My father is a Citizen of the US: How Do I Apply for Citizenship?
The United States of America is considered a melting pot of cultures, diversities, and opportunities. It is the land of immigrants and dreamers who venture far and wide to achieve their personal goals and aspirations. If you’re a foreign national whose father is a US citizen, then you might be wondering how to obtain citizenship. In this article, we will walk you through the steps on how to apply for citizenship as the child of a US citizen.
Who Qualifies for Derivative Citizenship?
Derivative citizenship refers to an individual who can acquire citizenship through their parents, especially if one or both parents are already US citizens. In other words, if one or both of your parents are US citizens when you were born, you are automatically considered a US citizen, regardless of where you were born.
The Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines whether someone can be considered a US citizen under the derivative citizenship laws, which are set forth in section 301 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Some categories of individuals who may qualify include:
– Children (under 18 years of age) residing inside or outside of the United States and whose parents are US citizens by birth or naturalization
– Children of US service members who are born abroad during their parent’s service
– Adopted children of US citizens born abroad who were legally adopted before reaching age 16 and have lived in the US with their adoptive parents for at least two years
How to Apply as a Child of a US Citizen?
If you don’t qualify for automatic citizenship through the derivative citizenship process, you may still apply for citizenship. There are certain eligibility requirements that you should meet in order to apply for citizenship:
– You must be at least 18 years old
– You must be a permanent resident for at least five years
– You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English
– You must be able to pass a United States civics test
– You must have good moral character and be willing to obey the laws and constitution of the United States
– You must be prepared to take the oath of allegiance to the United States
Once you meet these eligibility requirements, you can proceed with your citizenship application. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Obtain the Citizenship Application Form
The first step in applying for citizenship is to obtain Form N-400, which is also known as the Application for Naturalization. You can download the form from the USCIS website or get a copy from your nearest USCIS office.
Step 2: Complete the Citizenship Application
The next step is to complete the application form accurately and legibly. You will be asked to provide your personal information, immigration status, employment history, residential address, and criminal history, if any. The application also includes a section where you will have to detail your biographic information, including your name, date of birth, place of birth, and social security number.
Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee
Along with your application, you will have to pay the processing fee, which is currently $725. The fee can be paid by check or money order and must be made payable to the Department of Homeland Security.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
You can submit your completed application form and fee payment to the USCIS office in your area. Make sure to make copies of your completed application and keep them for your records.
Step 5: Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, the USCIS will schedule your biometrics appointment. During this appointment, you will have to provide fingerprints, photograph, and signature as part of the background check process.
Step 6: Interview
Once your biometrics have been taken, you will receive a notice from USCIS to schedule an interview. The interview is a crucial step in the citizenship application process, and you will be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English, as well as your knowledge of the US government and history. You may also be asked about your application and background.
Step 7: Oath Ceremony
If USCIS determines that you are eligible for citizenship, you will receive a notice to take the oath of allegiance. During the oath ceremony, you will pledge your allegiance to the United States and receive your Certificate of Naturalization, proving that you are now a US citizen.
Conclusion
Becoming a US citizen can be a long and complex process, but it is worth it in the end. As the child of a US citizen, you have the right to apply for citizenship and obtain all the privileges and benefits that come with it. Follow the steps outlined above to ensure a smooth and successful naturalization process. Good luck!
Unfortunately, a foreign born individual is not eligible for United States citizenship unless he/she completes the naturalization process. This means that he/she must reside within the United States for a period of 5 years and then apply for U.S. citizenship.
Luckily, the child of a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident does qualify for an immigrant visa, which will allow him/her to permanently reside within the country. To achieve this, his/her father will be required to complete the I-130 application form and provide the USCIS with a $355 filing fee. The foreign individual must also complete an interview at his/her local U.S. Consulate or Embassy.
After an individual has resided in the U.S. for 5 years using an immigrant visa, he/she can complete the N-400 naturalization application form. He/she will also be required to successfully pass a naturalization exam, which will test his/her knowledge of U.S. civics and history, as well as his/her comprehension of the English language.
