Canadian husband becoming a US Citizen...need advice/info

[daisylynn 0]

I posted this in the US Citizen forum, but someone suggested that I have it moved here (didn't know how to request that, so I'm just reposting over here)...

I am a US Citizen, my husband a Canadian citizen. He became a permanent resident (has his PR card) of the US almost 3 years ago (3 years in June.) We thought we would just leave it like that. I had heard that in order to become a US citizen, he would have to give up his Canadian citizenship. But he has been out of work for 6 months now and we are running into issues with that. Because of his line of work, he *can* work at the shipyards, but none of them will hire him because he isn't a US citizen. They pay good and he's had lots of calls. But once they find out, they tell him they can't hire him because of that.

So, that got us to looking more into him becoming a US citizen. But we still have questions and I knew that VJ was the place to come. You all helped us out SOOOO much when we were going through the whole immigration process and I'm hoping I can find the answers we need.

1. I've read different things...If he becomes a US citizen, will he have to give up his Canadian citizenship? I read that he would have to renounce it to the US but not to Canada. If that is true, what exactly does that mean and what would have to to really do/say to the US? Does he have to get a US passport?

2. If he can still keep his Canadian citizenship, does that mean he can still come and go between the 2 countries as he would like, without hassle? Would he have to give up his Canadian passport?

3. What paperwork do we need to fill out? And how long does the process take? Do we have to wait until the 3 years or can we start the process now? Are their interviews and is the process as involved (or more) as the immigration process was? (Just trying to get an idea of what we're looking at.)

4. How much does it cost?

Thanks SO much for any and all help with this!

Edited March 14, 2011 by daisylynn

[canadian_wife 1,791]

He can become a dual citizen. LOTS of people on VJ are dual Canada/US citizens and they will pipe up and help you.

He will verbally renounce his citizenship to Canada, Canada does not recognize this at all. So even though he says he'll give it up - he won't because it is actually a lengthy process to give up canadian citizenship. I could say it right now and it won't mean anything.

however, the US will only recognize his US citizenship. He will have to leave and enter the US using his US passport.

Good luck

[The_Dude 1,142]

He can become a dual citizen. LOTS of people on VJ are dual Canada/US citizens and they will pipe up and help you.

He will verbally renounce his citizenship to Canada, Canada does not recognize this at all. So even though he says he'll give it up - he won't because it is actually a lengthy process to give up canadian citizenship. I could say it right now and it won't mean anything.

however, the US will only recognize his US citizenship. He will have to leave and enter the US using his US passport.

Good luck

It's actually not that hard or lengthy to renounce your Canadian citizenship. Just pay your $100, file a form and it's done.

[canadian_wife 1,791]

It's actually not that hard or lengthy to renounce your Canadian citizenship. Just pay your $100, file a form and it's done.

Good to know, thanks!

[Flames9_RN 358]

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/114-us-citizenship-general-discussion/ steps on becoming a USA citizen, its very easy to do!

No need to "cancel" his Cdn citizenship if he doesnt want to! Canada will still see him as a Cdn citizen and a USA citizen. USA will only see him as a USA citizen. If he wants to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/renounce.asp

When I go back to canada, I show my Cdn passport (could show USA 1 if I wanted to) and when he heads back to the USA, he must show His USA passport. Best of luck

[daisylynn 0]

This is all such great news! I didn't realize it was so straight forward! Thanks for all the info!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Told ya we're friendly over here

[daisylynn 0]

Told ya we're friendly over here

I remember when we went through the whole immigration process a few years ago, this forum was always so helpful! I actually went through a mourning period over this board and the people here once it was all over I tried to frequent the boards and stay in touch, but life happened and with 3 small kids and all that we were going through, it was difficult. Part of me is glad to be back, even if it means we have some work ahead of us!

[daisylynn 0]

OK, so I was filling out the N-400 and have a couple of questions...

1-On Part 2B...I checked that one even though he won't have been in the US for 3 years until June. I figured since they let you file 90 days before your 3 years it was ok...or do I need to change that?

2-On Part 7A, it asks how many days have you been outside of the US in the past 5 years. Since we've only been here for just under 3 years, do I just put the total that we were in Canada before we moved?

3-On 7B, it asks how many trips you've made outside of the US that have lasted longer than 24 hours in the last 5 years. He hasn't traveled outside of the US but during those 5 years, he lived in Canada for part of it. Does this apply to us at all?

4-On 9B...I am typing it in online and then will print it. I can't fit the entire names or addresses in. Do I just fit what I can or do I need to do something differently here?

5-Also on 9B, it asks where our children were born. They were born in Canada but we got their Consular Report of Birth Abroad as well. There is no place to indicate that they are US citizens too. Is that OK or am I missing something?

6-It asks about being charged with a crime. We went through this when we applied for his immigration and it had me so worried. Almost 20 years ago, he threatened someone and was arrested for it. He ended up only getting probation but we had to list it on the paperwork and were concerned about rather they would find it a CMT or not. They didn't and it was no big deal. But now that I see the same questions again, I'm wondering if it is more strict with becoming a citizen and if we'll have issues with it. Does anyone know?

Thanks!

[zyggy 9]

OK, so I was filling out the N-400 and have a couple of questions...

1-On Part 2B...I checked that one even though he won't have been in the US for 3 years until June. I figured since they let you file 90 days before your 3 years it was ok...or do I need to change that?

2-On Part 7A, it asks how many days have you been outside of the US in the past 5 years. Since we've only been here for just under 3 years, do I just put the total that we were in Canada before we moved?

3-On 7B, it asks how many trips you've made outside of the US that have lasted longer than 24 hours in the last 5 years. He hasn't traveled outside of the US but during those 5 years, he lived in Canada for part of it. Does this apply to us at all?

4-On 9B...I am typing it in online and then will print it. I can't fit the entire names or addresses in. Do I just fit what I can or do I need to do something differently here?

5-Also on 9B, it asks where our children were born. They were born in Canada but we got their Consular Report of Birth Abroad as well. There is no place to indicate that they are US citizens too. Is that OK or am I missing something?

6-It asks about being charged with a crime. We went through this when we applied for his immigration and it had me so worried. Almost 20 years ago, he threatened someone and was arrested for it. He ended up only getting probation but we had to list it on the paperwork and were concerned about rather they would find it a CMT or not. They didn't and it was no big deal. But now that I see the same questions again, I'm wondering if it is more strict with becoming a citizen and if we'll have issues with it. Does anyone know?

Thanks!

1) it's fine.

2) yes, you would put it as of the last 3 years. you only have to document the tine since he got is PR status.

3) see above

4) I would leave it blank and insert by hand if it cuts things off

5) it's fine.. it asks where they were born.

6) No difference.. if it wasn't a problem when he got his PR status, it wouldn't be a problem now. The standards for CIMT are the same.

[The_Dude 1,142]

Told ya we're friendly over here

Not everyone

Some take their citizenship seriously

[daisylynn 0]

Thanks Zyggy!

Just to clarify, I need to put a 0 for the number of days he's been outside of the US (he hasn't left here since we moved almost 3 years ago) instead of counting up the days (during the 5 years) that we were in Canada before we moved?

Not everyone

Some take their citizenship seriously

Guess I'll have to watch out for you then!

[Flames9_RN 358]

Ya a few of the trolls wonder over to the Cdn forum, but not many

[The_Dude 1,142]

Thanks Zyggy!

Just to clarify, I need to put a 0 for the number of days he's been outside of the US (he hasn't left here since we moved almost 3 years ago) instead of counting up the days (during the 5 years) that we were in Canada before we moved?

Guess I'll have to watch out for you then!

No worries, I seem to be the lone American in this forum. I wouldn't suggest regularly reading this forum if you're American and take offense to whingeing.

[daisylynn 0]

One more question...when I'm filling out the spousal information and it asks for spouse's family name....is that my current, married last name or my given last name? Sorry if that is a stupid question but I don't know what it's asking.

Thanks!