Citizenship question

[sam_pam]

Hello all,

This is my first post. Here are some details :
- Me and my wife (originally from India) have our greencard for >5 years.
- We are eligible to apply for citizenship.
- my son is already citizen by birth.

My indian passport is expiring in March (first week) of 2016 (so within 6 weeks).

Should I first renew my indian passport OR should I get my US citizenship first ? I'm not sure how long it is taking to get the citizenship. And once I get the citizenship, do I automatically loose my indian passport anyways ? What happens if I have to go to India in the next few months ?

Thanks,
Sam

[sam_pam]

Can someone please respond to my question ? Thanks!!

[Nature12]

Hi, I guess you just need to wait until you get your US citizenship
So you don't need to renew your passport.

And of course, when you become an US citizen, you won't need your indian passport anymore.

I don't know what are the rules of your country about dual citizenship

[Jot18]

If you need to go to India in the coming months wait until you come back from India. If you apply for citizenship now it can take anywhere from 4 months even more depending on where you live. Then it'll take you another 4-6 weeks to get your US passport or 3 weeks expedited process. After getting your US passport you must renounce your Indian citizenship. It'll cost you $195 to cancel the passport and about 120$ for visa I think.After becoming US Citizen if you use your Indian passport, you'll be fined $250 per stamp. It can go upto over $1000.

Visit the following link for visa/renounce information: https://www.in.ckgs.us/how-to-apply/5/1/v

[sam_pam]

Thanks Jot18. We are in Texas.

But my indian passport expires in 8 weeks. Seems like I should first renew my indian passport and then apply for US citizenship ?

Conversely, if I apply for citizenship now, what happens if my indian passport expires before US passport comes ? Do I end up in trouble ?

[Jot18]

Thanks Jot18. We are in Texas.

But my indian passport expires in 8 weeks. Seems like I should first renew my indian passport and then apply for US citizenship ?

Conversely, if I apply for citizenship now, what happens if my indian passport expires before US passport comes ? Do I end up in trouble ?

Passport expiration date has nothing to do to with citizenship. Even if your passport expire 2 years ago, you can still apply for citizenship. Only renew your Indian passport if you need to travel...Otherwise its a waste of money because after you become citizen you need to pay $135 for US passport...plus visa/renunciation fees...

[Joey Raquel]

@jot18

That is correct answer.

You have to trash your Indian passport once you get citizenship interview.