Naturalized vs Derived Citizenship

What is Naturalized Citizenship?

Citizenship through naturalization is the process by which a non-citizen voluntarily becomes a citizen of a country. It typically involves meeting specific legal requirements, such as residency duration, language proficiency, and knowledge of the country’s history and government structure.

Requirements

To become a naturalized citizen, one usually needs to be a legal permanent resident for a certain number of years, demonstrate good moral character, and pass a citizenship test. The requirements can vary significantly from one country to another.

What is Derived Citizenship?

Derived citizenship occurs when a child automatically becomes a citizen through the naturalization of their parents. This process often requires the child to be under a specific age and to be residing in the country with their parents.

Requirements

In most cases, for a child to derive citizenship, they must be living with at least one parent who has been naturalized. The specific legal stipulations can differ based on jurisdiction.

Key Differences Between Naturalized and Derived Citizenship

Understanding the distinctions between naturalized and derived citizenship is crucial:

• Voluntariness: Naturalized citizens actively apply for citizenship, whereas derived citizenship is obtained passively through one’s parents.
• Eligibility requirements: Different sets of criteria exist for each type of citizenship.
• Application process: Naturalized citizenship usually involves a formal application process, while derived citizenship may not need one.

Eligibility Criteria

Naturalized Citizenship

Eligibility for naturalized citizenship often includes:

• Minimum residency period in the country.
• Legal permanent resident status.
• Good moral character.
• Basic understanding of the country’s language, history, and government.

Derived Citizenship

The criteria for derived citizenship typically involve:

• Being under a certain age (commonly 18).
• Living with and being under the custody of at least one naturalized parent.
• Residing continuously in the country after the parent’s naturalization.

Application Process

Naturalized Citizenship

The process of applying for naturalized citizenship includes:

• Filing a citizenship application form.
• Providing requisite documents and evidence.
• Undergoing a background check and interview.
• Passing the citizenship test.
• Taking the Oath of Allegiance.

Derived Citizenship

In most cases, derived citizenship does not require a formal application process for the child. Instead, documentation proving the naturalization of at least one parent and the child’s relationship to the parent is generally sufficient.

Benefits of Citizenship

Both naturalized and derived citizens enjoy numerous advantages:

• The right to vote in elections.
• The ability to hold certain government jobs.
• Eligibility for more social and welfare benefits.
• Protection against deportation.
• The ability to sponsor family members for immigration.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the benefits, both types of citizenship come with challenges:

• Naturalized Citizenship: The application process can be rigorous, time-consuming, and costly. There may also be emotional and social adjustments involved.
• Derived Citizenship: Children might face legal complexities if documentation proving their derived citizenship is incomplete or contested.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between naturalized and derived citizenship is essential whether you’re considering applying for citizenship or trying to determine your status. Each path has its own set of requirements and benefits, making it important to carefully consider your circumstances and seek expert advice if needed.

If you have any questions or need further assistance navigating your citizenship journey, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Read more about Naturalization on Wikipedia

Visit the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website

FAQs

1. What is the main difference between naturalized and derived citizenship? Naturalized citizenship is actively applied for, while derived citizenship is obtained through parental naturalization.
2. Can a child above 18 derive citizenship through their parents? Generally, no. The child must be under 18 years old to derive citizenship from their parents.
3. Is the citizenship test mandatory for derived citizenship? No, the citizenship test is typically required for naturalized citizens, not derived citizens.
4. How long does the naturalization process take? The process can take several months to years, depending on the country and specific circumstances.
5. Can derived citizenship be revoked? It’s rare, but possible if fraudulent information was provided during the naturalization process of the parent.
6. What happens if a naturalized citizen fails the citizenship test? They may be given another opportunity to retake the test, depending on the country’s policies.
7. Do naturalized citizens have the same rights as born citizens? In most countries, yes. Naturalized citizens typically enjoy the same rights as those born in the country.
8. Is it possible to have dual citizenship if one is naturalized? This depends on the country’s laws as some permit dual citizenship while others do not.
9. Do derived citizens need to apply for a citizenship certificate? Some countries may require filing for certification, particularly if the derived citizenship was obtained through less straightforward means.
10. Can a naturalized citizen’s children automatically become citizens? This again varies by country, but many do provide means for the children of naturalized citizens to gain citizenship.