CalWORKs Policy - Department of Public Social Services

The I-551 and I-151 contain “class” codes that can
be used to determine an individual’s prior
immigration status before adjustment to that of a
permanent resident non-citizen.
NOTE: The I-551 may be issued to persons to
reflect the conditional nature of the noncitizen’s
status. An expired conditional
I-551 cannot be accepted as evidence of
eligible non-citizen status.
When a child who was born outside of the U.S.
turns 18, is he/she required to obtain status as
an adult?
Once a child is 18 they must obtain status as an
adult to the extent they haven’t already derived
citizenship through their parents. Persons who
are born in a foreign country and have at least
one U.S. citizen parent do not automatically
become citizens. They must file an application
with USCIS to receive a “Certificate of Citizenship”
(N-560 or a N-561, replacement certificate for the
N-560).
What are the requirements when a non-citizen
chooses to become a Naturalized citizen?
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful
permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen.
Naturalization requires that the person meet the
following criteria:
• Be over 18 years old,
• Be lawfully admitted to the U.S.,
• Reside in the country continuously for 5 years
(3 years if married to a U.S. citizen),
• Pass a test to prove basic knowledge of
English and American government and
history, and
• File an application for naturalization with
USCIS.
Persons who meet all USCIS requirements will
have a Certificate of Naturalization (N-550) or a
replacement certificate (N-570) issued by USCIS
if the original has been lost.
See Legal Permanent Resident
(LPR) to a Naturalized Citizen for LEADER
procedures.