Getting my step sons their citizenship

[SAS22 0]

My wife passed her US naturalization test. She is waiting for her ceremony date letter. Her two sons (my stepsons) want to immediately apply to be US citizens when she's officially a US citizen. What is the best way to do that? I've heard by applying for a passport and/or by filing a N-600 forms and paying the appopriate fees. I don't want to risk my sons losing their US citizenship in any way shape or form. If they just get a US passport which they have to get anyway for travel can they lose their citizenship by losing their passport? Please help! Any advice would be gratefully appreciated! Scott

PS I am a US citizen by birth

Edited May 2, 2016 by SAS22

[Umka36 781]

Check this for Naturalization through parent:

https://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship/citizenship-through-parents

Once you get your citizenship, it does not get stripped away because you lost your US passport.

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/can-naturalized-us-citizen-lose-citizenship-living-another-country.html

[newacct 688]

Her sons, permanent residents under 18, will automatically become US citizens when she becomes a citizen. There is no "applying for" it. As US citizens, they can get US passports at any time, but don't have to. It's not possible to lose US citizenship involuntarily.

[SAS22 0]

Thank you! Just wondering what the process is for our 18 year old? Of course when the process was started he was under 18 but it took so long that he was 18 on 2/5/2016 Her citizenship ceremony should be within 90 days they said or at least a letter with the ceremony date. Thanks again!

[newacct 688]

Thank you! Just wondering what the process is for our 18 year old? Of course when the process was started he was under 18 but it took so long that he was 18 on 2/5/2016 Her citizenship ceremony should be within 90 days they said or at least a letter with the ceremony date. Thanks again!

His mother's naturalization has nothing to do with him. Just like any permanent resident over 18, he can apply for naturalization at any time after he's been a permanent resident for 5 years, if he wants.

[SAS22 0]

So even though it's my wife's son and he came over from Russia with her? He's 18 so it's all on him as he's now an adult. I guess it makes sense now. He'll have to wait until 09/2016 that'll be 5 years in the USA for him. Next it's the r400 app if I remember correctly?

[newacct 688]

So even though it's my wife's son and he came over from Russia with her? He's 18 so it's all on him as he's now an adult. I guess it makes sense now. He'll have to wait until 09/2016 that'll be 5 years in the USA for him. Next it's the r400 app if I remember correctly?

Yes, he would apply for naturalization with N-400 when and if he decides to apply for naturalization.

[SAS22 0]

For my youngest son who is 12 can we just apply for a US passport for him to complete his citizenship? He wants/needs to travel back th Russia next summer in order to visit relatives as well as renewing his Russian passport.

We went to the local USCIS office and the gal gave us form I-130 and form N-600 and told us to fill out these forms for both of my wife's sons. This is very confusing. Thanks Scott

[newacct 688]

For my youngest son who is 12 can we just apply for a US passport for him to complete his citizenship? He wants/needs to travel back th Russia next summer in order to visit relatives as well as renewing his Russian passport.

We went to the local USCIS office and the gal gave us form I-130 and form N-600 and told us to fill out these forms for both of my wife's sons. This is very confusing. Thanks Scott

There is no "completing his citizenship"; he will have it automatically. There is no need to complete any forms. He could apply for a Certificate of Citizenship with N-600 if he wants, but that is not necessary and is very expensive. I-130 is completely irrelevant. USCIS doesn't handle passports; don't ask USCIS about passports. US passports are issued by the Department of State, and applied for at local acceptance facilities like post offices and county clerks (note: post office staff are sometimes less knowledgeable about derivative citizenship stuff so if you have trouble try a county clerk or courthouse).

[SAS22 0]

One of the requirements to get a passport was a to have a "certificate of naturalization". Is that my wife's then?

[aaron2020 11,651]

One of the requirements to get a passport was a to have a "certificate of naturalization". Is that my wife's then?

For your wife, her certificate of naturalization is her proof of US citizenship allowing her to get a US passport.

For the 12 years old, his mother's certificate of naturalization, his birth certificate showing she's his mom, his green card, and proof that he resides with her (essentially the requirements of the Child Citizenship Act) is what proves he's a US citizen allowing him to get a US passport.

[SAS22 0]

For your wife, her certificate of naturalization is her proof of US citizenship allowing her to get a US passport.

For the 12 years old, his mother's certificate of naturalization, his birth certificate showing she's his mom, his green card, and proof that he resides with her (essentially the requirements of the Child Citizenship Act) is what proves he's a US citizen allowing him to get a US passport.

Awesome! Thank you so much! Can my 18 year old do the same thing?

[aaron2020 11,651]

Awesome! Thank you so much! Can my 18 year old do the same thing?

No. You've already been told that he needs to naturalize on his own.