Naturalization or Citizenship for Children of Service Members

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we are proud to assist military families in securing U.S. citizenship for their children. Whether you are stationed in the United States or deployed abroad, your service to our nation comes with unique immigration benefits for your family. We are here to help you navigate the process of obtaining citizenship or naturalization for your children efficiently and with care.

Understanding Citizenship for Children of Service Members

U.S. immigration law provides special provisions for children of U.S. service members to acquire citizenship, either automatically or through naturalization. These provisions recognize the unique circumstances military families face, including frequent relocations and overseas assignments.

Pathways to Citizenship for Children

There are two primary pathways for children of service members to obtain U.S. citizenship:

1. Automatic Acquisition of Citizenship

  • Children may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship if:
    • One parent is a U.S. citizen.
    • The child is under 18 years old.
    • The child resides in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent and holds lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.

2. Naturalization of Children

  • Children who do not qualify for automatic citizenship may become U.S. citizens through the naturalization process, which includes:
    • Meeting specific residency or parental requirements.
    • Filing an application for naturalization on the child’s behalf.
    • Attending a naturalization ceremony (if required).

Eligibility Requirements

To secure citizenship for your child, the following criteria must generally be met:

For Automatic Citizenship:

  1. Lawful Permanent Resident Status: The child must hold a green card.
  2. Residency in the U.S.: The child must reside in the U.S. with a U.S. citizen parent.
  3. Under 18 Years of Age: The child must be under the age of 18 at the time all conditions are met.

For Naturalization:

  • Parent’s U.S. Citizenship:
    • At least one parent must be a U.S. citizen, either by birth or naturalization.
  • Residency Requirements:
    • In some cases, the child must have lawful permanent resident status and reside in the U.S.
    • Certain exceptions apply for children living abroad with service member parents.
  • Good Moral Character:
    • The child must demonstrate good moral character, depending on age and circumstances.

Special Provisions for Children of Service Members

For children of service members, unique rules may apply:

  • Overseas Assignments: Children residing abroad with their service member parent may be eligible for naturalization without meeting the typical physical presence requirements in the U.S.
  • Expedited Processing: Military families often qualify for faster processing times to accommodate the demands of service.

Application Process

Our team at NSLF will guide you through each step of the process:

  • File the Correct Form:
  • Submit Supporting Documents:
    • Proof of the parent’s U.S. citizenship.
    • Evidence of the child’s lawful permanent resident status.
    • Military service documentation for the parent (e.g., military ID, deployment orders).
  • Biometrics Appointment:
    • Children over 14 years old may need to attend a biometrics appointment.
  • Naturalization Interview (if required):
    • Some children may need to attend an interview depending on their specific case.
  • Citizenship Ceremony:
    • Finalize the process with a naturalization oath ceremony for eligible children.

How Much Does Citizenship for Families Cost?

At National Security Law Firm, we prioritize transparency and affordability for our clients. For families pursuing citizenship, we offer a flat fee of $1,995, ensuring you know exactly what to expect from the start.

To make our services even more accessible, we provide legal financing options, allowing you to spread payments over 3 to 24 months. This flexibility ensures you can focus on your family’s future without worrying about immediate financial burdens.

Learn more about our financing options here or book a free consultation today to get started on the path to citizenship for your family. Let us guide you every step of the way.

Common Challenges

While the process is designed to be straightforward, military families may encounter obstacles such as:

  • Missing documentation due to frequent relocations.
  • Delays caused by overseas assignments.
  • Miscommunication about eligibility for automatic citizenship.

At NSLF, we are experienced in resolving these challenges, ensuring a seamless process for your family.

Strategies for a Smooth Citizenship Process for Children

  • Determine the Correct Pathway
    • Identify whether your child qualifies for automatic citizenship or requires naturalization. This depends on factors like lawful permanent resident status, U.S. residency, and whether the family is stationed abroad.
  • Gather Comprehensive Documentation
    • Provide thorough evidence to support your application, such as:
      • Parent’s U.S. citizenship (e.g., naturalization certificate, birth certificate, or passport).
      • Child’s lawful permanent resident status (e.g., green card).
      • Military service documentation (e.g., military ID, deployment orders).
  • Leverage Expedited Processing Options
    • For families with urgent needs due to deployments or PCS orders, expedited processing can significantly reduce wait times.
  • Address Overseas Challenges Early
    • If you are stationed abroad, coordinate with U.S. embassies or consulates to manage biometrics appointments and interviews.
  • Consult a Military Immigration Attorney
    • Working with an experienced attorney ensures your forms are accurate, your case is well-documented, and potential issues are resolved proactively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Misunderstanding Eligibility for Automatic Citizenship
    • Many families mistakenly assume their child automatically qualifies for citizenship without verifying the required conditions, such as residency in the U.S. or lawful permanent resident status.
  • Missing Key Deadlines
    • Failing to secure automatic citizenship before the child turns 18 or delaying naturalization applications can complicate the process.
  • Submitting Incomplete Applications
    • Missing documents, such as proof of relationship or lawful entry, can lead to delays or denials.
  • Not Accounting for Overseas Living Situations
    • Families stationed abroad often overlook exceptions to physical presence requirements or fail to coordinate necessary steps with U.S. embassies.
  • Ignoring Expedited Options
    • Military families often qualify for faster processing but may fail to request it properly, delaying the process unnecessarily.

Good Case vs. Bad Case Examples

Good Case Example

  • Scenario: A U.S. citizen service member sponsors their child for automatic citizenship. The child resides in the U.S., holds a green card, and all required documents are submitted on time.
  • Why It’s Strong: The case meets all eligibility criteria, includes thorough documentation, and avoids unnecessary delays.

Bad Case Example

  • Scenario: A service member stationed abroad assumes their child qualifies for automatic citizenship but does not file Form N-600 or provide proof of residency and lawful permanent resident status.
  • Why It’s Weak: The lack of required forms and documentation delays the application and complicates eligibility verification.

FAQs About Citizenship for Children of Service Members

  • Can My Child Qualify for Citizenship While We Are Stationed Abroad?
    • Yes, special provisions allow children living abroad with service member parents to meet eligibility requirements without physical presence in the U.S.
  • What Happens If My Child Turns 18 Before Completing the Process?
    • Automatic citizenship is only available to children under 18. After that, they must apply for naturalization.
  • Do We Need a Green Card to Qualify for Citizenship?
    • Yes, lawful permanent resident status is typically required for both automatic citizenship and naturalization pathways.
  • How Long Does the Citizenship Process Take?
    • Processing times vary, but military families often qualify for expedited review to accommodate urgent needs.
  • Is a Citizenship Ceremony Always Required?
    • Children under 14 are often exempt from attending a ceremony, though they will still receive a certificate of citizenship.

Special Considerations for Military Families

1. Overseas Assignments: Families stationed abroad can benefit from exceptions to physical presence requirements, ensuring children remain eligible for citizenship despite living outside the U.S.

2. Expedited Processing: Military families qualify for faster processing due to the unique demands of service, such as deployments and relocations.

3. Managing Frequent Relocations: Frequent moves can complicate documentation gathering. At NSLF, we help military families organize and present strong applications, even amid relocations.

How Citizenship for Children Supports Military Readiness

  1. Provides Family Stability: Securing U.S. citizenship for children reduces stress and ensures stability during deployments or relocations.
  2. Ensures Access to Benefits: S. citizenship allows children to access the full range of legal protections, education, and other benefits available to citizens.
  3. Facilitates Overseas Moves: With citizenship, children can easily travel with service members assigned to international duty stations without immigration barriers.

Why Choose National Security Law Firm?

At National Security Law Firm, we bring a unique blend of military and immigration expertise to every case. Our firm was founded by a veteran, and most of our team members are veterans themselves. Many of us have served as Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers or held high-ranking government positions, giving us unparalleled insight into the challenges military families face.

  • Military Immigration Expertise: We specialize in securing citizenship for children of service members, providing tailored solutions for military families.
  • Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the sacrifices of military life and are committed to supporting you with empathy and professionalism.
  • Efficient Service: Our streamlined processes ensure timely filings and minimize delays, even for families stationed abroad.
  • Nationwide Service: No matter where you are stationed, we serve military families across the U.S. and overseas.
  • Free Consultations: We offer free consultations to help you understand your options and next steps.
  • Flexible Legal Financing: Spread payments over 3 to 24 months with our financing options, making legal assistance affordable.
  • Transparent Fees: With clear, upfront pricing, you can trust there are no hidden costs.

At NSLF, we’re not just attorneys—we’re advocates who understand the unique challenges of military life. It’s Our Turn to Fight for You!

Take the Next Step

Securing U.S. citizenship for your children is an essential step in ensuring their future stability and success. Let National Security Law Firm guide you through the process with expertise and care.

  • Schedule a Free Consultation: Book now

At NSLF, we are honored to serve the families who serve our nation. It’s Our Turn to Fight for You!