confused!! apply for US citizenship or remain as Permanent Resident

[frankielyn 0]

I'm married to a US Citizen, have my two underaged kids with me when I came to US,NY last 2004 and we obtain our Permanent residency last April 2007.. after then I applied right away to petition my 25 yr old daughter who's in the philippines,unmarried...I 've received already the confirmation that they received the application...

My question is...will it affect the waiting or approval of my pettion if I apply for citizenship now? OR Would it be easier if I just remain a permanent resident rather than be US citizen ?

[YuAndDan 153]

Applying for citizenship has the effect of moving your daughter's visa class from F2 to F1 so will expedite the petition some, you contact NVC after becoming a citizen, and will provide them evidence of immigrations status change.

Family First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their children, if any. (23,400)

Family Second Preference (F2): Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (over age 20) of lawful permanent residents. (114,200) At least seventy-seven percent of all visas available for this category will go to the spouses and children; the remainder will be allocated to unmarried sons and daughters.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/ty...types_1306.html

[john_and_marlene 162]

Applying for citizenship has the effect of moving your daughter's visa class from F2 to F1 so will expedite the petition some, you contact NVC after becoming a citizen, and will provide them evidence of immigrations status change.

Not true for the Philippines. For the Philippines, 2B priority dates are more current than 1st preference. It will be quicker as an LPR.

[YuAndDan 153]

Applying for citizenship has the effect of moving your daughter's visa class from F2 to F1 so will expedite the petition some, you contact NVC after becoming a citizen, and will provide them evidence of immigrations status change.

Not true for the Philippines. For the Philippines, 2B priority dates are more current than 1st preference. It will be quicker as an LPR.

Yep, I see that in the bulletin, strange, but true. Yes remain LPR until after daughter has visa, and then go for citizenship.

SEE: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin...letin_3827.html

[frankielyn 0]

Thank you very much for the replies.....seems I have no choice but to wait for maybe 10 yrs at least to become a citizen...

[Marilyn. 340]

you got your permanent residency last April 2007?? if so you wouldn't be able to apply for citizenship until April 2010 anyways....

unless you got your conditional card sooner then that...

you can apply for citizenship , if married to a US citizen, 3 years after you get your permanent resident card (green card) regardless if it is conditional or not...