US citizenship application?

cardshark202

Hi,

I am looking into applying for citizenship for the US(I think I qualify cos my mom was born in america). Am I best just going to the embassy about it or what. Googled it but got loads of different forms and not sure which ones are legit or what. Any help appreciated.

Thanks

zuchum

Are you under 21? it seems like it will be a lot easier if you are. if you are unmarried and under 21 you are seen as a direct relative and will be granted citizenship easily enough according to some stuff I read. I'll paste the links in here. Seemingly you have to fill in an "Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative" ,prove your mum is a citizen and that she can support oyu 125% above your needs. You can still do it over 21,it'll just take a bit longer.

http://www.lawcom.com/immigration/famimusc.shtml a fairly simple FAQ about the topic including a link to a table to see if you are a "direct relative".

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=0775667706f7d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=4f719c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD US Govt. site detailing the process

http://immigration.about.com/od/familybased/a/gcfamily.htm and a pretty useful interview with a guy who knows a lot about immigration

zuchum

from 3rd link:
Question 5: What is the process in applying through my family?

Carl Shusterman: The first step in qualifying for a green card under the family-based preference category, is to have your relative submit a visa petition (form I-130) to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, together with the appropriate documentation and filing fees. To obtain a copy of form I-130, see:

http://shusterman.com/immforms.html
and click on I-130.

Regarding documentation, your relative needs to prove his immigration status and his relationship to you. For example, if your US citizen brother is petitioning for you, he needs to prove

Benedict XVI

You will probably have to get a green card first, which you will be eligible to as your mother was born in the US.

After holding the green card for 4 years and 9 months you can apply for citizenship.

Once you get the green card you will have to go and live and work in the US.
As a green card holder you have to maintain the US as your primary residence, if you do not they may take it from you, once you get citizenship you can come and go as you wish.

Hayden*

My mom was born in American and holds an American passport and I dont qualify for citizenship

cardshark202

Ok thanks for all the info guys. I'm 24. I'll look at those links later when I get a chance zuchum.

BuffyBot

Completely wrong forum btw.

Abroad is the closest place I can think of putting this.

snubbleste

There is no need to apply for a Greencard, this form explains the various scenarios quite well, check which one applies to you.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/A4.pdf


My dad is a US citizen, I was born here and got US citizenship when I was 8 through him, it took a while to process though.
Your best bet is to phone the Embassy's Consular Section on weekday afternoons and ask them about Derivative citizenship through birth to a U.S. citizen parent or parents. Rules have changed depending on if you were born before or after 14th November 1986

cardshark202

Ah was wondering where this went. Didn't know what forum to put this in before. Ty buffybot. Also, cheers for the link snubbleste.