06 Aug 2018

I will soon be applying for U.S. citizenship for myself and for my family. Will my 11-year-old child have to attend a naturalization interview?

Answer One generally must be at least 18 to apply for citizenship. Children under that age normally would become citizens automatically upon naturalization of the parent/s. After that occurs, a passport application (or N-600 application) for a certificate of citizenship can be applied for on their...

16 Jul 2018

I was issued a green card through my employer almost 5 years ago, and my wife received her green card as my dependent. If she applies for citizenship but I don’t, will that create any complications?

Answer Naturalization applications are individual applications. There is no requirement that all members of a family apply. (16.Jul.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real time. For details on chat participation, click here.Access more...

25 Jun 2018

I got my green card through my employer 9 months ago. I now have a lucrative job offer from another company. Will my GC be at risk if I move to a new employer now?

Answer A person who receives an employer-sponsored "green card" is generally advised to remain with the sponsoring employer for at least six months to avoid possible allegations of misrepresentation during the naturalization process. Generally, changing after this time period would be relatively safe. (25.Jun.2018)In frequent sessions...

02 Apr 2018

My application to become a U.S. citizen is pending, and my green card will soon expire. Citizenship is in process, if green card expires, is there a quick process to get a temporary extension on green card?

Answer Ordinarily, if your green card is going to expire within six months of applying for naturalization (form N-400), you are expected to also apply for an I-90 (green card renewal). If you have applied for naturalization more than 6 months before the expiration of your...

12 Mar 2018

My green card is about to expire, and I am waiting to be scheduled for my U.S. citizenship oath. Do I need to renew my green card in order to be eligible to take the oath?

Answer The "green card" itself is only proof of one's status - its expiration does not affect one's status as a lawful permanent resident (LPR). Therefore, the expiration should not affect the citizenship application. (12.Mar.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...

05 Mar 2018

I am waiting for my oath ceremony in order to naturalize. Also, my green card is about to expire. I have a family emergency and need to travel to India immediately. What options do I have to return with no issues? Will this impact my naturalization case?

Answer If you have an emergency need to travel, you can try to obtain a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport at the local USCIS office. It typically is okay to travel while waiting for one's naturalization oath ceremony, but you need to inform the USCIS...

06 Nov 2017

I filed my naturalization application a number of months ago and am now just waiting for my interview. My green card will expire in April. If my interview is not scheduled before then, do I have to renew my green card?

Answer One in this situation generally can make an Infopass appointment at the local USCIS office and get a temporary "green card" stamp in their passport. Filing a new I-90 normally would not be necessary. (06.Nov.2017)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior...

21 Aug 2017

I am a U.S. citizen sponsoring my mother for a green card. Will non-availability of her birth certificate create problems for her case?

Answer This can definitely lead to the issuance of a request for evidence, because of the requirement that the parent-child relationship be proven. The USCIS will sometimes demand a DNA test in this situation. (21.Aug.2017)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...

31 Jul 2017

I am eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, but my husband and children will not qualify for another year. Is it advisable for me to wait and apply for the whole family at the same time?

Answer In general, there is no particular benefit for a family to wait to file naturalization applications at the same time, other than the fact that the citizenship interviews generally will be scheduled for the same day. Also, depending on the circumstances, the children may become...