Naturalization

Should I Wait for Congress? Or Should I Naturalize Now?

First published on April 10, 2022 • Last updated on December 14, 2022

Two key questions I often discuss with intercountry adoptee clients who do not have US citizenship.

Naturalization Fee to Increase More than 80 Percent in October

First published on July 31, 2020 • Last updated on September 30, 2020

The final rule adjusts application and other USCIS fees, with the cost of naturalization increasing from $640 to $1,170.00.

Most adopted persons know what an original birth certificate (OBC) is. Many non-adopted people do not. An original birth certificate is the initial birth certificate created shortly after a person's birth. For most people, it is their only birth certificate.

For persons born and adopted in the United States, a new or "amended" birth certificate replaces the OBC once the adoption is final. In addition to replacing the original, the names of the birth parents are also replaced with the names of the adoptive parents. Some states may also alter or omit additional information on a new certificate, including the adoptee's specific place of birth.

Depending on state law, an original birth certificate is sealed and remains unavailable to the adopted person, even when they become an adult. If you are not adopted, your original birth certificate is your only birth certificate---and it is always available to you upon request.

Naturalization

What’s an Original Birth Certificate?