Citizenship questions

[Kajikit 65]

Now I've got my greencard approved it's time to think about citizenship. I think I could apply for it tomorrow based on the 90 day rule (it's our fourth wedding anniversary next week, and my third anniversary of getting my conditional greencard in mid-January)? I'm not going to though - we don't have the money! It's going to take awhile to save up for it, and once I finally have my 10-year greencard the pressure is off for a bit. So, how much does it cost? And roughly how long is it taking from beginning to end? As long as lifting conditions on my greencard did (12 months)?

[YuAndDan 153]

N-400 FEE $675 then the cost of a US Passport $100 Passport needed for trip abroad.

[Kajikit 65]

Ouch that's steep... I thought it was something like that. The USCIS must think we're made of money or something...

[YuAndDan 153]

Ouch that's steep... I thought it was something like that. The USCIS must think we're made of money or something...

One thing Australia recognizes dual citizenship, so you do not give up Australia citizenship if you become a US citizen. Nice if you decide to retire or decided to return to Australia for an extended period.

http://www.citizenship.gov.au/automatic-ci...p/dual-citz.htm

[eau_xplain 2]

There's really no urgent need to apply for citizenship unless:

> you want to vote at the local/state/national elections; or

> you want to petition a relative/relatives; or

> you want to apply for a federal job; or

> you want to travel on a US passport; or

> you have an immigrant child who will automatically become a USC once you become one.

In my case, I have a 16 year old son who will become a USC as soon as I take my citizenship oath. That saves him/us another $675 and waiting time.

[mnbinth 2]

Now I've got my greencard approved it's time to think about citizenship. I think I could apply for it tomorrow based on the 90 day rule (it's our fourth wedding anniversary next week, and my third anniversary of getting my conditional greencard in mid-January)? I'm not going to though - we don't have the money! It's going to take awhile to save up for it, and once I finally have my 10-year greencard the pressure is off for a bit. So, how much does it cost? And roughly how long is it taking from beginning to end? As long as lifting conditions on my greencard did (12 months)?

It looks like it's taking 3 to 4 months from NOA to Oath ceremony for most people. It depends on your local office.

[Kajikit 65]

My Australian passport expires in 2010 and it's such a hassle to get a new one from here that I want to be able to just get an American one instead. But if it's only taking six months to get citizenship I don't need to worry about it until later in the year. I know getting a passport doesn't take very long. We'll just have to start saving...

[thedreamgl 0]

In NY, took 9 months from applying to Interview.. I assume if everything goes well, another month for Oath + 1 more month for passport; i.e. 11 months

[Kajikit 65]

Thanks. I'll try to plan to apply in May, that gives me 12 months for the whole thing to go down before my passport expires. It really cheeses me off that Australia refuses to recognise foreign marriages as a valid name change - I'm in America, not outer Mongolia!

[AusCal 3]

. It really cheeses me off that Australia refuses to recognise foreign marriages as a valid name change - I'm in America, not outer Mongolia!

This comment confuses me. Can you explain what you mean. I am an Australian citizen who married in the US, and am currently a permanent resident. After marriage, I went to the Australian Consulate in Los Angeles - I applied for and had my Australia passport re-issued in my married name. (using my US marriage certificate, at no charge, and with the same expiry date my passport currently had). I have also used my US marriage certificate to have my name changed on bank accounts in Australia.

[Carlos and Jocel 2]

Yup no rush right now for filing ur citizenship, that's $ 675 right? So 10 years from now will be $ 2,000 roughly and economics is not going to good either uh. Price will only increase as years pass by. You may save your money now but in the long run, you still have to file one and its going to be higher. Think about it... but if your financially secure later on... do so. Goodluck!!!

[Kajikit 65]

. It really cheeses me off that Australia refuses to recognise foreign marriages as a valid name change - I'm in America, not outer Mongolia!

This comment confuses me. Can you explain what you mean. I am an Australian citizen who married in the US, and am currently a permanent resident. After marriage, I went to the Australian Consulate in Los Angeles - I applied for and had my Australia passport re-issued in my married name. (using my US marriage certificate, at no charge, and with the same expiry date my passport currently had). I have also used my US marriage certificate to have my name changed on bank accounts in Australia.

I don't know how you managed to pull that one off - on the Australian passport website it clearly says that if you were married overseas they will NOT change your name for you unless you register it seperately as a name change. And that's too much hassle...

[jodee 30]

. It really cheeses me off that Australia refuses to recognise foreign marriages as a valid name change - I'm in America, not outer Mongolia!

This comment confuses me. Can you explain what you mean. I am an Australian citizen who married in the US, and am currently a permanent resident. After marriage, I went to the Australian Consulate in Los Angeles - I applied for and had my Australia passport re-issued in my married name. (using my US marriage certificate, at no charge, and with the same expiry date my passport currently had). I have also used my US marriage certificate to have my name changed on bank accounts in Australia.

I don't know how you managed to pull that one off - on the Australian passport website it clearly says that if you were married overseas they will NOT change your name for you unless you register it seperately as a name change. And that's too much hassle...

Kajikit is right,.....I had to do just that. I went home to Australia, and whilst on my visit, had to lodge a formal change of name, wait for the change of name certificate to come through before the passport office would change my name.

Edited December 26, 2008 by jodee

[AusCal 3]

OK, I guess either I was somehow lucky - or, things may have changed since then (it was back in 2002).

Kajikit - can you travel on your Australian passport(maiden name), with your marriage certificate & greencard(married name)?

[Kajikit 65]

2002 was awhile ago. They changed the rules after that to make it much harder, with the excuse of terrorism. I could do the name change and passport stuff easily enough if I went back there for a month or two (goodness knows how long they take to process it!), but I don't really have any intention of it short of a dire family emergency (and pray God that never comes up!) I know I can still use my Australian passport in my maiden name, it's just annoying!