Roselinda

Thanks for the info guys. I knew it would be a long wait. With hindsight we should have filed when I moved here in 2007.

But we've applied for her anyway, if her situation changes before then, so be it. We still get to see her plenty of times so it's all good.

How comes it seems to appear that if we were LPR's that she would get here soooner? Am I reading that right?

Thanks again for the info.

Hi

Has anybody here filed for an unmarried child over 21? All I seem to be seeing are applications for minors and parents.

My daughter didn't want to come with me at the time I got married, although she was over 21 at the time. I just wish she had decided to at least apply then, as I know she has a long wait now.

Can somebody explain how this works for her?

I am a US Citizen now.

Thanks in advance!

It is an absolute awful process. When I applied for a Greencard for my son, I had no problem. All I had at the time was a document from London showing that legally, my son's father has no parental rights, as we were never married at the time.

It's amazing that they are happy to give children 10 year greencards, but give you such a hard time trying to obtain a US passport.

My son did leave the country on his GC and was able to re-enter. However, the IO did say that he would need a passport for any further travel.

I had all the same issues as most of you, but I got extremely lucky with the issuing officer at the passport office. I was told that they had sent another letter out, after I had sent the GC and so on in as requested. This officer told me he doesn't understand why they are asking for Custodial stuff regarding his natural father, when they are aware that custody is different all over the world. He told me to ignore the letter, and that he would be issuing the passport that day. He kept to his word and we got it. Yay! Unfortunately there are many jobsworths at the passport issuing office, they try to make the process so much harder when it is not necessary. All they have to do is look at the applications country by country and see the rules which apply to custody of young children.

I hope, if not already rectified, that you all get your passports sorted out.

I'm glad to be done with all of the them now.

For those who are unaware.......I was having MAJOR issues with obtaining a US passport for my son. However, it is all rectified and my son is now the owner of a 5-year passport.

I hope some of the information I give will help anyone else going through the dramas that we did.

1. I applied seperately for my son, as he needed his expedited for his booked trip to London.

This was a bad idea as my first RFE was for my Naturalization certificate, which of course was stuck with my own application somewhere in the system.

2. I was advised that my son could still travel on his UK passport, and re-enter using his greencard as he still had it, and seeing as his passport would not be issued in time.

He had no problem travelling as an unacommpanied minor, and was granted re-entry on his greencard, HOWEVER, the immigration officers did inform his escort that my son needs a US passport for future travel. Thankfully, they took pity on a 10 year old boy.

3. Once I completed the requirements requested, which included the completion of a DS-3053 form. I sent his greencard, copy of my marriage certificate, my naturalization certificate and a statement regarding custody of my son.

The form above is what you have to fill in if you have contact with your childs' natural father/mother and they are happy to give permission for a passport to be issued. It is also for you to put your side across if you do not have access, or are in regular contact with the absent parent. I typed a two page letter explaining the difference in custody law between the UK and the USA, seeing as myself and my sons' father were never married.

I had to include copy of my marriage certificate as of course, my name on my son's birth certificate, was my maiden name, and not my now married name. I never really even thought about that being a problem.

When I went to check up on his application, I was informed that another letter was sent out requesting yet more custody information. So I called the help number and was told that someone would call me back regarding the second RFE. Thankfully, a gentleman called me later that evening, and was so helpful. The first thing he said was, I have no idea why they sent you out another letter......everyone at our office know that the custody laws are different worldwide. He then went on to say, ignore the letter, I am issuing his passport now.

Thankfully that is all over for now. I know it's long-winded but I hope it helps!

Just to reiterate: Include the GREENCARD for the child in the application, regardless of what the post office might tell you. The passport office informed me that most passports are delayed because of no greencard for the child. If your name is different to the name on the child's birth certificate, send your marriage certificate. Download a copy of the DS-3053 form and send with your application.

Good luck everyone!

Hey Ontarkie!

Yeah! Well I can tell you that it's so much easier applying for a UK passport than a US one. It's been one thing after another. My son travelled to London and back with no problem whatsoever with his greencard. His US passport will be delayed until I send a document showing that his natural father has no parental rights and is fine with him having a passport which he is in the process of completing and sending to me. I am still waiting for my own passport which I need for Social Security and school purposes, but have now been told I have to resend a picture after paying $12 just for one as it was not image correct!

But my son was fine. I checked with every office I had to, USCIS, the Passport office and even Border Control just for the sake of it. His greencard is valid until I return it with his passport amendments. I also had to send a copy of my marriage certificate with his application as of course my name on his birth certificate is different to what documents they have. I sent his passport application seperate to mine as he was travelling. I would advise to not do that ...EVER...too many hassles, although the passport office said it was fine doing so. But of course it isn't and they actually said the post office/passport office always dish out the wrong information. Hmmmm!?

I will also say to apply for Social Security change prior to passport. I wish I knew that first.

Hope this helps!

Oh no...no charges. Never! He's a great dad....it just didn't work for us. He has no legal right even though he is on the birth certifcate as we were never married. We got documentation from Children Services in UK just to prove it. However, if the child was born after December 2003, regardless of whether the parents were married, if the father is on the certificate he now has legal rights. My son was born before then and he's been back and forward every year to visit his dad and family. His dad actually pays for his flights...so we have no problems. Thankfully.

I will just get some more information on my son's return and then complete the passport application then.

I'm not going to shell out $600 when my son can get a passport, but just needs the required documents which I have no problems with getting.

NickD!

You lost me!? Pay what?? I've applied for a passport but it has to be put on hold until I get all the new documentation.

What $600 should I pay? My son is only 10 years old.

Okay....thanks guys for all your input.....I know my son is now a US citizen also. I called the passport office and USCIS and spoke to two individuals who said my son can travel on his greencard freely and then apply for a passport once he returns.

His passport application is going to take longer than expected even though I paid for expedited service because we need some documentation from his natural father, he needs the actual copy of my naturalization certificate which is going through with my own application.

His greencard is still valid until he has a passport in his hand. The USCIS agent told me that it has to remain valid because not everyone can afford or will even try to get a passport, however the greencard has to be turned in in order for him to get his passport. So they advised me to let him travel and then on his return continue with his passport application. I've spoken to a number of people in different offices and was told the same thing by all of them. As long as his UK passport is valid he is fine to leave and re-enter.

I know we hear all different things which is why I made so many calls today.

He's leaving on Wednesday so I guess I'll know either way on his return.

I just spoke to USCIS. They said he can travel freely with his UK valid passport and greencard. Although he is a citizen, until he gets a passport, his greencard is his proof of permanent residency!

His greencard is valid until he gets a US passport and is to be used until then.

Thanks for your input Ontarkie. I'll let you know if he has any problems.

Hey Ontarkie!

Yeah! I am expecting a long letter the lady told me on the phone just now. With everything they need. The funny thing is I gave the passport office his greencard but she said they won't need it. Urghh! The lady told me they need his greencard, but if he's going to use it to travel with, just to send it after, as we have 90 days to complete the passport application. She assured me as his passport is valid and his greencard is for 10 years he will be fine as he is not naturalized but is still a permanent resident even without a passport.

They mentioned a form my son's dad could fill in, and also to send a letter explaining the situation, and that his father has no legal rights and get it notarized.

I'm so confused because she told me to let him travel and it will be no problem?? Who did you speak to? CBP??

Okay. So I wanted to post a topic about the passport journey for my 10 year old son.

I am a newly naturalized citizen from the UK. My son came over with me over four years ago.

Anyway...I followed everyone's advice on here and the information given at the ceremony and applied for US passports for both myself and my son.

My son was due to fly to London for his vacation so I had to expedite his application, which was the first problem. The passport office informed me to only apply for his expedited as I was not travelling, and it would cost me more money. Not that I was worried. So....her first mistake was copying my certificate and attaching it to my son's. I knew it would be a problem. I was also told that my son HAD to have a US passport to leave the country as his status is now invalid.

I have since found out that this is not the case, and he can actually still travel on his UK passport and Greencard with no problem. So with that being said, I could have saved myself the $200 bucks I paid for the expedite service considering I now have to include a lot of additional things for his application.

Although my son's natural father is on his birth certifcate, in England, he had no legal rights so could not protest against his son being relocated. He never did, and he's a great father so getting an additional letter from him will not be a problem.

So basically what I have since found out from the passport office is that my son can still travel on his UK passport, and greencard and he will have no problems getting into and out of the country.

I hope this makes sense? I will update further once I receive the letter from the passport office with the list of everything I will need to apply for his passport.

Congrats Markieboy and everyone else who have recently gained citizenship. Good luck to all those waiting! Not long now folks!

Hi again guys!

Told you I'd be back. lol

I have posted this question elsewhere, but you lot have always been so helpful.

Okay so as I'm not travelling anytime soon, or at least until Christmas I wondered if I could put off applying for my passport for a few weeks?

The thing is my son is travelling in June back to London, and I know I have to expedite his application with my naturalization certificate which I am planning on doing tomorrow.

Do you think there will be an issue with me applying for his without mine? We are moving house at the moment and applying for a passport is the furthest thing away from my mind. Of course I'm excited to get one, but do I need to asap?

Can I apply for my 10-year old son's first?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks guys!

Thanks! My son goes away every year on his own. I think I will just apply for both of ours together. Just save the hassle of doing it later. Thanks for the info guys!

Okay! But won't I have to apply just so I can then apply for my son?

Can I apply for his passport without applying for my own just yet?

Hi! Sorry I just wanted to ask another question about passports.......

I am now a citizen, and my son who came over with me, and is 10 I imagine will also be one.

My question is, he is travelling to London at the end of the month for his vacation. He has a British passport, but will I need to apply for a US passport for him prior to travellling or will he be able to travel on his existing passport and green card and then apply for a US one on his return?

I mean is it imperative that I apply right now for my own US passport right now even though I am not planning on travelling anywhere until the end of the year?

Sorry for all the questions, I just didn't want to do anything that could cause my son distress when he travels.

Thanks in advance!

I'm a US Citizen!

Lovely ceremony this morning!

Congratulations to all new USC's and best of luck to everyone waiting.

Thanks a bunch for all your help!

I had my interview a couple of weeks ago for Naturalization, and I specifically recall being asked if all the information given on my forms at the time of application was still correct. I know most people are asked that. So it would have for sure, been in their best interest to point out at that time, that they were married right?

I have my Oath ceremony form, and it does indeed state on the back questions about if your situation has changed since your interview. In my opinion, that is the last opportunity the OP has to clear the air, and set things straight.

Good luck though! Hope it all works out!

Thanks Calypso...for all your help with updating. Really appreciate it!

Hi!

Got my Oath letter today and the ceremony is set for Thursday, May 16 2013.

Good luck to everyone else waiting!

Just a quick update....got a second email today...saying I have been scheduled for the Oath ceremony so I will know the date as soon as I get the letter in the mail. I'm so happy it's moving fast. I'll be glad to get this all over and done with. Although I will be back on here to check on everyone that started this journey with us!

Received the email about being placed in the Oath scheduling queue!

Thanks for the info guys!

Really appreciate it.

Hi Everyone!

I just completed my interview and was approved, so now I am just waiting on the Oath date.

My question is, I've read a few posts where people are getting US passports and I wondered if it was necessary? I don't mind getting one, and actually am planning to as my son travels back to London every year and I will try and do the same.

My thing is, I just renewed my UK passport which wasn't cheap

Am I better off just disregarding my UK passport and obtaining a US one once I get my naturalization certificate?

As always, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Thanks for the good luck wishes. You guys are so cool!

Well just had my interview. Which started off really really bad! lol

I received a 'yellow' letter stating I had to bring my state issued ID....drivers license with me, so me being a woman of many handbags, guess what I did? Yep! Left my purse with all my I.Ds in my workout bag. Duh!

Thankfully they still interviewed me as I had a copy of my tax return transcript which showed I was an Indiana resident. Phew!

The lady who interviewed me was very welcoming. She introduced herself, explained what would happen, and went straight into the questions.

Name one right only for US Citizens - vote in a federal election

How many State Senators are there - 100

What is the river on the East coast called - Atlantic

When was the Constitution written - 1787 (almost said 1786 and she gave me the.....look)...

What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution - The Bill of Rights

What is freedom of religion - you can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.

That was it. Signed some documents, signed the two passport pictures she had with her.

She explained she submitted my case for approval and I will hear from them soon regarding a date for the Oath ceremony.

My hubby paid $4.00 for 3 hours of parking, and I was out before he got up to the waiting area. He had to go get cash out as I had of course forgotten my purse so I went in ahead of him.

Almost done! Couldn't have completed this journey without everyone on here!