Welcome back, bgm-ga!
Thanks for accepting this as an answer.
I have re-examined the reference sources and have formulated a different
approach to what you need to get done. My apologies on the confusion
that I introduced.
As was in my case, and I have no reason to think otherwise for you, yes,
your daughter's "green card," just as was indicated at the airport on your
entry, should be in process. There was no photographing or fingerprinting
of my daughter before she received her "green card" so I do not see why it
would be any different for you.
You shouldn't have to do anything else, and it should come in the mail to
you around 4-6 weeks after you entered the U.S.
Once you receive that, then you can, and probably should, apply for both her
Certificate of Citizenship (CoC) and her passport.
It appears that there are several ways to approach these processes, but here
is what appears to be the quickest and easiest. Instead of what I suggested
before, you will probably want to (and need to) get her CoC first.
Technically, as your daughter is already a U.S. citizen, you do not need to
get a CoC for her, but it appears you either will need it, or it will make
it easier to get her a passport. It certainly will make other things easier
down the line, as well.
For the CoC, here is a general list of things you will need. You will want
to read the original of this document in detail as there are specifics which
need to be followed, such as non-English documents needing to be translated
into English. Comment(s) in brackets [...] are mine.
http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/N-600.pdf
"N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship
...
What Documents Must You Submit?
...
Photographs - (Only required of the person [your daughter] to whom the
Certificate of Citizenship will be issued).
...
Birth certificate or record - A certified birth certificate or record issued
by a civil authority in the country of birth.
...
Marriage certificate(s) - Certified marriage certificate(s) issued by a civil
authority in the state or country of marriage.
...
Proof of U.S. citizenship [of the parent(s)]
...
Copy of Permanent Resident Card [Note that this will be your daughter's "green
card."]
...
Proof of required residence or physical presence in the United States [of the
parent(s)]
..."
The cost for the N-600/CoC is $240.00 and it took around 10 weeks in my case,
but the waiting time appears to differ from office to office.
So, as you can see above, your daughter's "green card" or Permanent Resident
Card is the key for getting her Certificate of Citizenship, and the CoC, in
turn, is the key to getting her passport.
For the passport, here is the process. You will want to read the original
document in detail as it has specifics that must be followed. The form can be
filed at many places, including some U.S. Post Offices. Comment(s) in brackets
[...] are mine.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html
"Special Requirements for Children Under Age 14
...
1. Provide Application Form DS-11
...
2. Submit Proof of U.S. Citizenship
...
For proof of citizenship, you will need to submit one of the following:
...
Certificate of Citizenship [CORRECTION - NOT her "green card"] from BCIS.
...
3. Present Evidence of Child's Relationship to Parents/Guardians
...
Certified Foreign Birth Certificate (with parents' names and translation, if
necessary)
...
4. Provide Parental Identification
...
Valid Drivers License
...
5. Present Parental Application Permission Documentation
...
6. Provide Two Passport Photos
...
7. Pay the Applicable Fee
..."
The total current fees for a minor's passport is $82.00 and took me around
4 weeks.
As my situation was an adoption, the process appears to have been a bit
different in more ways than one than it will be for you. I did not have
to go through an interview, and other than going through the initial
process, only had to go to the USCIS/BCIS/INS office to pick up the CoC.
In turn, I had to file lots more paperwork, etc. than you do.
It appears that you, your wife and daughter will have to appear in person
at the time you initially file the N-600 at your local USCIS/BCIS/INS
office, and there might very well, and most likely will be an interview at
that time.
To summarize:
- Wait for your daughter's Permanent Resident Card ("green card") to come
in the mail.
- Apply for her Certificate of Citizenship at your local USCIS/BCIS/INS
office.
- Once you receive her CoC, apply for her passport.
- After doing all of the above, you will want to get her a Social Security
number/card.
If you need further clarification, please feel free to ask.
Congratulations!
Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher |
