It is virtually everyone’s dream to become a citizen of the USA. You should know that there are four primary avenues for obtaining citizenship in the United States if you are an immigrant: naturalization, marriage, birth, and military service.
The remaining part of the article will focus more on how to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, birth, marriage, and military service, so keep reading!
Have you seen Jobs In The USA For Foreigners
Why Apply to Be a U.S. Citizen?
Citizens of the United States were either born there or obtained citizenship after fulfilling the conditions. Therefore, you can travel to most countries with a U.S. passport, which you will have as a citizen.
Additionally, it is legal for you to live, work, and receive a salary anywhere in the U.S. You can purchase property and obtain a driver’s license.
One can apply for a Green Card if they marry a foreign partner. Before or following your Green Card application, you must obtain a medical examination to submit.
You will have the freedom of speech, the option to practice any religion you choose, and the right to a fair trial as a citizen of the U.S. Both voting and running for office are options.
Some obligations go along with these rights. For example, you must pay taxes, uphold U.S. federal, state, and local laws, and respect the U.S. Constitution. If called, you must also serve on a trial jury and, if required, in the military.
Also Read; Tips For Applying For Federal Jobs In the USA
How To Become a U. S Citizen
1. Through Naturalization
Verify that you do not already have U.S. citizenship before beginning your application. For example, you might already be a citizen and not even need to apply if you were born in the U.S. or overseas to U.S. parents.
In this case, you must submit Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, or N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate.
These easy actions must be followed to apply for U.S. citizenship:
- Fill out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and submit it.
- Could you give us your biometric data?
- Finish the interview for citizenship through naturalization.
- Finish taking the English language exam.
- Finish the civics exam.
- Obtain the USCIS judgment.
- Oath of Allegiance taken.
1. Fill out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and submit it.
You should use this form as your main submission for citizenship or naturalization. It is available here on the USCIS website.
You can fill out the form according to the directions, then sign it. If you live outside of the United States, include two passport-style images with it.
Check the instructions to see whether you need to attach any more supporting papers. These could include licenses from the medical profession, documentation of a disability or developmental disorder, and other papers proving your eligibility for citizenship.
USCIS will ask for the relevant paperwork after you’ve applied if you don’t attach it. Your processing time will be extended unnecessarily as a result.
Include proof that you paid the required fees before applying. Your application will not be processed if the fees are not paid. Last but not least, save a copy of your application for the interview.
2. Provide Your Biometric Data
USCIS may ask you for biometric data if they need to run a background check on you. Your appointment time, date, and location will be provided in communication from USCIS. It would help if you arrived at the scheduled time. There, they will take your picture and ask for your fingerprints.
3. Finish the Interview For Citizenship Through Naturalization
After reviewing your application, USCIS will contact you to arrange an interview. You must not miss this interview, so you must inform them as soon as possible so they can reschedule. Be advised that delaying the interview will extend the time it takes for you to obtain citizenship by a few months.
A USCIS officer will question you during the interview about your application and background. Therefore, you must provide an accurate and sincere response.
4. Complete The English Language Test
The next test you’ll take will be an English exam with three sections: speaking, reading, and writing.
Your dialogue will help the USCIS officer judge how well you speak. Then, the officer will ask you to read aloud three sentences for the reading test. Here are a few examples of practice sentences.
You can practice writing three sentences from this paper for the writing test. In addition, various historical and civic subjects will be covered in the reading and writing portions of the test.
5. Complete The Civics Test
The civics test will come after the English test. This test covers American history and values. You must provide six accurate answers out of the officer’s ten inquiries. In addition, about 100 practice questions are included in this document.
If you don’t pass these exams the first time, you can try again 60 to 90 days later. Restarting your application is required if you fail any of them twice.
6. USCIS’ Ruling Is Received.
USCIS will conclude the evaluation of the application and the outcomes of the interview. When they receive a citizenship application, they will notify the applicant by letter, which may contain a denial or approval.
The reasons you are not qualified for citizenship will be stated if you are given a denial. You can appeal the judgment if you believe it to be erroneous. The request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings, Form N-336, must be submitted to appeal. The document must be submitted within 30 days following the USCIS decision to continue appealing.
7. Take the Pledge of Allegiance.
Without taking the Oath of Allegiance, it is impossible to become a citizen of the U.S. If not, USCIS will notify you when you can take it.
While attending the ceremony when USCIS schedules it is preferable, you must let them know if you cannot.
This can be done by submitting Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony.
A letter stating your inability to attend the event should be attached. A new date for the ceremony will be set after USCIS has reviewed it.
Only a judge in a court may administer the oath to you. Once you’ve finished, you’ll get your Naturalization Certificate. Your Green Card must be returned once you have received this certification, at which point you will be a legal U.S. citizen.
2. By Marriage
A ton of documentation is needed to petition a relative for a green card.
If you’re married to a citizen of the United States, you can submit Form I-130, Petition for an Alien Relative, to get a green card.
- You and your spouse’s relationship is established through Form I-130. You must provide documentation, such as a marriage certificate, to confirm your marriage.
- When submitting Form I-130, an immigrant spouse already living with a citizen of the United States may also adjust their status.
- Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, Form I-485, is the other document that needs to be filled out. It is possible to submit both forms at once.
- An immigrant spouse must wait for a visa to become available and then appear for an interview at an embassy or consulate if they are outside of the United States. A Form I-485 can be used to request a status change once the immigrant spouse has been granted entry to the country.
3. Through Your Parents
If you are a U.S. citizen, you can obtain citizenship through your parents. However, different requirements apply if you were adopted or if one or both of your parents are citizens.
1. U.S. Citizenship by Birth
The United States Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to its jurisdiction, are citizens of the United States and of the State in which they reside.”
Even if you were born abroad, you could become a citizen if your parents are American citizens and you get married. Before you were born, one of your parents must have been a country resident. You may apply for a Certificate of Citizenship if you meet the requirements.
2. If Your Parent Is a U.S. Citizen
You can still become a citizen of the United States if just one of your parents is a citizen. However, the child’s parents must be wed to be eligible. Additionally, the parent who is a citizen of the United States must have lived there for at least five years before the child was born.
- It must have been two of those years after the parent, a citizen of the United States, turned 14.
- The baby must have been born on or after November 14, 1986.
- If a parent is a citizen of the United States, served in the military, worked for the government, or held a position with a specific international organization while stationed abroad, they may still be eligible.
3. After Birth
Citizenship can be obtained after birth. If a child was born after February 27, 2001, they can apply to become a citizen if they satisfy the following requirements:
- A U.S. citizen is one of the parents.
- The minor must be under the age of 18.
- The parent who is a U.S. citizen must have physical and legal custody of the kid.
- The youngster must be a U.S. citizen.
- Children born before February 27, 2001, are subject to different standards.
4. Through Military
Military service can be used to get U.S. citizenship. You could be qualified to apply for naturalization if you gave loyal service to the military.
Personal Prerequisites
A five-year green card holder’s qualifications are quite comparable to those for naturalization through military service.
- You must possess strong moral principles. That indicates that you have not been found guilty of a serious crime, pay your taxes and child support, and are generally regarded as a contributing member of the community.
- At least 18 years of age is required.
- You must be able to read, write, and speak English.
- You must have a fundamental knowledge of American history and government.
See Study In USA: A Guide For International Students
How To Become a U. S Citizen Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Time Does It Take to Become a U.S. Citizen?
Once your application is submitted, it takes six months to become a citizen of the U.S. The process of obtaining U.S. citizenship might take a while, though, because there are many requirements to meet. Therefore, the process should be started as soon as you are qualified for this reason.
What Is the Cost of U.S. Citizenship?
Getting US citizenship costs $725. When applying for U.S. citizenship, there are two main fees that you must pay. Both fees total $640 for the citizenship application and $85 for biometric services.
When Is the Citizenship Application Period?
You can apply for citizenship as soon as you satisfy the eligibility conditions, many of which are time-related. You may generally apply for naturalization when:
- You are at least 18 (under 18 if you are applying through your parents).
- You’ve lived here permanently for five years.
- You were physically present in the country for at least 30 months during the five years before the date on which you filed Form N-400.
How To Become a U. S Citizen Conclusion
Becoming a U.S. citizen might not be easy, and certain things must be kept in place to do this, like documents, tests, and the like.
You can become a U.S. citizen through any of the ways listed above, and I hope this article has provided you with a clearer picture of what it takes to become a U.S. citizen.
Read Resident Evil 3 – Nemesis (USA) ISO Game
References
