Most U.S. bound immigrants are concerned about How to Become an American Citizen. Do you want to become a United States citizen? From determining your eligibility to submitting an application to attending the screening and oath ceremony, here’s a rundown of what’s ahead.
Why Should I Become An American Citizen?
Obtaining US citizenship can provide a US resident with a plethora of opportunities. These include the ability to obtain a U.S. passport, the right to vote in public elections, work authorization in the United States, and protection from deportation.
However, becoming an American citizen entails a number of steps, including determining your eligibility, filing, biometrics, attending an interview, passing tests of your knowledge of English and United States civics, and taking the oath of citizenship.
Steps On How to Become an American Citizen |
| Determine Your Eligibility for US Citizenship. |
| Overcome Your Ineligibility Obstacles |
| Submit USCIS Form N-400. |
| Attend the Biometrics Appointment |
| Go to a USCIS Office for a Citizenship Interview. |
| Participate in the Oath Ceremony. |
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Determine Your Eligibility for US Citizenship
The first question is whether or not you have a green card in the United States. Except in a few cases, you must obtain a green card before applying for citizenship. To be eligible for US citizenship as a lawful permanent resident, you must meet additional requirements. These include how long you’ve been a green card holder in the United States, your moral integrity, your ability to pass an English and United States history and government test, and other factors.
Overcome Your Ineligibility Obstacles
You may realize that you lack the necessary qualifications to become a citizen. Perhaps you are unable to demonstrate moral integrity because you committed a minor infraction. You may have jeopardized the continuity of your residency by spending too much time outside the United States.
It is possible that simply waiting longer will make you eligible for US citizenship, or that you will need to go through additional steps. In the worst-case scenario, you may have been granted lawful permanent residence when you should not have been, and applying for citizenship may expose you to the risk of USCIS discovering this and deporting you.
Submit USCIS Form N-400
You’ll need to submit some documents to US Citizenship and Immigration Services once you’ve determined your eligibility (USCIS). The N-400 serves as the procedure’s starting point. The application for naturalization costs $640 plus a $85 biometrics fee as of late 2020; however, the USCIS has proposed a fee increase.
You must then attach a copy of your green card to your application, as well as any documentation proving your eligibility for an exemption or the like.
After your application has been accepted, you will be emailed a date for your biometrics session.
Attend the Biometrics Appointment
To complete your application, a background check will be required. You will be given a date and location to be fingerprinted. Your fingerprints will be processed through the FBI and associated databases for a background check.
Go to a USCIS Office for a Citizenship Interview
A few weeks after your biometrics appointment, you should receive an appointment date and address for an interview with a UCSIC officer.
The officer will review your N-400 and validate your answers to all questions, as well as your basic eligibility, during the interview. In addition, the officer will review your immigration records for any previous irregularities. The officer will then test your English and civics knowledge.
Participate in the Oath Ceremony
If you are accepted during (or shortly after) your USCIS interview, congratulations; however, you are not yet a citizen. To begin with, you must maintain your eligibility. You may lose your eligibility if you are arrested for a major offense before the swearing-in ceremony, for example.
You will be summoned to a large public event to take the oath of allegiance to the United States alongside others. Then you will be given a certificate of naturalization, proving that you are a US citizen. You might want to look into how to enter the United States without a visa.
FAQs On How to Become an American Citizen
What are the eligibility requirements to become a U.S. citizen?
To be eligible for U.S. citizenship, you must meet certain requirements, including being at least 18 years old, having lawful permanent resident status, residing continuously in the U.S. for at least five years (three years if married to a U.S. citizen), having good moral character, passing an English and civics test, and taking an oath of allegiance to the United States.
How do I apply for U.S. citizenship?
To apply for U.S. citizenship, you must file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can file the form online or by mail.
How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen?
The process of becoming a U.S. citizen can take several months to several years, depending on individual circumstances and USCIS processing times. Generally, it takes around 6-12 months from the time of filing the application for naturalization to taking the oath of allegiance.
What is the citizenship test, and how do I prepare for it?
The citizenship test is a test of your knowledge of U.S. civics and the English language. It includes questions about U.S. history, government, and geography, as well as your ability to read, write, and speak English. You can prepare for the test by studying the official USCIS study materials, taking practice tests, and working with a tutor or attending citizenship classes.
Can I lose my U.S. citizenship?
In rare cases, U.S. citizenship can be revoked or lost, such as if you committed fraud during the naturalization process, renounced your citizenship voluntarily, or engaged in certain acts of treason or terrorism. It’s important to note that you cannot lose your U.S. citizenship simply by living outside of the U.S. for an extended period or by committing a crime.
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Who is eligible to become a U.S. citizen?
To become a U.S. citizen, you must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and meet certain eligibility requirements such as being at least 18 years old, having resided in the United States for a certain amount of time, and demonstrating good moral character.
How do I apply for U.S. citizenship?
To apply for U.S. citizenship, you must file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will also need to provide supporting documents and attend an interview.
What is the naturalization test?
The naturalization test is a test that assesses your knowledge of English and U.S. civics. It includes an English language test and a civics test, which covers topics such as U.S. history and government.
Do I need to speak English to become a U.S. citizen?
Yes, you need to demonstrate your ability to speak, read, and write basic English. There are some exemptions for older applicants or individuals with certain disabilities.
How long does the citizenship application process take?
The citizenship application process can take several months or even years, depending on your individual case and USCIS processing times.
What are the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen?
As a U.S. citizen, you can vote in federal elections, apply for certain government jobs, travel with a U.S. passport, and have the right to petition for certain family members to immigrate to the U.S.
