Citizenship Waiver...

[dA fLipZsTayALz]

Hi there, and before I start, I would like to state that I have already searched this forum for topics related to mine and have only found the topics, "Security Clearance Issies for Nuclear Field." posted by NavyDepper and "Waiver Questions" posted by DarkMesa8. Both provided information, but none of which fulfilled my very own questions.

I'm a bit new to the site and from what I have read thus far and it seems as if this is a good place to research some questions I have towards the Navy's Nuclear Power Program. I must say that I'm quite impressed with all the information and most, not all, of my questions have been answered thoroughly by other posts except for one major issue I have which involves a Citizenship Waiver.

I am currently 19yrs of age and have since had the plans of making the Navy into a career in hopes to fully capture 20-25yrs of experience and of course, all the benefits that they come with. I had done previous research and concluded that the Personnel Specialist rating would give me the best opportunities to complete my goals with somewhat lesser stress and hardship than the other Navy jobs (I.E.- air conditioned work environment and responsibility for assisting Navy Personnel with their personal needs, maintain records, administration, etc. All of which seem like I could tolerate for 20yrs from my point of view.)

I had gone to MEPS a little under two weeks ago to take my ASVAB and Physical examination on the same day. Both were rather successful from which I was told (score of 85 on the ASVAB). Upon completing the physical exam, I was asked to pick a Naval occupation and was already set on becoming a PS, however, before I could see the Job Counselor, I was directed to the Nuke Recruiters office where I was given information about the Nuclear field. I was and still am content on becoming a PS, but now I also have new interest in the Nuclear Program.

Roughly two weeks later (two days ago from this post), I had taken the NFQT and received a 59 out of 80 for my score. Of course, I was excited as well as my recruiter, but then he started mentioning stuff about the citizenship waiver that he needed to process. He assured me that it wasn't a big issue and it was a normal with someone of my background.

My father had come to the United States in the late 70's, early 80's (I don't know of the exact date) and have since been naturalized. My mother chose to give birth to me in the Philippines in 1987, spend some time there before taking me with her to the states in 1993. She had been naturalized in 2001 and have been living here since our arrival. Now, I was 5 years old when I came here to the states and was told that my U.S. citizenship would be automatic due to myself being a minor and such. I don't fully understand how that works, but I have since gotten my U.S. Passport a couple of years ago, but don't have any naturalization papers or anything but the U.S. passport. The people at MEPS and the recruiters had acknowledged this and told me that it was not a major issue.

Now for my question, and I'm sorry it took this long to get to it. I just wanted to be as detailed a possible in hopes to get a detailed answer from someone knowledgable in this area. Basically, since I have qualified for the Nuclear Field by passing the ASVAB & NFQT, I would like to know what exactly are my chances in actually becoming a Nuke for the Navy (I.E. - going back to MEPS to re-work my contract and be assigned as a Nuke) considering my citizenship status? Do I have a chance at all or should I just forget about it due to not being born in America and such? I researched some topics and found topics concerning people from Russia, Iran & Korea, but I was wondering if there was any kind of hostility between the Philippines and the U.S. that I was unaware of.

Again, sorry for the loooonnnnggggg post, but hopefully some would understand as to why I went into detail. I would be content being a PS if my waiver were to be turned down, but ever since hearing of the program, it has sparked such great interest to the point that I'm almost worried if I do not get in. Thank you so much for everyones time and future responses.

[ChiefRocscooter]

So far I see that this can not be answered with the info provided.  Mainly when (if he did) did your father become a US citizen??
As far as a waiver goes I was a recruiter and never had a nuke who was not US Citizen by birth so can not help by experience, but I call say for 99.999% sure that you will have to be at least a naturalized citizen to get the waiver as Nuke program is still a no FORN-NAT program!!  (the .001 is cause nothing is impossible!)

look here
http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/faq.htm#q3

Rob

[M1Ark]

I was born in the Philippines and was naturalized when I was 15 years old when my parents were.  It was automatic for me as well.  When your father received his naturalization papers so did you.  You need to find that form if possible.  You can pay $135 to the INS to get a copy of the original.  Get  your fathers Naturalization Number and go to your nearest INS office and give them his number since your file is a subset to his. There are two federal entities that grant US Citizenship that don't talk to each other:

State Department - Passport
Justice Department - Through INS - Naturalization Certificate.

If you have a US Passport you have already been deemed a US Citizen by the State Department and should be good enough to prove citizenship.  Bring your Passport to INS when you go there if you want another proof of citizenship.

PM me for more specifics.

[ChiefRocscooter]

And like magic the right answer appears when you are willing to ask questions.  Coinsider this one of the best lessons you can ever et in life "ask for help in a friendly way and there are always going to be good people like M1ARK to help you on your way!!!)

Good luck and feel free to keep askin cause there lots more info to be had if you need it

Rob

[XGDubNuke]

If you have a U.S. passport, you are a U.S. citizen.  Being a U.S. citizenship is a prereq to getting in to the program (whether naturalized or native born).  You will need what is called a Type 2 citizenship waiver which to my knowledge normally takes a week.  The fact that your parents are from a non-hostile country will help.  Now, if you have other issues like say a failed math course or criminal charges, your chances for getting approved are lower.  If the citizenship is the only problem then I wouldn't worry.

Good Luck

[dA fLipZsTayALz]

I would like to thank everyone who took time out of their own time to answer my questions. I know that the problem was somewhat minor, but was still enough to worry me to a certain point. Ever since I heard that I had the opportunity to be a Nuke, a deep sense of responsibility came over me and I immediately knew that I wanted to be a part of it. I've never had any prior interest and I was told it would definitely be a challenge, but that only elevated my desires. Thank you once again for providing answers that were truly helpful and hopefully, everything should turn out just fine as suggested.

Thanks!

[Navy2B]

I'm going through the same process, except a few steps ahead of you. Basically, after getting your proof of citizenship (Mine was Certificate when I naturalized), be ready to write several written statements, and do a lot of waiting.

Your recruiter, and/or the guys at the Nuke recruiter office should be the ones helping you out on the process. Just make sure to have any documents requested readily at hand.

I'm currently waiting for a response on my latest written statement.

[dA fLipZsTayALz]

Welp, a little under a week after I posted this question, my waiver has been accepted. I ship out May 8, 2007 with a $12,000 enlistment bonus  . The date seems a bit too far for my liking, but hey, can't complain about much anymore. Hopefully they could move me up a couple months sooner tho!

Thanks again for the support earlier this week!

[PWHoppe]

Welp, a little under a week after I posted this question, my waiver has been accepted. I ship out May 8, 2007 with a $12,000 enlistment bonus  . The date seems a bit too far for my liking, but hey, can't complain about much anymore. Hopefully they could move me up a couple months sooner tho!

Thanks again for the support earlier this week!

Congratulations

I'm glad that the fine folks here were able to give you the information you needed, that's what NukeWorker is all about!

Thank You for serving our Country

Good Luck

[DarkMesa8]

Holy bleep that was fast.  I saw you read my post, so you know how long it took me.

May 2007?  Yikes, that's a loooong time.

Once you have things squared away, ask your recruiter if you can roll in.  Basically, you're put on a waiting list for if a slot opens.  But you have to be ready to go within a few days of a phone call and accepting.

When I was waiting for my waivers, and still signed under SECF, I got offered an early ship date for SECF which sounded very tempting, but I really wanted the nuclear field so I turned it down.  Now, here I sit (actually I'm on leave right now, which kicks arse).

[dA fLipZsTayALz]

Yeah, . I thought I was going to have to wait at least a couple of months as well when I read your post, then I woke up to a phone call with my recruiter telling me the waiver had been accepted. The May ship date is way too long of a wait for me, was hoping for January and I already told my recruiter that it was my desired month to leave and he's gonna inform me if space becomes available. keeping my fingers crossed! oh and congrats on your situation too btw! although it was a while ago, but still.. congrats!