Becoming a United States citizen is the final and most rewarding step in the immigration journey. U.S. citizenship opens the door to numerous benefits, such as securing citizenship for your children and ensuring that kids who are already lawful permanent residents can gain full citizenship rights. At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys are here to guide you through every stage, including helping families understand the process of naturalizing children and obtaining citizenship for kids.
Family Immigration Made Simple with Green Card Link
Green Card Link is dedicated to making family-based immigration straightforward and stress-free. With the support of an immigration attorney at Green Card Link, you can confidently move through the citizenship process and bring your loved ones closer to achieving their American dream.
How U.S. Citizenship Works
There are two main ways to become a U.S. citizen: by birth or through a legal process called naturalization. If you were not born in the United States and want to secure citizenship, naturalization is the pathway forward.
To qualify for naturalization, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- You have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years.
- You have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years.
- You are currently serving in the U.S. military.
Additionally, most applicants must be 18 years or older and demonstrate good moral character, meaning compliance with U.S. immigration and civil laws. If you meet these requirements, you can file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) with USCIS. Once submitted, you will be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer, where you must pass an English language test and a civics test on U.S. history and government.
If successful, the final step is taking the Oath of Allegiance, officially granting you the rights and protections of U.S. citizenship. For a deeper understanding of this process, you can consult with immigration attorneys at Green Card Link for personalized guidance.
Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Many green card holders wonder whether it’s worth taking the next step to citizenship. While permanent residency provides stability, U.S. citizenship offers additional rights and protections that cannot be overlooked:
- Voting rights in U.S. elections.
- Protection from deportation—citizens cannot lose their legal status.
- Access to federal government jobs reserved for U.S. citizens.
- No renewal requirements—unlike green cards, citizenship does not expire.
- Faster family sponsorship for green cards, including siblings.
- No priority date waiting period for sponsoring a spouse or minor child.
- Automatic citizenship for your children, whether through birth or derivative citizenship.
While permanent residency is valuable, it still has limitations and leaves you vulnerable to deportation. U.S. citizenship provides the highest level of security and opportunity for those planning to make America their permanent home.
Citizenship for Children
One of the greatest benefits of naturalization is the ability for your children to automatically become U.S. citizens. This can happen whether they are born in the U.S., adopted, or brought into the country before or after you gain citizenship. These children are considered derivative citizens, and the requirements include:
- The child must be under 18 years old.
- The child must be unmarried.
- If born outside of marriage, the child must have been legitimized by a U.S. citizen parent before turning 16.
- The child must hold a green card.
- At least one parent must already be or must become a U.S. citizen.
- The child must live in the U.S. under the custody of the U.S. citizen parent.
These provisions are protected under the Child Citizenship Act of 2001 (CCA). In cases where children are born overseas to U.S. citizen parents, they may gain citizenship through acquisition of citizenship, rather than derivative status.
Citizenship FAQs
What if my green card expires while my naturalization application is pending?
You must always maintain valid immigration status while in the U.S. If your green card expires during the naturalization process, you and your children could be considered out of status. This may jeopardize your citizenship application. The solution is simple: apply to renew your green card. Renewal does not require requalification as long as you have not violated your immigration status or committed crimes. With proper guidance from immigration attorneys at Green Card Link, this process is generally straightforward.
Take the Next Step Toward Citizenship
Whether you’re applying for yourself or ensuring your children’s future, U.S. citizenship provides lasting security and life-changing opportunities. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys are ready to help you navigate every step of the naturalization process.
Start your citizenship application today with Green Card Link and secure a brighter future for your family.
Changing Your Name During the Naturalization Process
If you are planning to change your name during the naturalization process, the N-400 application provides detailed guidance on what is required. You may request a legal name change as part of your application. However, if you decide to change your name after your N-400 has already been filed, you must present official legal documentation—such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—directly to USCIS as soon as possible.
This requirement also applies to children who will acquire citizenship through your naturalization. Unsure which documents are needed for you or your family? At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys will guide you through every step of the process to make sure nothing is overlooked.
Disability Accommodations for the Civics Test
If you or a loved one has a physical or mental condition that makes it impossible to complete the civics or English test, USCIS provides a pathway for exceptions. You must submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, ideally at the same time as your N-400, although it can be submitted at any point during the naturalization process.
When accepted, this form allows your interview to be conducted in your chosen language rather than English, and it exempts you from the standard educational requirements. If your N-648 is not approved, your interview will be conducted in English, and you will be required to take both the English and civics tests. Immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can assist you in ensuring your N-648 form is accurately prepared and submitted for the best chance of approval.
What Happens If You Fail the Naturalization Test?
Applicants have two opportunities to pass the English and civics exams required for naturalization. If you fail either test on your first attempt, you will be rescheduled for a second interview within 60 to 90 days. There is no maximum number of times you can apply for naturalization, but failing to prepare properly will cause costly delays. Working with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link ensures you receive the guidance and resources you need to confidently pass your test.
Citizenship and Children
If Your Child Is Not a Green Card Holder
Children who do not have lawful permanent resident (green card) status cannot automatically derive U.S. citizenship through your naturalization. They must apply for citizenship independently.
If Your Child Was Born Abroad
Children born overseas to two U.S. citizen parents who are properly registered at a U.S. embassy abroad generally acquire citizenship automatically. If only one parent is a U.S. citizen, additional requirements apply:
- The U.S. citizen parent must have lived in the United States for at least five years before the child’s birth.
- At least two of those five years must have been after the citizen parent’s 14th birthday.
Green Card Link’s immigration attorneys can evaluate your family’s situation to ensure your child’s citizenship rights are properly secured.
Why Work With Immigration Attorneys at Green Card Link?
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a life-changing step, but the process is complex and filled with strict requirements. Mistakes can delay or even jeopardize your application. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys provide comprehensive assistance to help you and your family navigate the naturalization journey with confidence.
From filing the N-400 application to preparing you for your civics and English tests, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link will be by your side every step of the way. With their guidance, you maximize your chances of approval and minimize costly setbacks.
Start your path to U.S. citizenship today with Green Card Link.