[kadkins]

I have not applied for a Certificate of Citizenship for either one of my children. I was wondering if this is something that I need to do????????

[becky]

Absolutely....if they came home on IR4 Visas then the CIS office still considers them Legal Aliens in their system, not citizens. It is extremely important that you get a C of C for them (after doing your readoption in your home state). The C of C is the only real proof of citizenship in the eyes of CIS.

[sassycindy]

Yes, ditto what the previous poster said. Without citizenship you can't apply for a passport, without a passport you can't leave the country. This is really frustrating to me! The COC takes quite a while as well. i just sent off my application yesterday--i think it takes about 6-9 months.

Even if your children are on IR-3 visas, you still need the certificate.

Cindy

[SarahIda]

The CoC is very important - it is the only thing USCIS recognizes. A passport is issued by the State Department - they do not oversee immigration issues. You use a passport - it is used for ID, for travel - it's in and out of your hands many times - what if it were lost? Also, a passport expires - the CoC does not. The CoC is something you keep in a safe deposit box - you don't go passing it around or travelling with it in your pocket.

Yes, it is an added expense and it takes some time to receive but you really need to get one - even if others say you don't need one. Maybe YOU don't - now - but what if your baby does many years from now? Better to have it than not...just my opinion.

SarahIda

[pjgodwin]

We came home on an IR4 Visa. We applied for a US passport after readoption. That proved his citizenship, since he could "claim citizenship through the citizenship of two naturally born parents". Then we plan on applying for the COC later (when we can afford it!) So, we were able to get the passport without the COC. But we had to do the readoption first.

PJ

[starryeyes]

Thanks for the information.

[becky]

You can get a passport without the C of C if you readopt. But it is not 'proof' of citizenship in the eyes of USCIS and they will still have your child listed as a Permanent Resident until you apply for a CofC.

[avoel]

And just an FYI, CIS is looking to raise the fees to apply for this (both the original CoC and the replacement after a neame chance) in April. As of right now the deadline for the current fees is postmarked by 3/30/07 according to the last thing I read. The costs will nearly double ($220 now for the N-565 to change the name, $380 after the increase). So, might want to do this now!

http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedoc...oposedRule.pdf

The fee increases are on page 86.

[DPline]

Originally Posted by avoel

And just an FYI, CIS is looking to raise the fees to apply for this (both the original CoC and the replacement after a neame chance) in April. As of right now the deadline for the current fees is postmarked by 3/30/07 according to the last thing I read. The costs will nearly double ($220 now for the N-565 to change the name, $380 after the increase). So, might want to do this now!

http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedoc...oposedRule.pdf

The fee increases are on page 86.

AHHHHHH! Thank you SO much for posting this! I have been putting it off and putting it off because the $220 x 2 kids was just a painful check to write. (I know I HAVE to do it and keep telling everyone else to, but kept waiting for some extra money to fall in my lap.) I am off to print off the forms and fill them out NOW!

[sassycindy]

I know "write a check" is just a figure of speech, but DON'T write a check--you have to send a money order or cashiers check (despite what the current instructions on the internet say). I just got my whole packet mailed back to me yesterday telling me it was rejected because they needed a money order! aargh. So i just mailed the whole thing again--now iwth a money order for $215.

Cindy

[DPline]

Originally Posted by sassycindy

I know "write a check" is just a figure of speech, but DON'T write a check--you have to send a money order or cashiers check (despite what the current instructions on the internet say). I just got my whole packet mailed back to me yesterday telling me it was rejected because they needed a money order! aargh. So i just mailed the whole thing again--now iwth a money order for $215.

Cindy

Oh good grief! I swear the USCIS makes PGN look rational! Thank you so much for the heads up. I will now go transfer money (which means writing a check from one account and mailing the deposit to another bank,) pull out cash (over the course of a few days as I don't think I can pull out $440 at once) and THEN go get a money order. Blah! And I thought the worst was going to be getting the photos for both kids!

[lotterino]

The check thing may depend on your local office. We sent in a personal check and had no problems.

We just received Aza's COC in the mail today! It is beautiful! And you will not regret spending the money to have that piece of paper.

[avoel]

I also sent a check (this past Saturday) and just got a receipt in the mail today. They accepted it with no problems as well.

[DPline]

I am filling out the N565 for an amended COC and depending on where you live, you send it to either Texas or Nebraska. It says a check, but I am paranoid now. Any one with experience with those offices and the N565?


lotterino - It is cool, isn't it?! I have my kids COC's in their coming home names in front of me filling out the paperwork. I hate to send them in!

[lotterino]

Originally Posted by DPline

I am filling out the N565 for an amended COC and depending on where you live, you send it to either Texas or Nebraska. It says a check, but I am paranoid now. Any one with experience with those offices and the N565?


lotterino - It is cool, isn't it?! I have my kids COC's in their coming home names in front of me filling out the paperwork. I hate to send them in!

I would hate to let them go too! Can't help you with the check thing though. Good luck!