File for Citizenship Before Pregnancy?

[Saylin 1,605]

Hello, have an interesting question.

 

Currently a 10-year green card holder (card expires in 2023). Long story short, my husband and I divorced about 5 years ago. Without going into too many details, I'm looking to get pregnant next year, through donor sperm. But I realized it may make some things complicated if I'm not a US citizen first (what would the baby's citizenship be, Canadian? or would it be American, if the donor was a US citizen?). Besides the citizenship of the child, I'm assuming I wouldn't be eligible for any kind of help (WIC, SNAP, etc). Not sure I'd need it, but I would like to keep my options open if the need arises.

 

Are there other issues I'd be running into if I don't file for citizenship now, before giving birth? Should I maybe even become a citizen before trying to conceive? Any other thoughts?

 

I had initially been planning to wait until closer to my green card's expiration before filing for citizenship (want to get my full money's worth on that green card 😂), but I'm thinking I should start saving for the N-400 now and file before the end of the year to avoid any issues.

 

Thanks!

[Lil bear 4,188]

10 minutes ago, Saylin said:

Hello, have an interesting question.

 

Currently a 10-year green card holder (card expires in 2023). Long story short, my husband and I divorced about 5 years ago. Without going into too many details, I'm looking to get pregnant next year, through donor sperm. But I realized it may make some things complicated if I'm not a US citizen first (what would the baby's citizenship be, Canadian? or would it be American, if the donor was a US citizen?). Besides the citizenship of the child, I'm assuming I wouldn't be eligible for any kind of help (WIC, SNAP, etc). Not sure I'd need it, but I would like to keep my options open if the need arises.

 

Are there other issues I'd be running into if I don't file for citizenship now, before giving birth? Should I maybe even become a citizen before trying to conceive? Any other thoughts?

 

I had initially been planning to wait until closer to my green card's expiration before filing for citizenship (want to get my full money's worth on that green card 😂), but I'm thinking I should start saving for the N-400 now and file before the end of the year to avoid any issues.

 

Thanks!

A child born in the USA will be a USC  from birth. No need for you to be naturalized before the birth .  The child may also be a Canadian citizen through you .. but I don’t know the rules in Canada regarding a non Canada born child of a Canadian citizen 

Edited June 16, 2021 by Lil bear

[Crazy Cat 41,828]

23 minutes ago, Saylin said:

Hello, have an interesting question.

 

Currently a 10-year green card holder (card expires in 2023). Long story short, my husband and I divorced about 5 years ago. Without going into too many details, I'm looking to get pregnant next year, through donor sperm. But I realized it may make some things complicated if I'm not a US citizen first (what would the baby's citizenship be, Canadian? or would it be American, if the donor was a US citizen?). Besides the citizenship of the child, I'm assuming I wouldn't be eligible for any kind of help (WIC, SNAP, etc). Not sure I'd need it, but I would like to keep my options open if the need arises.

 

Are there other issues I'd be running into if I don't file for citizenship now, before giving birth? Should I maybe even become a citizen before trying to conceive? Any other thoughts?

 

I had initially been planning to wait until closer to my green card's expiration before filing for citizenship (want to get my full money's worth on that green card 😂), but I'm thinking I should start saving for the N-400 now and file before the end of the year to avoid any issues.

 

Thanks!

The child will be a United States citizen if born inside the borders of the US with all rights as any other citizen. 

Edited June 16, 2021 by Lucky Cat

[Ontarkie 14,218]

Yup you get a dual citizen child. No need to wait to file the N400 as it is taking awhile now. 

As for WIC I think you can get that if it's needed as it is for the baby. They will tell you if you can get it or not. SNAP I think I is off limits. But some states do things differently so always check. 

[Saylin 1,605]

Thank you everyone! That's definitely reassuring to know they'd automatically be born a US citizen, regardless of my citizenship. For some reason I thought theirs would be based off what I was. Big relief!  And I'll look into seeing if they'd be a Canadian citizen as well. Dual citizenship would be great!

[Ontarkie 14,218]

On 6/16/2021 at 7:59 PM, Saylin said:

Thank you everyone! That's definitely reassuring to know they'd automatically be born a US citizen, regardless of my citizenship. For some reason I thought theirs would be based off what I was. Big relief!  And I'll look into seeing if they'd be a Canadian citizen as well. Dual citizenship would be great!

They would be dual as you were born in Canada. You would just send in some forms later to get them their certificate. (BTW I still haven't done it and mine are 10 and 7, no big deal as Canada still sees them as Canadian. I just can't get them a SIN card but they don't need it anyway)