Attorneys and Accredited Representatives Can File Form N-565 Online
Attorneys and accredited representatives can now file form N-565 online. How can this simplify the process?
A Form N-565, Application for Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Document, is a form used to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to replace documentation that demonstrates proof of U.S. citizenship. Certificates of Naturalization, Certificates of Citizenship, Declaration of Intentions, and Repatriation Certificates can all be replaced using this form.
On May 25, 2015, the USCIS announced that it will now allow applicants to file Form N-565 online, which simplified the process as filing online has the potential to expedite adjudication. Recently, USCIS also announced that now, not only can applicants file the form online, but their attorney or accredited representative can also file them on behalf of the applicant.
Before the advent of online filing on behalf of clients, applicants and attorneys had to coordinate back and forth on obtaining signatures and documents so that the attorney could pass that information along to USCIS. This added a great deal of time to the process. In some cases, USCIS did not acknowledge the filing of a G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative and refused to speak to attorneys about the case. This required the client to communicate directly with USCIS. Often, language barriers prevented the applicant from effectively communicating with and understanding with USCIS about their case.
However, online filing USCIS has stripped away the confusion and lengthy waits by allowing attorneys and accredited representatives to file Form N-565 for their clients. Not only can attorneys file the form, but they can also communicate with USCIS about the specifics of any client case, submit additional evidence when needed, and handle the entire case for their clients once the form has been filed.
Immigration attorneys are often more knowledgeable about these processes, and while they will explain the situation to their clients, it removes a lot of the back and forth that occurred when the clients had to submit and speak to USCIS on their own. In addition, issues such as language barriers are no longer a problem as attorneys in the United States typically have the language skills necessary to communicate with both their clients and government officials.
The immigration process can be a lengthy and confusing one, particularly for those that are not familiar with it. The ability to file online has simplified the process, making it easier for all those involved.