representative
- 6USCIS may request additional evidence beyond what is listed in the form instructions
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 Form N-644 is dated 08/23/2023. Always verify the latest version on the USCIS website before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date must be 08/23/2023 or later
- Current filing fee is $50 (subject to change)
- Mailing address is USCIS Texas Service Center
- Form must be signed by the applicant
- Include all required supporting documents
- Use the correct edition to avoid processing delays
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the entire application package for your records
- 2Note the date of mailing and track delivery confirmation
- 3Monitor your mail for the USCIS receipt notice
- 4Create an online account to track case status using the receipt number
- 5Respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence (RFE)
- 6Keep all original documents in a safe place
- 7Notify USCIS of any address changes
- 8Follow up with USCIS if you haven't received a receipt notice within 30 days
Sources
- SRCForm N-644 current edition date: 08/23/2023
- SRCFiling fee amount: $50 (subject to change)
- SRCMailing address: USCIS Texas Service Center
- SRCProcessing time: Not specified in form instructions
- SRCRequired documents: Military records, death certificate, proof of relationship
- SRCEligibility criteria: Deceased must have died in line of duty or due to service-related injury
- SRCNo statutory filing deadline specified in form instructions
- SRCForm must be signed by applicant
- SRCProcessing location: Texas Service Center
- SRCNo premium processing option available for this form
Common confusion points
Who can file the application
Only certain family members or representatives are eligible
→ Check eligibility requirements in form instructions
What constitutes service-related death
Death must be directly connected to military service
→ Review military records for service connection
When posthumous citizenship takes effect
Citizenship is granted as of the date of death
→ Check approval notice for effective date
What benefits are included
Most citizenship benefits except those requiring personal presence
→ Review citizenship benefits USCIS provides
How to prove relationship to deceased
Requires official documents like marriage or birth certificates
→ Gather multiple forms of relationship evidence
Whether fee waivers are available
Fee waivers are not typically granted for this form
→ Prepare to pay the full filing fee
Workflow map
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