Former natural-born Filipinos in the Los Angeles area can apply for dual citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225 at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles.
The consulate handles applications for residents of Southern California and surrounding areas. This guide outlines the specific requirements, fees, and procedures for applicants in the Los Angeles jurisdiction.
Who can apply?
Natural-born Filipinos who lost their Philippine citizenship through naturalization in the US are eligible.
Natural-born Filipinos are those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their citizenship.
Minor children below 18 years of age of former natural-born Filipinos may qualify for derivative dual citizenship.
What are the requirements for the principal applicant?
Applicants must appear in person and submit the following: a completed Dual Citizenship Application Form; original and photocopy of PSA-issued birth certificate or Report of Birth; original and photocopy of US Naturalization Certificate; original and photocopy of valid US passport; latest Philippine passport (if available); and two passport-sized photos with white background taken within the last three months.
If there is any discrepancy in the applicant's name across documents, an Affidavit of One and the Same Person with supporting documents is required.
Requirements for dependent minor children
Minor children included in the parent's petition must have the following submitted: original and photocopy of the child's PSA Birth Certificate or US Birth Certificate; original and photocopy of the child's valid US Passport; original and photocopy of the child's latest Philippine passport (if applicable); and three pieces of 2x2 identical photos taken within the last three months.
Minor children are not required to be present except when they will apply for a Philippine passport on the same day.
What are the fees?
The fees for the Los Angeles Consulate are: Dual Citizenship Processing - $50 per applicant; Affidavit of Explanation - $25 per applicant; Notarization of Petition for Inclusion of Dependent Form - $25 per applicant; Petition fee for each dependent - $25 per applicant; Derivative Dual Citizenship Documents - $25 per derivative; and Certification/Certified True Copy of Dual Citizenship Documents - $25 per certificate or certified true copy.
Payments are accepted in cash, cashier's check, or USPS Postal Money Order.
How to schedule and attend the appointment
Applicants must first ensure they have all documentary requirements, then set an appointment through the consulate's online booking system.
The appointment is required for all consular services. Applicants should wear office-appropriate attire when they come for their appointment.
The processing schedule is: for appointments between 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, oath-taking is approximately at 12:00 PM; for appointments between 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, oath-taking is approximately at 4:00 PM.
The consular officer reserves the right to request additional documents from the applicant.