greencard holder became a naturalized citizen

[Tango2017 5]

my wife just passed her naturalization test and we are wondering what will happen to stepdaughter's status. does she become a us citizen since she is under 18? does mother need to file some paperwork ? if anybody knows please let us know as we are not sure about this. 

[EM_Vandaveer 2,408]

Your wife becomes a citizen after her oath ceremony. If your step-daughter is a permanent resident under 18 and living with your wife in her custody on that day, then she'll also become a citizen then.

[Tango2017 5]

ok thanks this is very helpful

[Tango2017 5]

does this require form n600 to request her own us citizenship certificate ? does that also incur the filing cost of 1100? 

[OldUser 6,633]

17 minutes ago, Tango2017 said:

does this require form n600 to request her own us citizenship certificate ? does that also incur the filing cost of 1100? 

It does not require it per say. You can apply for daughter's US passport first.

 

But it is a crucial piece of evidence. If I was you, I'd spend 1100 to get the certificate in the next year or two. The reason for that is simple. Sometime in the future, many years later, when renewing passport, your daughter may be asked for some additional proof of US citizenship. If you or your spouse are no longer around (we're all mortals unfortunately), your daughter may have difficulty gathering all your papers and documents to prove her citizebship.

 

Additionally, this question about citizenship may come up if your daughter ever decides to sponsor a foreign spouse for Green Card.

 

Those are just two common cases when this may come up. But I'm sure this can also come up if she decides to take up jobs in the US military / government / other agencies.

 

The best thing is to spend the money, get the cetificate, make copies for yourself (cannot make copies and distribute, it's a crime) and store it in a safe place.

[OldUser 6,633]

The reason why I recommend doing it within the next few years is because things tend to get lost over the time, including your wife's documentation. The more time passes, the more likely some documents will get lost. Also, you never know, maybe new requirements will be put in place or fees will increase.

[OldUser 6,633]

From page https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/n-600-application-for-certificate-of-citizenship-frequently-asked-questions:

 

 

I already have a U.S. passport issued by the Department of State.  Am I required to file a Form N-600 for a Certificate of Citizenship? 

No. You are not required to file a Form N-600 for a Certificate of Citizenship. The Certificate of Citizenship is an optional form. A validly issued U.S. passport generally serves as evidence of your U.S. citizenship during its period of validity unless that passport has been revoked by the Department of State. However, you may be required to submit your Certificate of Citizenship when attempting to apply for certain other benefits, including, but not limited to:

• Social Security benefits
• State issued ID including a Driver’s License or Learning Permit
• Financial Aid
• Employment
• Passport Renewal

[Timona 4,207]

16 hours ago, Tango2017 said:

my wife just passed her naturalization test and we are wondering what will happen to stepdaughter's status. does she become a us citizen since she is under 18? does mother need to file some paperwork ? if anybody knows please let us know as we are not sure about this. 

 

Is stepdaughter in US and living with you two? 

[R&OC 371]

On 3/4/2024 at 11:09 PM, OldUser said:

It does not require it per say. You can apply for daughter's US passport first.

 

But it is a crucial piece of evidence. If I was you, I'd spend 1100 to get the certificate in the next year or two. The reason for that is simple. Sometime in the future, many years later, when renewing passport, your daughter may be asked for some additional proof of US citizenship. If you or your spouse are no longer around (we're all mortals unfortunately), your daughter may have difficulty gathering all your papers and documents to prove her citizebship.

 

Additionally, this question about citizenship may come up if your daughter ever decides to sponsor a foreign spouse for Green Card.

 

Those are just two common cases when this may come up. But I'm sure this can also come up if she decides to take up jobs in the US military / government / other agencies.

 

The best thing is to spend the money, get the cetificate, make copies for yourself (cannot make copies and distribute, it's a crime) and store it in a safe place.

I would agree and like to add: As long as USCIS does not issue the Certificate, your stepchild is still a legal immigrant in USCIS’s database although said child is technically already a U.S. citizen

[powerpuff 6,697]

*** Topic moved from Effects of Major Family Changes on immigration benefits forum to US Citizenship General discussion ***