After GC - Minor's qualification for Citizenship

[waiting4I140]

Hi,

Few years back we (wife, son and myself) got GC. I know that me and my wife can apply for Citizenship after we complete 5 years of GC. My question is regarding my son's citizenship. Can anyone explain how a minor (under 16) gets Citizenship once (s)he completes five years of GC.

Is it true that after I (and my wife) get Citizenship, we can apply Citizenship for our son and he will get it within a year?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards,
Waiting!

 

[Jane Green]

A minor cannot file for naturalization, even after 5 years as LPR.
However – if either of you or your wife become US citizens BEFORE your son turns 18 then he’ll automatically acquire citizenship as well. You might file "Application for Certificate of Citizenship" (Form N-600) to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for him at any time, even after he turns 18. Or you can just file for his US passport with a copy of your or your wife’s naturalization certificate.
If you become citizen after your son’s 18th birthday – then he has to file N-400 on his own, providing that 5 years requirement has been met.