<p>I just applied to 5 colleges (already accepted to 1 [top choice], and waiting on 2). My mom just recently passed her citizenship stuff and now she's a citizen. Since me and siblings are all under 18 years old, we're automatically citizens as well. Now, I am no expert on this. But how should I approach letting these 5 colleges know that there's a slight change in citizenship (from permanent resident to US citizen). Are there required materials for me to show them to have a proof? I'm new to this citizenship stuff so I really don't know how to go about it. Thanks for the help guys.</p>
<p>"Since me and siblings are all under 18 years old, we're automatically citizens as well."</p>
<p>How? Just b/c a parent is naturalized, doesn't mean the children are as well.</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure it does.</p>
<p>is there anyone else here have any input pls?</p>
<p>Karl, if the children are under 18, then they do get naturalized with a parent (it happened to me too).</p>
<p>I don't actually know if there is anything specific to send. However, most colleges say that if changes to your application need to made, they should be sent in writing with your name, ssn, phone number, app id (if you have one), and stuff like that right? I would just send a letter to the admissions offices of those 2 schools who haven't given you a decision yet.</p>
<p>First, speak with your mom's immigration attorney to verify that your status automatically changes (when I used to do some immigration work for a previous company, a family immigration application was different than a single, but that may have changed). Since federal paperwork is probably still forthcoming, ask the attorney to put your status in writing. If you are now a US citizen, just write to the 2 colleges and include a copy of the attorney's letter. If accepted and you decide to attend, eventually you'll have to provide federal documentation.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>You automatically become a US citizen if you are 18 and under if one of your parents just got naturalization.You could send the college a copy of your parents citizenship (which they received during the oath ceremony )and also apply for a US passport alongwith the parent. Also, at the oath ceremony they give some stuff saying how children under 18 automatically become a US citizen-send a copy of that to the colleges as well and a cover letter explaining your situation. You could apply for N600-you don't have to but for future reference that you are a US citizen-in case your passport expires or someone wants other proof. This takes longer than obtaining a passport.You could download the N-600 form from the same site your parents obtained their citizenship application from.</p>
<p>This may make a big difference for your financial aid. Make sure you also send documentation to the financial aid office if you've applied to aid.</p>
<p>I don't believe that Citizens and Permanent Residents are treated differently for financial aid or scholarship purposes. Both have the same rights (except for voting) and pay the same taxes, etc. </p>
<p>Some major differences are that PRs run the risk of being deported if they commit a crime; PRs may not reside outside the U.S. for longer than 6 months; PRs are citizens of another country; PRs cannot vote here;</p>
<p>(I could be wrong)</p>
<p>I did check several college websites, and they all basically say this for financial aid, work study, scholarships, etc.:</p>
<p>
[quote]
Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen to receive a scholarship?
You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or legal permanent resident. Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau are also eligible to apply.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Some scholarships do require United States citizenship.</p>
<p>I'm not doubting you, but just out of curiosity, can you show me one that offers $$ to citizens but NOT residents? Even the fine print on contests etc. does not say that......</p>
<p>
[quote]
But how should I approach letting these 5 colleges know that there's a slight change in citizenship (from permanent resident to US citizen).
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I agree with Chocoholic</p>
<p>U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents are treated equally in the financial aid process.</p>
<p>WashU's Ervin scholars.Also, think I read somewhere for Pesidential scholars program need to be citizen.</p>
<p>Well, the John B. Ervin Scholar's Program at WUSTL is only for African Americans, so a permanent resident who became a naturalized citizen would still not be eligible for it........</p>
<p>Another one: National Security Agency's Stokes Scholarship needs citizenship.</p>
<p>You are right about the Presidential Scholar. One needs to be a U.S. citizen. But that is **not a college scholarship. **It is awarded by the U.S.Dept.of Education to students on the basis of SAT/ACT scores.</p>
<p>Yup, the NSA one is for citizens only.</p>
<p>As also NASA, Dept. of Defense and Marshall scholarships.</p>