after nearly 29 years, I finally applied for my citizenship

T

thanh

Registered Users (C)
After being in America for nearly 29 years, I finally applied for my citizenship.

I've been a greencard holder since forever; however, I finally realized it was time to take the next step and become a full citizen. I can't wait.

This forum has provided a ton of information in my research to see what was required. I'm thankful to the sponsors of the forum and to all the contributing members. I'll provide updates along the way for all the Dallas area members who are interested in timeframes.
 
I arrived in America in 1980 (born in Vietnam in 1979). :)

My parents naturalized some years ago. I was planning to do the N-600 route and just apply for my certificate of citizenship; however, I don't have a birth certificate or any documentation stating that I was from Vietnam...so I was recommended to do the N-400 path.
 
You are automatically a Citizen.

All you need is to apply for N600 - Certificate of CitizenShip.
USCIS will accept 'Affidavit for live birth' from 2 witnesses, regardless of which country they are living currently in lieu of a birth certificate. Search in the internet you can download the sample format.

When you are a Citizen, by law, It may not be logical and even legitimate, to proceed again, to secure the same status - It may also lead to other legal complexities IMHO.

- Experts, welcome to correct if I am wrong :)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
thanh said:
I arrived in America in 1980 (born in Vietnam in 1979). :)

My parents naturalized some years ago. I was planning to do the N-600 route and just apply for my certificate of citizenship; however, I don't have a birth certificate or any documentation stating that I was from Vietnam...so I was recommended to do the N-400 path.
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If you are already a citizen, the N-400 won't do anything for you. In fact, the N-400 will only confirm that you must take N-600 route in order to get your certificate. As Atlanta400 mentioned, a signed affidavit is acceptable when you can't obtain your birth certificate. However, you must provide a letter by the Vietnamese authorities that your inquiry to them have yielded no results.
 
thanh said:
I arrived in America in 1980 (born in Vietnam in 1979). :)

My parents naturalized some years ago. I was planning to do the N-600 route and just apply for my certificate of citizenship; however, I don't have a birth certificate or any documentation stating that I was from Vietnam...so I was recommended to do the N-400 path.
Click to expand...

What documents did you use for green card? I believe green card process also requires birth certificate or its equivalent etc
 
He probably came in as a refugee. In which case the government would not have required a certificate of birth.
 
I just wanted to update this thread as well. I am officially a US Citizen!!!

02/10/09 Mailed N400 Application
02/11/09 N400 Delivered
02/11/09 Priority Date
02/11/09 Received Receipt Notice
02/13/09 Cashed Check
02/24/09 Fingerprint Notice Dated
03/02/09 Received Fingerprint Notice
03/11/09 Fingerprint Completed
04/06/09 Interview Notice Letter
05/08/09 Interview Date
05/08/09 Oath Letter Recieved
05/08/09 Oath Taking Ceremony
 
Good thing they didn't reject your N-400 saying that you may already be a citizen due to your parent's naturalization, followed by rejecting your N-600 because you're unable to obtain the necessary documents.
 
Mr Vertigo said:
Well yes, but those 5 years I'm not counting because he wasn't eligible to become citizen then. He was required to wait for those, but not for the 24 years that he didn't file ;)
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Actually, it was only 12 years of waiting ... the OP turned 18 in 1997 and could not have self-filed for citizenship before then.
 
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