Citizen question regarding a minor

[dnavinnie 132]

My wife (green card holder) wants my daughter to think about college in the Philippines when she turns 18 (she is 12 and she is an IR-2). I told her we need to be careful about the time frame spent outside of the country and to make sure she has established US Citizenship. Do I need to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship (N-600) for her? I am confused about the Citizenship rules for minors when it comes to time spent back in the Philippines (outside of the US). Thank you for any help. BTW...they came here two years ago under a spousal visa.

[mam521 2,062]

Is your daughter your daughter or your stepdaughter?  I'm assuming the later since you've mentioned she's on an IR-2 and didn't mention a CRBA.  

 

Your wife can file for citizenship under the 3 year rule after she's had 2 years minus 90 days of continuous residency in the US.  Depending on where you are in the US, citizenship processing has been going reasonably quickly.  If the child is hers from a previous relationship, the child will receive citizenship through her mother since she's a minor.  When your wife receives her citizenship, she can apply for a US passport for herself and daughter, then file for the N-600.  

[Chancy 6,241]

1 hour ago, dnavinnie said:

My wife (green card holder) wants my daughter to think about college in the Philippines when she turns 18 (she is 12 and she is an IR-2).

 

Your daughter will automatically become a US citizen IF she is below 18 years old at the time her mom becomes a USC.  If your wife files N-400 soon after she becomes eligible, your daughter will probably be around 14 yo when she becomes a USC.  So no need to worry anymore about maintaining US residency for her GC.  Your daughter can already get a US passport.  No need to apply for certificate of citizenship via N-600.  Although, if money is not an issue, I strongly recommend applying for a CoC anyway AFTER getting a US passport.  The CoC will be her strongest proof of US citizenship.

 

[dnavinnie 132]

3 hours ago, Chancy said:

 

Your daughter will automatically become a US citizen IF she is below 18 years old at the time her mom becomes a USC.  If your wife files N-400 soon after she becomes eligible, your daughter will probably be around 14 yo when she becomes a USC.  So no need to worry anymore about maintaining US residency for her GC.  Your daughter can already get a US passport.  No need to apply for certificate of citizenship via N-600.  Although, if money is not an issue, I strongly recommend applying for a CoC anyway AFTER getting a US passport.  The CoC will be her strongest proof of US citizenship.

 

@Chancy Thank you for your help. The key that I couldn't find was when mom became a USC. I will get her a passport and a CoC for insurance.

[dnavinnie 132]

4 hours ago, mam521 said:

Is your daughter your daughter or your stepdaughter?  I'm assuming the later since you've mentioned she's on an IR-2 and didn't mention a CRBA.  

 

Your wife can file for citizenship under the 3 year rule after she's had 2 years minus 90 days of continuous residency in the US.  Depending on where you are in the US, citizenship processing has been going reasonably quickly.  If the child is hers from a previous relationship, the child will receive citizenship through her mother since she's a minor.  When your wife receives her citizenship, she can apply for a US passport for herself and daughter, then file for the N-600.  

Thank you. She is my step-daughter. I will make sure my wife files for citizenship as soon as she is eligible. 

[Stein 276]

On 3/30/2023 at 9:45 AM, Chancy said:

 

YAlthough, if money is not an issue, I strongly recommend applying for a CoC anyway AFTER getting a US passport.  The CoC will be her strongest proof of US citizenship.

 

What is CoC?  I'm in the same position as the OP but stepdaughter is 16 now.  Filing for citizenship for my wife December this year.

[Lil bear 4,192]

3 minutes ago, Stein said:

What is CoC?  I'm in the same position as the OP but stepdaughter is 16 now.  Filing for citizenship for my wife December this year.

Certificate of citizenship 

[dnavinnie 132]

18 minutes ago, Stein said:

What is CoC?  I'm in the same position as the OP but stepdaughter is 16 now.  Filing for citizenship for my wife December this year.

A certificate of citizenship is a formal document from the US government proving someone's citizenship.