Thank you wacken.
If she had a green card then she would obtain "automatic" citizenship as that link describes.
Unfortunately, she is not here in the USA, she is abroad.
Upon reading the instructions for the N-600K, it gets very confusing for definitions of "legal and physical" custody and "legitimated" children. Does my husband have "legal" custody? yes. but physical? well, she has never been to the US so I guess that would be no. Ahhh
And legitimate to them, means exactly what?
She is born out of wedlock to my husband and his ex-girlfriend. The ex-girlfriend gave up custody to my husband years ago. The daughter is 12 now.
Well, I found this........I gather that we file the N-600K when my husband naturalizes......
then, when N-600K is approved, she needs to come to the USA temporarily to "naturalize" and take oath.
So, how exactly is she to be temporarily admitted on what kind of document? It would seem that this is all covered by filing the N-600K?
Doesn't seem like many have done this route.
Now I am wondering if it would just be easier or quicker to file an I-130 and then just have her "enter" the US on the IR-3. Then, at the POE she is "AUTOMATICALLY" a citizen.
Information for Adoptive Parents with Children Residing Abroad, January 2004Some adopted and
biological children do not qualify for
automatic citizenship as stated under Section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. However, U.S. citizen parents may still apply for U.S. citizenship for their adopted children who permanently reside abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions on Children Residing Abroad1) Is automatic citizenship provided for children living outside the United States?
No. In order for a foreign-born child living outside the United States to acquire citizenship, the U.S. citizen parent must still apply for naturalization on behalf of the child. The naturalization process for such a child cannot take place overseas. The child will need to be in the United States temporarily to complete naturalization processing and take the oath of allegiance.
To be eligible, a child must meet the following requirements:
The child has at least one U.S. citizen parent (by birth or naturalization);
The U.S. citizen parent has been physically present in the United States for at least five years, at least two of which were after the age of 14-or the U.S. citizen parent has a citizen parent who has been physically present in the United States for at least five years, at least two of which were after the age of 14;
The child is under 18 years of age;
The child is residing outside the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent or, the U.S. citizen grandparent or legal guardian, if the U.S. citizen parent died.
The child is temporarily present in the United States-having entered the United States lawfully and maintaining lawful status in the United States; and
The child must meet the requirements applicable to adopted children under immigration law
If the U.S. citizen parent of the child has died, a U.S. citizen grandparent or legal guardian may apply on behalf of the child within 5 years of the parent's death. (Note: For further information, please see Addition of Citizen Grandparents and Citizen Legal Guardians as Eligible Applicants pursuant to INA 322)
If the naturalization application is approved, the child must take the same oath of allegiance administered to adult naturalization applicants. If the child is too young to understand the oath, USCIS may waive the oath requirement.
2) I am filing for a child who lives abroad. What documents do I have to submit with the form?If your child has not immigrated to the United States (does not have a "green card"), you should submit:Photographs of your child,
Fee,
Your child's birth certificate,
Your birth certificate or naturalization certificate,
Your marriage certificate (if applicable),
Evidence of termination of previous marriages (if applicable),
Evidence of a full and final adoption (if applicable),
Evidence of all legal name changes (if applicable), and
Form N-600k. 3) What forms do I file and what are the fees?
You can apply for evidence of citizenship by filing form N-600K (Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322) at any USCIS District Office or Sub-Office in the United States. If you are filing on behalf of an adopted minor child, the fee is $145 (all other applicants must pay $185).
4) Where should I file the forms?
If filing for a child who lives abroad, you may file the Form N-600K at any USCIS District Office or Sub Office in the United States. You and your child will need to travel to the United States to complete this application process.5) What resources are available to answer questions about the Child Citizenship Act?
For more information about the CCA application procedures and forms, you may go to the USCIS Web site at
http://uscis.gov or contact our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. USCIS has also made available field guidance and public materials to all information officers and other front line staff to aid them in answering questions.
Hmmmmmmmmm maybe I should give Angelina Jolie a call... she must be a pro at this type of thing