What you need to know before Applying for Philippine Dual Citizenship
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Do you lose your Philippine Citizenship after becoming Naturalized in the USA?
Yes, when a Filipino citizen naturalize in the United States, they automatically forfeit their Filipino citizenship. However, natural-born Filipinos have the option to regain their citizenship by applying for dual citizenship.
Who Is Eligible for Dual Citizenship?
To be eligible for dual citizenship in the Philippines, you must meet the following criteria:
To be eligible for dual citizenship in the Philippines, you must meet the following criteria:
- A Philippine-born citizen who has obtained foreign citizenship (like Naturalization in the US) is eligible to acquire dual citizenship in the Philippines.
- An individual is recognized as a natural-born Filipino citizen if either of their parents were Filipino when they were born.
Requirements for Dual Citizenship
The birth and marriage certificates must be issued by PSA. You can order them online, but the process can be a bit complex. To simplify things, my husband created a Step-by-step guide on How to Get a Copy of Your PSA Certificate to help you avoid unnecessary stress.
- Dual Citizenship Application Form
- Naturalization Certificate
- PSA Birth Certificate
- PSA Marriage Certificate (if had a change name)
- Philippine Passport
- US Passport
- 3 2x2 Passport Picture
- For more details: Dual Citizenship Requirements
PSA Certificates
Passport Photo
We got our Passport Photos from Walmart, a bit pricey at 7.64 USD for two 2x2 pictures. It's unfortunate that the Costco Photo Center is closed; they provide better quality pictures at a more affordable price.
For the Dual Citizenship Application
- Make photocopies of all documents.
- Note that your Philippine Passport will be stamped "Canceled" and cannot be used anymore.
Babies Born in the US
When completing the Dual Citizenship Form with Children:
- Derivative Section
If a child under 18 years old is the offspring of a former natural-born Filipino, they qualify for derivative dual citizenship.
If your child was born outside the Philippines on or after January 17, 1973, while either parent was a Filipino citizen, they are automatically recognized as dual Filipino citizens from birth. In such instances, there is no requirement to list the child in the derivative section of the dual citizenship application form.
- Report of Birth
If a child is born in the United States with at least one Filipino parent, they are considered a dual citizen from birth. For example, if you had your child before being naturalized, they will be a dual citizen of both the Philippines and the US. Simply report their birth before they turn 1, and then you can apply for a Philippine Passport. Keep in mind that minors receive a passport valid for 5 years only, unlike the standard 10-year validity. Report of Birth
Naturalization vs Citizenship Certificate
The Certificate of Naturalization is granted to foreign nationals who have undergone the naturalization process and met the criteria to become a U.S. citizen.
Conversely, the Certificate of Citizenship is issued to individuals born outside the U.S. who obtained U.S. citizenship at birth through their parents or other means like adoption. For instance, a child born to U.S. citizens abroad qualifies for a Certificate of Citizenship, confirming their U.S. citizenship from birth.
Application fee and Affidavit
If you only possess a "Certificate of Citizenship" and not a "Naturalization Certificate," you will be required to sign two forms for the Affidavit of Why you couldn't provide the Naturalization Certificate.
- Application fee is 60 USD
- With affidavit, the fee is 95 USD
Book the appointment
The website for the Dual Citizenship Appointment Online doesn't immediately display the monthly availability time and date. Instead, it gradually opens a few days' slots at a time, requiring you to check regularly and hope for availability on your preferred date. This lack of ease in the process can be challenging and may lead you to reconsider whether you want to proceed with the application. No wonder none of your friends didn’t go through this process.
For other inquiries
How to get there: Philippines Embassy in Los Angeles, California
Address: 3435 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 550
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Contact Number: +1 213 432 7402
Email: pcgla.dualappt@gmail.com
For Parking
Equitable Plaza Public Parking
630 S Mariposa Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020
18 USD for the entire day or 7 USD with a Validation Ticket
630 S Mariposa Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020
18 USD for the entire day or 7 USD with a Validation Ticket
“Let’s all be kind and make this world a better place. Be that reason that someone smiles today.”
Don’t be surprised
When submitting the documents, please note that the person in charge at the window may not smile or appear friendly. It can feel similar to going through an immigration process. It's puzzling, but with Filipino agencies, being overly friendly can sometimes lead to unfavorable treatment. They speak loudly to assert their authority, going as far as speaking so precisely that you may doubt your understanding of English. They rush you through document handovers and roll their eyes in frustration.
Stand your ground
While not everyone acts this way, there's usually one who behaves as if they are superior and untouchable, leaving you feeling powerless despite needing their help for the application process. However, don't just stand there looking disheartened. Stand your ground, maintain your composure, look them in the eye, rubbed that smile of your face and don't allow them to belittle you. Unfortunately, it's often your own countrymen who try to bring you down in a foreign land, a sad reality that holds true even at embassies where you should feel welcome and supported.
Lack of time consideration
After submitting forms at the counter, you are directed to make the payment at window 8, and then complete the voter's registration form at window 12. One issue is the lack of time planning: there is no advance notice of the oath-taking schedule. This can be challenging for parents with children in daycare, especially with Los Angeles traffic congestion. I should have done more research about the schedule.
After submitting the form, everyone seated appeared puzzled, so we inquired with the staff. To our surprise, we learned that the Oath Taking usually takes place between 3-4 pm.
Oath-taking
We arrived at the embassy for our 1:30 pm appointment. After filling out the forms, they began calling names one by one around 2:30 pm for signature and thumbprinting. Everyone just sat down, waited and no prior notification of the oath-taking time. The oath-taking took place at 4 pm. Despite everyone's complaints about traffic and wasted time, no one informed us about the delays. Be prepared if you have children in school who need to be picked up or other appointments scheduled.
Key Reminders
- Dual Citizenship is permanent and does not need renewal. Keep photocopies and scans of your Dual Citizenship for your records.
- Getting a Philippine Passport is not mandatory; it is only necessary if you plan to stay in the Philippines for more than a year due to Dual Citizenship only allows a one-year-long stay.
- When applying for a Philippine Passport. You need to provide the same documents again even though you already submitted your copies. Always have all originals photocopied and present the originals again as in the dual application. Very redundant but this is the way, what can we do.
- When applying for a Philippine Passport, you are required to resubmit the same documents, even if you have already submitted copies. Make sure to photocopy all originals and present them again, following a dual application process. It may seem repetitive, but this is the way and there’s nothing we can do about it.
After the Oath Taking
Before leaving the embassy, ask the security for a validation ticket to save 11 USD on the 18 USD parking fee. No one told us about this, we asked out of curiosity and felt bad for the people who left and didn’t get a validation ticket.
Pay for parking at the building lobby upon departure as there is no kiosk at the exit.
This is based on my personal experience, I am not an agent or representative. Please conduct your own research and contact the Philippine Embassy directly for information on dual citizenship applications.
Stay safe and take care ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
For our recent trip, we're thrilled to finally visit one of California's most breathtaking mountains – Mammoth Lake!
Where am I going next?
For my next adventure, we're heading to the Land of the Rising Sun – Japan! I have always dreamt of seeing Mt. Fuji, and now, the day has finally arrived.
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