<p>Can you still qualify if your application is being processed? </p>
<p>I wish there was an income-based waiver for the fee, or I’d have filed much earlier =(</p>
<p>I strongly advise against checking the box “US Citizen” on the internship application form if you are not a citizen yet.</p>
<p>As far as the answer to your question in the tread title - even God her/himself will not be able to answer that question, because the INS (ore whatever these guys are called now) does not report to her/him.</p>
<p>You have to become a permanent resident first (and that’s difficult), then it’s another 5 years (I think) before you could become a citizen.</p>
<p>And don’t even think of lying. By law all employers are required to check your eligibility for employment. My son had to present 2 evidences. SS card and passport on the first day for all his internships.</p>
<p>No it does not qualify you if your immigration application is being process. Any one can apply for that if they can pay the fee.</p>
<p>Well I am a green card holder.</p>
<p>And my father (to whom I am estranged) is a US citizen…</p>
<p>You’ll have to ask the organization itself if being a green card holder with a citizenship application pending is good enough. For example, in order to be a National Merit Finalist, you need to be a US citizen or–</p>
<p>"or be a U.S. lawful permanent resident (or have applied for permanent residence, the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law.</p>
<pre><code> Not now a U.S. citizen? Click here for documentation required from scholarship candidates who have not yet become U.S. citizens. (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.)"
</code></pre>
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<p>There is a 5 year waiting period after the initial point when you were issued your green card. After this 5 year period, you can apply. The length of time it takes from the time you apply for citizenship to when it is granted is anywhere from 6 months to 1.5 years.</p>
<p>The process goes something like this: 1. Apply (lots of paperwork, and a rather expensive fee) 2. Wait… 3. Get called in for an interview, where among other things you take the citizenship test 4. After passing, you get scheduled for the oath ceremony, where you receive a certificate of citizenship.</p>
<p>Why are you not a citizen if your Dad is a citizen? My son was born overseas and I am not a US citizen but he was automatically a US citizen based on his dad being one. Oh - did your dad become a citizen after you were born.</p>
<p>If your father is a US citizen, even a naturalized one, you may be a citizen already. Remember, we are not immigration attorneys, you’ll be better off talking to someone well-versed in immigration issues. If you are a student at a university with a Law School, check if any of their law professors and law student organizations offer legal help to low income folks like you.</p>
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<p>Yeah I’ve been one since 1998…</p>
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<p>But I’m over 18 now… oh well</p>
<p>That’s why I say go and talk to someone who knows immigration laws better than we do. You probably became a citizen when your dad naturalized if some additional criteria have been met:</p>
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<p>Source:</p>
<p>[USCIS</a> - Biological or Adopted Children Residing in the United States](<a href=“http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d4c3a3ac86aa3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d4c3a3ac86aa3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD]USCIS”>http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d4c3a3ac86aa3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d4c3a3ac86aa3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD)</p>
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You’re don’t have US citizenship status while your app is being processed. Make sure you don’t lie or stretch the truth on this point on any internship apps. I’d expect most companies that state US citizenship as a requirement will check anyway and if you don’t answer honestly at this point they’d be unlikely to consider hiring you later even after you gain citizenship.</p>
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<p>Green Card does not equal citizenship… neither does an application awaiting processing. You’re only a citizen once you’ve taken the oath. </p>
<p>Sounds like your situation is a bit complicated so best to get your official status figured out once and for all, but if you are just holding a Green Card then you do not have access to the rights and privileges that a citizen would have (eg voting and these internships).</p>
<p>“You’re only a citizen once you’ve taken the oath.”</p>
<p>That is not true. Native-born citizens never take one, neither do children who naturalize through their parents. There is too much misinformation on this thread, therefore I strongly suggest that our OP talks to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services or an immigration attorney (I bet he can find some pro bono help through the Law School of his college). It is very likely that our OP is already a citizen, but he needs the official proof that he is one (a US passport or a Certificate of Citizenship issued by the USCIS). Only the US Citizenship and Immigration Services can determine his citizenship status based on the documents and facts that he or the attorney representing him presents to them.</p>
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<p>To be fair here you took my quote way out of context. I was clearly referencing someone who has a Green Card and has made a formal application for full citizenship.</p>
<p>And yes as many have already said, including myself, given the complicated background the OP should consult the necessary authorities to determine her true immigration status.</p>
<p>Sorry rocketman, but kids who apply via the N-600 route do not take the oath.</p>
<p>If the application is a N600 then yes, but because the OP indicated that she was estranged from her parent (who became a citizen) it seemed that this was a legal adult applying as an independent green card holder. Regardless, she should of course seek professional assistance on the matter.</p>