I’m A Green Card Holder and My Parents Were Naturalized. Am I A Citizen?

Becoming a U.S. citizen under the age of 18 has several pathways, and one of them is through having a parent become naturalized. If you are under age 18, a green card holder and your parents are green card holders, if one of your parents is naturalized and becomes a citizen, you could be a U.S. citizen too!

1. File for your U.S. passport
   1. Attach copies of
      1. your green card
      2. your birth certificate
      3. your parent’s green card
      4. your parent’s certificate of naturalization
2. OR file for an N-600 to get a certificate of naturalization

Eligibility For Citizenship If Under 18 and Your Parent Is Naturalized

• You must be under 18 years old at the time your parent becomes naturalized.
• Both you and your parents must be lawful permanent residents (LPRs) with green cards.
• Your parent who becomes naturalized must have met the physical presence requirements for naturalization, which typically involves residing in the U.S. for at least 5 years with specific minimum physical presence periods.

Derivative Citizenship

If you don’t automatically become a citizen, you can apply for derivative citizenship through Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship. This process requires evidence of your parent’s citizenship and your qualifying relationship.

Documents for N-600 Application:

• Form N-600: Completed and signed application form.
• Filing fee.
• Two passport-style photographs: Recent photos meeting USCIS specifications.
• Evidence of relationship: Birth certificate showing your parent-child relationship.
• Evidence of parent’s U.S. citizenship: Parent’s naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship.
• Evidence of your LPR status: Your green card.
• Proof of continuous residence: Documentation showing you resided in the U.S. with your parent for at least 5 years.
• Evidence of good moral character: Documents demonstrating your lack of criminal history and adherence to U.S. laws.
• English language proficiency: Evidence of basic English reading, writing, and speaking skills.
• Civic knowledge: Understanding of U.S. history and government.

Do You Have Questions About Citizenship? Contact an Experienced Immigration Attorney Today

Mario Godoy and the experienced immigration attorneys at Godoy Law Office can assess your immigration application status. With experience in many different types of immigration cases and an understanding of the impact of new and changing immigration regulations, it can be beneficial for you to contact an immigration lawyer today. Please call 630-345-4164.

AREAS WE SERVE: Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers helps clients in all 50 states and has 3 offices in the Chicago, Illinois area.

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