It would be the most valuable thing that an immigrant can do in the United States if they learn how to become a US citizen.
Most immigrants dream of having that blue passport, voting rights, and the freedom that comes with US citizenship. However, to get such a triumph can sometimes look quite confusing.
This post discusses a person’s eligibility and the steps to getting US citizenship. You will know the requirements for US citizenship, getting ready for the US citizenship interview, and the US citizenship test.
After reading this post, you will understand the steps of each process and how to move from a green card to US citizenship.
Understanding US citizenship
US citizenship signifies that a person is a legal resident and, hence, is entitled to rights and obligations.
For example, a citizen is allowed to cast a vote in presidential elections, acquire an American passport, and bring their family members under the immigration umbrella.
The most valuable feature of citizenship, however, is that it ensures the holder’s freedom from deportation.
One person can only have two ways to get US citizenship. The first way is by being a US citizen through birth. The second way is through the naturalization process. Most immigrants have the latter after five years.
What is naturalization?
Naturalization refers to the process by which a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) decides to acquire citizenship in the United States. In general, it includes a US citizenship application, a US citizenship test, and a US citizenship interview.
It is through naturalization that the new citizen is introduced to the United States’ history and government and learns the rights and responsibilities that come with US citizenship.
The process usually takes a few months and is dependent on the location and work volume of US immigration officials.
The US citizenship requirements
The first thing you must do before filing a petition is to ensure that you meet all the US citizenship eligibility requirements of a citizen.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has already outlined the US citizenship requirements that candidates must meet.
To be a citizen of the United States, the applicant must:
- Be 18 years old at a minimum.
- Possess a permanent lawful status in the US (green card).
- Have physically lived in the US, as a permanent resident, for at least 5 years (or if married to a US citizen, for three years).
- Have continuous residence and physical presence in the US for the same period of time.
- Display good moral character.
- Can speak, read, and write in English.
- Understand US history and government.
- Be ready and able to pledge an Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
Each one of the points represents a promise for the future American to be a member of the community in the United States and loyalty to democratic principles.
Becoming a green card holder
Getting a green card is just a step away from obtaining US citizenship. The time is not the same for each person. Most of the time, people are given five years from the day they become residents in which they can file a US citizenship application.
Spouses of Americans, however, can submit their application after three years if they have lived together during the marriage for those three years.
You should keep a good immigration record, be punctual with your tax returns, and not stay outside the United States for a long period during that time.
If you do a great job with your paperwork, tax issues, and travel records, then later it will be quite convenient and supportive when you are gathering all the documents necessary for your next step – filing your US citizenship application.
The US citizenship application (Form N-400)
The whole operation becomes real when you present Form N-400 – Application for Naturalization. The applicant is expected to complete Form N-400 with the right and full information.
Besides that, the information on the applicant’s green card should also be those in the application. Wrong and/or incomplete information may result in your processing taking longer, and in your application being disqualified.
You should include in your application:
- One-sided photocopies of your green card.
- If your name has changed, produce the correct documents as proof.
- Passport-size photograph.
- Evidence of payment of filing fees.
If your application with the USCIS is accepted, they will send you an acknowledgment letter confirming that your package has been received. Soon after, they will send a letter to you with details of the fingerprinting and photographing appointment.
This step is the first step towards the official naturalization process.
The naturalization process in detail
The naturalization process is a detailed, well-organized timeline that provides the correct and equal opportunity for all applicants. If you look at the step-by-step list here, you will understand at which point you must take some action.
1. Form N-400 application
It is obligatory for you to complete the form for naturalization and dispatch it either online or via mail.
2. Have biometrics
USCIS will select a day for your fingerprinting and photographing.
3. Find a US citizenship interview date
After reviewing, the immigration officer will confirm the US citizenship interview date and test date.
4. The US citizenship test and interview completion
At the US citizenship interview, the officer of the Immigration Department in charge of your application will conduct a review of your papers, interrogate you about your background, and test your English skills and knowledge of US history.
5. Get a decision
Decisions typically come after an interview with the immigration authorities. The officer may approve, reject, or hold the case together with a request for additional documents.
6. Oath of allegiance
After the approval, the next event is the taking of the Oath of Allegiance, which officially makes you a US citizen.
To be successful in each stage of the process, you require preparation and patience for all steps. If you keep your documents in order and up to date, it will be very convenient and supportive.
The US citizenship test
The main component of the US citizenship test is the turning point of a citizen. Its purpose is to confirm the applicant’s English proficiency and knowledge of the US government and history.
During the civics test, an examinee will need to respond to a series of questions chosen from a 100-question database. To pass, the examinee should provide at least six correct answers out of the ten questions. Some questions may be about:
- United States Presidents.
- The Constitution.
- The US government.
- The US wars and Independence.
The English part of the test consists of reading, writing, and speaking exercises. Working on common civic questions and your English will make you calm at the time of the test. Any candidate can get study materials free of charge from the USCIS website.
Preparing for the US citizenship test
Once the applicant has undergone biometric data collection and background checks, you will get a date for the US citizenship interview. The interview usually lasts 20-30 minutes.
During the interview, a USCIS officer will review your application to verify your answers. You may also get questions about you and your family, personal life, work, travel, and moral character.
The officer will also give your civics and English tests unless you are exempted because of your age and disability.
Efficient preparation can be done in the following ways:
- Before the interview, familiarize yourself with your N-400 form.
- Practice your civics questions.
Confidence and honesty may be great helpers to you throughout the entire process.
Keep in mind that you are trying to show your readiness and willingness to be a United States citizen.
After the interview
Interview follow-up is if the application gets the approval, a ceremony for the Oath of Allegiance will be done. This is the ultimate point of the US citizenship process.
That is the minimum ceremonies, which must be held before the newly registered American citizen can be seen as a citizen through the naturalization process in the United States.
On the occasion, it is your green card that you will hand over and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
After that moment, you can apply for a passport, vote, and do all the rights that come with your new US citizenship status.
If there is a need for more information/documents in your case, or if you get a denial, the USCIS will notify you of your next moves through a letter.
Some typical issues during the process
While filing for and obtaining US citizenship is a source of great joy, the process may have some issues. There could be cases where you have issues with documents, checking delays, and traveling abroad.
Also, there might be misunderstandings in English and Civics tests. You will not be up against these hurdles if you keep yourself informed and plan.
Always use the most recent forms from the USCIS website and make sure that you are taking all the steps. Also, verify that your mailing address is current.
There could be complicated instances where the only way to solve the problems before they escalate is with the help of an immigration lawyer.
The time you need to process the US citizenship
The time you need to go through the procedure for acquiring US citizenship depends on the location. Usually, the waiting time for a decision after filing Form N-400 is about 9 – 12 months.
Therefore, it is very important to make long-term plans, especially if you have plans for travelling, family events, and so on.
New citizens will be free to vote, work for the government, and not have to renew their green cards after getting US citizenship approval.
Benefits of US citizenship
Being a citizen of the United States is not only a big plus in the long run; it also confers better perks than those of a green card holder. The biggest advantages, among others, are:
- The right to vote in federal elections.
- A United States passport makes traveling easier.
- The right to file petitions for your family members to be issued immigrant visas.
- Gaining a federal job and obtaining security clearance.
- Being responsible for these duties is following the laws, paying taxes, and if called, serving on a jury.
Keep up good moral character
The aim of good moral character requirement is to make the applicant a person who respects and follows US laws and morals.
Having issues with any type of criminal record, unpaid taxes, or falsifying the application can all result in a negative response.
It is very important to follow the regulations and show honesty throughout the entire process. If you are unsure about your personal situation, then the right thing to do would be to seek advice from an immigration lawyer before filing your application.
Honesty in the naturalization process is an indication that you are ready and willing to be a responsible citizen in the United States.
Get help!
One of the hardest jobs in the US is the citizenship application, but you don’t have to deal with it by yourself. Law professionals and immigration lawyers at Gehi and Associates are here to support you through the whole process from start to finish.
If you are going to file a US citizenship application and, at the same time, you have immigration-related issues that require solving, then Gehi and Associates is the place where you should be. The first step will be to set up an appointment for a consultation.
Connect with us today!
FAQs
1. How long does the US citizenship process take?
Mostly, the time span is from 9 to 12 months. The major factor that causes the difference in time is the location.
2. If I don’t have a green card, can I file a US citizenship application?
The answer is no. A Green card is an absolutely necessary condition.
3. What is Form N-400 all about?
This is the form you need to carefully complete to submit a naturalization application for US citizenship successfully.
4. How long should I maintain in the US before applying for citizenship?
The answer is 5 years. Nevertheless, if a person is married to a US citizen, the rule is only 3 years.
5. Is the citizenship test hard?
It depends on the time and effort you put into preparation. Preparation is the factor underlying the success of the test. The USCIS provides free learning materials to help you prepare.
6. What if I am unable to pass the US citizenship test?
Immediately, upon your failure, a retest may be done once in 60 – 90 days.
7. Is it possible to travel outside the US before I get a date for my US citizenship interview?
Yes, but you should plan your travels out of the US properly, and do not stay too long, as this may invalidate your continuous residence.
8. What documents will I need to bring for the application?
Some of the documents include green card photocopies, identification card photos, and proof of residency.
9. Is there a way to make my application online?
Yes, you will be doing it through your account. So, you will need to create an account.
10. When do I become a US citizen?
After your oath-taking ceremony, when you make the Oath of Allegiance.
