SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM N-8A NOTIFICATION OF REGISTRATION FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 8(A) OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 The undersigned investment company hereby notifies the Securities and Exchange Commission that it registers under and pursuant to the provisions of Section 8(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and in connection with such notification of registration submits the following information: Name: Highland Credit Strategies Fund Address of Principal Business Office (No. & Street, City, State, Zip Code): Two Galleria Tower 13455 Noel Road, Suite 800 Dallas, Texas 75240 Telephone Number (including area code): (877) 665-1287 Name and address of agent for service of process: R. Joseph Dougherty Two Galleria Tower 13455 Noel Road, Suite 800 Dallas, Texas 75240 With copies of Notices and Communications to: Philip H. Harris, Esq. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Four Times Square New York, New York 10036 Check Appropriate Box: Registrant is filing a Registration Statement pursuant to Section 8(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 concurrently with the filing of Form N-8A: YES [X] NO [ ] 2 SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the sole trustee of the registrant has caused this notification of registration to be duly signed on behalf of the registrant in the city of Dallas and the state of Texas on March 15, 2006. Highland Credit Strategies Fund (REGISTRANT) By: /s/ R. Joseph Dougherty ---------------------------------- R. Joseph Dougherty Sole Trustee Attest: /s/ R. Joseph Dougherty --------------------------- R. Joseph Dougherty Sole Trustee