Hawkini

Hi, finally the time has come for me to wade through the N-400. I've come across Part 11 - "Information About Your Children" - it says "

1. You must indicate ALL children, including: children who are alive, missing, or deceased; children born in the United States or in other countries; children under 18 years of age or older; children who are currently married or unmarried; children living with you or elsewhere; current stepchildren; legally adopted children; and children born when you were not married.

Now, I have 2 biological children - that's safe to say I need to put those down. But my previous marriage, I had 2 step children also. I have since divorced, so they should NOT be counted under the "Current" Step children section. BUT... one of them is over 18, the other is almost 18 and I do pay child support for them just because I wanted to. I'm guessing it doesn't matter and "Current" means "Current" so I don't include them...?

S Folinsky

"Superfluity does not vitiate." When in doubt, disclose.

In any case, the definition of "children" for naturalization purposes is different than for immigration puroses in that stepchildren are not included.

Hawkini

OK - I guess that makes sense. Better to let USCIS determine whether they are "relevant" than me. Also, BOTH will be over 18 by the time the application is submitted so will need their own N-400 anyway...

Rete

I'll add that your biological children, if under age 18, after you have naturalized become US Citizens, as well. For those biological children living outside of the US, if you petition for their IR Visa and they entered the US before their 18th birthday will become USC also. I don't believe that children entering after the age of 18 will become USCs. Someone will be along to correct that if it is incorrect.

Listing children is a small thing and no harm is done by listing them. At least it is a paper trail for USCIS if at sometime in the future you do choose to petition for their IR visa.