Tango17

Hello!
We came to the US on l1 visas ( husband l1a). Have had greencards for kids and us for the past 6 years. Wanting to apply for citizenship soon, how does it work for the rest of the family (kids, spouse)? Do we all become citizens automatically if my husband becomes a citizen or do we all need to apply separately?
Any advice and help appreciated, thank you 😀

Pulaski

Adults have to apply and take the test and interview, both are barely more than a formality. Children under 18 are processed automatically with their parents. ..... I am not sure what paperwork is required for children, but there must be some so the USCIS know they are becoming US citizens and issue naturalization certificates.

Tango17

Thank you!
Would both adults apply at the same time? Or would the spouse apply after main greencard holder gets his citizenship?

Pulaski

You apply together, and in fact you are likely to create a mess if you try to apply separately because US immigration and naturalization is family based.

In any case green card holders are all equivalent - once you transition off L-1 & L-2 status, H-1B & H4 status, O-1 & O-3 status, etc., and on to permanent residence/green cards, you and your family are all "just permanent residents". In other words there is no "primary and derivative" for green cards.

Tango17

This is exactly what I was looking for!! Thank you so much 😀

Pulaski

You are welcome.

Rete

The 'children' must be under the age of 18 and there is no paperwork to be completed for them prior to your naturalization. Once you or the other parent are naturalized the children can apply at the same time as that parent for a US passport. Just that simple. Bring their birth certificates and your naturalization certificate.

You can then pay an large fee for their citizenship paper by filing a form with USCIS. Some members recommend doing this as further proof of their US citizenship which is what the US passport also does.

Tango17

Thank you, very helpful!

Tango17

So I have an update. Husband's employer has offered to pay for his citizenship cost including attorney fees for preparing the case.
Should I go ahead and apply for mine myself? Or would it be best to use an attorney?
Re the children, (teens, under 18) best to get the certificate of naturalization (expensive!) or just get the USA passports once either of us parents have theirs?
Thank you for all your help, it is much appreciated!!

Noorah101

You definitely don't need an attorney to do the naturalization process.

Rene

Pulaski

"Case"! There is no "case"! ..... The paperwork is easy-peasy compared to all the previous steps in your immigration journey, and is often pointed out here on BE, this is the step that the Federal government wants you to complete.

Unless your husband wants to facilitate a cash gift to a lawyer, I would definitely recommend that he politely decline the services of a lawyer.

Tango17

Thank you! I am relieved to hear an attorney is not required!

ian-mstm

This has been a matter of some debate in the forum for over 15 years now! A US passport is generally considered proof of US citizenship. A Certificate of Naturalization (CoN) is always considered proof of US citizenship. The problem comes if the passport is lost, or if the parents die, or if the house burns down. There is always solid documentation to prove citizenship based on the CoN, while there is no solid documentation to prove citizenship based on a US passport. The CoN really is a CYA sort of thing in case tragedy strikes.

Ian

MarylandNed

The N400 application asks for details of children. Any minor children automatically acquiring US citizenship through the naturalization of their parents don't actually get naturalization certificates. The children keep their green cards while the parents have to hand theirs in when they naturalize. The children can apply for US passports using their green cards and their parents' naturalization certificates. They can also apply for citizenship certificates (N600) which are expensive and not strictly necessary (although it might make life easier in the future).

Tango17

Wonderful advice from everyone. Thanks so much! 😀