Applying for citizenship, for self, wife and child?

T

testcase

New Member
A simple question really, I am applying for citizenship and wondering if I need to file an application for my 13 yr old child too?
I know I need to file two applications, one for myself and one for wife. But do I need a 3rd one for my child?

I think I read somewhere that once mine and wife's application is processed, we can apply for the child's passport based on our citizenship.
Thanks.
 
Only those over the age of 18 can file N-400. Children automatically derive citizenship when parent(s) undergo naturalization, no separate application is required.

When you and/or your wife get your certificate of naturalization, you can apply for your passport and child's passport at the same time.
 
Great thanks.
One quick followup. How do I ensure that both my wife's and my applications are processed together? It seems that I actually will be filing two separate applications. One for myself and another for my wife. I wonder if there is a way to make sure that we have them processed in the same time line, so that we go for the FP together and the interview at the same time, etc.
 
Put both applications in two separate envelopes, and then put those two envelopes in a bigger one and send it to the Lewisville address.
 
testcase said:
One quick followup. How do I ensure that both my wife's and my applications are processed together?
Click to expand...
You can't ensure that. Two separate applications are required, and they will be processed separately. However, if you include both in the same larger envelope, it increases the chances that both interviews and/or both oaths will happen to be on the same date, but it's far from guaranteed. They will run the background checks and other processing without deliberately trying to keep the timelines for the two applications in sync.
 
You can also consider submitting a N-600 application (for certificate of citizenship) once you or your wife naturalizes and your child derives citizenship. It takes longer to process than a passport, but it can be applied concurrently with the child's passport (as you only need to submit copy of the parent/s naturalization certificate). It is not mandatory, but it gives your child a certificate similar to your naturalization certificate that also includes the date when your child became a citizen. Some people recommend getting this, some people don't. I am in the recommending it camp, as it is easier to do now than years later if it becomes necessary and it might be more difficult to get the documents to support the application.
 
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