Can I Get My Adult Child Citizenship Status?
Even if your child was not born as a United States citizen, you may have made efforts to get them a permanent residency status (i.e., a green card). However, before you know it, they may have reached an adult age, and you never got around to petitioning for their citizenship. Well, please read on to discover whether it is still possible to help your adult child out in this way and how a seasoned lawyer from our Lyndhurst naturalization law firm, at the Law Offices of Salvatore A. Falletta, LLC, can work to ensure you and your child remain unified and legally present in the country.
How do I get my minor child to become a citizen?
Before all else, you must check your eligibility to petition for your child’s citizenship in the United States. For this, you must be their biological or adoptive parent, who is also a U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization. Then, of course, you must have proof that your child is a minor; younger than 18 (i.e., through a copy of their birth certificate and more).
From here, if your child currently resides in the country on another legal status (i.e., permanent residency), you may fill out and file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If they live elsewhere, please submit Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate.
Can I get my adult child citizenship status in the United States?
Unfortunately, your child’s path toward citizenship may be slightly more complex if they have already reached the mature age of 18 years old or older. Rest assured, you may still be afforded a means to help them through this immigration process. Namely, you may petition for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the USCIS.
Of note, this is to first get them a lawful permanent residency in the United States. This visa availability varies, and they may have better chances if they fall under the F1 Family First Preference visa category (i.e., if they are your unmarried adult child) than the F3 (i.e., if they are your adult child who is already married).
If they successfully get approved for a green card, they may take it upon themselves to embark on the naturalization process in three years. For this, they must apply with Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, then undergo a biometrics appointment, naturalization interview, and more.
If this blog has deeply resonated with your personal situation and concerns thus far, please reach out to a competent lawyer from our Lyndhurst naturalization law firm for more information. The team at the Law Offices of Salvatore A. Falletta, LLC, will be glad to represent you in your upcoming legal case.
