[rjvpmn]

Quick question.. i am doing the final paperwork for our daughter.. i did this before but cannot remember from our first adoption. Can i file the G884 paperwork if I dont have the COC yet? I am surprised how much it costs now to file for a COC! I will be sooo glad to be done with the paperwork!!
Thanks much
Becky

[DPline]

Yes, you can file the G884 prior to getting the COC. Just keep in mind that when you do file for the COC, you will have to provide all the supporting documentation that they need as they will no longer have the packet to pull it from. Not that it is really a big deal. Just some extra photocopies.

[kathleenmarie]

yes you can! we jsut did. they do have copies of the paperwork they need for the COC, but you will have quite a list of things to supply too!! No big deal at all!! You'll love getting that packet!

[rjvpmn]

So if they have the paperwork then I should wait.. what do I need if they already have it for the COC.. then i can file for the G884 after getting the CoC. I hate reading directions.. as I dont have much time but need to get it done.. Thanks so much

[DPline]

If you decide to file the G884 first, here is the list of documents you need to include with the COC application. As you can tell by looking at the list, there are still going to be documents you need to include with the application even if you dont' file the G884. And honestly, filling out the form is the hard part. Not providing the supporting documents.

photos - Child
BC – Child (Guatemalan BC)
MC -Parents (if applic)
Divorce decree –Parents (if applic)
Proof of US citizenship - Parents (state BC for each parent or COC if parent was born abroad)
Proof of Legal custody - Child (Protocolo)
Permanent Resident Card (Green card) - Child
Proof of required US residence - Parents
Final adoption decree - Child w/Parents (readoption paperwork)
Evidence of legal name change - Child (& Parent if applicable)

Also ANYTHING in SPANISH, must have the ENGLISH translation copy included, like the Protocolo, etc

[rjvpmn]

Thanks. I feel like I have given the same paperwork for everyone.. Its too bad they dont just have a one time file and you can get your ss number and COC and passport in one time.. ( at least for adoptive parents )

[rjvpmn]

I filled out the N600 form.. what is the N643 ( applying for coc for adopted child) the fee is much less. Just wondering if i am doing the right one and what is the diff thanks.

[DPline]

Originally Posted by rjvpmn

Thanks. I feel like I have given the same paperwork for everyone.. Its too bad they dont just have a one time file and you can get your ss number and COC and passport in one time.. ( at least for adoptive parents )

Amen to that! Each of those items are issued by a different federal agency and they don't speak to each other. It is just crazy. Wouldn't it be so nice if they could work together?!

I'm not sure where you found the N643, but it is not on the USCIS site as a current form. I would guess maybe it is an old version that was replaced by the N600. The N600 is the correct one for you to submit.

edited to add: I just found some press releases and the N643 was replaced in the fall of 2003 with an updated N600.