Many people want to become citizens of the United States, but not many know how to do so. People often think about how hard it might be to become a US citizen, but the truth is that it’s not nearly as hard as people think. If you want to become a US citizen, you have to go through a rigorous process.
As a result, a thorough yet straightforward guide to becoming a US citizen is provided in this article. describing for you the application process for US citizenship, the length of the process, the cost, and any other relevant information you should be aware of.
Who is a U.S citizen?
A legal member of the United States of America with full constitutional backing is a US citizen.
Additionally, a US citizen is regarded as an individual:
- Who was born in the United States?
- Or who was born in Puerto Rico?
- Who was born in Guam?
- Or who was born in the US? Virgin Islands.
- Who was born in the Northern Mariana Islands?
- Whose parents are from the US Citizen?
- Who has been naturalized as a US Citizen?
Why Become a US Citizen?
People desire to become US citizens for numerous reasons. People who hold US citizenship have access to numerous opportunities and additional advantages for these reasons. As a result, people want to learn how to become US citizens so they can take advantage of these advantages. As a result, these advantages are:
#1. Protection from deportation
You and your children are safe from deportation when you become a US citizen. However, if you are a lawful permanent resident, certain criminal convictions could make you eligible for deportation, and certain actions put LPRs at risk of having permanent consequences like being deported.
#2. Citizenship for your children
When their parents become naturalized, children under the age of 18 who are legal permanent residents automatically become US citizens. This is truly a gift that parents give to their children because individuals cannot apply to become naturalized until they reach the age of 18.
#3. Family reunification
In order to reunite with family members, US citizens can file immigration petitions with the government. US citizens can petition for additional family members like parents, siblings, and married adult sons and daughters, whereas LPRs can only petition for their spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult sons and daughters.
#4. Eligibility for government jobs
Some jobs are available only to US citizens, such as those in the federal government. Additionally, naturalized citizens, on average, do better economically than noncitizens. They earn between 50 and 70 percent more than noncitizens, have higher employment rates, and are less likely to live below the poverty line. New citizens could also see earnings increases of 8 to 11 percent, directly tied to more job preparation, better employment matches, and a greater ability to switch jobs.
#5. Freedom to travel
The amount of time LPRs can travel in a given year is limited. However, these restrictions do not apply to US citizens who wish to travel. In the event of a personal crisis or civil unrest, they can also seek assistance and protection from US embassies and consulates abroad.
#6. Ability to vote
Another advantage of American citizenship is the right to vote. Citizens are the only ones who can choose the leaders they think will best represent themselves, their families, and the communities in which they live.
Requirements to become a US Citizen
If you are living in the US with a Green Card and want to become a citizen, then there are specific US citizenship requirements.
To become a US citizen, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old when you apply.
- And be a Green Card holder for at least five years.
- Have continuous US residency for at least five years before applying.
- You must have lived physically in the US for at least 30 months from the five years you have had the Green Card.
- Prove that you have lived in the state you are applying for at least three months.
- Be able to speak, read, and write basic English.
- Understand US history and government.
- Show that you respect the US Constitution.
- Be a person of good moral character, which means you have not committed any serious crimes.
If you do not fulfill any of these requirements above, you will not be allowed to apply for US citizenship. Instead, applications must go through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Even if you apply without meeting the American citizenship requirements, USCIS will deny it.
7 Simple Steps to become a US Citizen
The seven easy steps listed below make it simple to become a US citizen. However, you must first ensure that you are not already a US citizen before beginning your application for citizenship. You may already be a citizen and not need to apply if you were born in the United States or abroad to parents who are citizens.
In addition, you only need to submit Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, or N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate, if your parent is a US citizen with IR5.
However, you must follow these straightforward steps in order to apply for US citizenship:
- Complete and submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Give your biometric information.
- Complete the citizenship by naturalization interview.
- Complete the English language test.
- Complete the civics test.
- Receive the decision of USCIS.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance.
#1. Complete and submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
You must complete this form in order to apply for naturalization or citizenship. It can be found here on the USCIS website. You can complete the form, sign it, and follow the instructions. If you live outside of the United States, you should also attach two photos that look like passports to it.
Additionally, check the instructions to see if additional supporting documents are required. These could be documents proving your eligibility for citizenship, such as medical certificates or evidence of a disability or developmental delay. After you have submitted the required documents, USCIS will request them if you do not include them. Your processing time will increase as a result of this.
Attach evidence that you have paid the required fees prior to applying. Your application will not be processed if you do not pay the fees. Last but not least, keep a copy of your interview application.
#2. Give your biometric information
If the USCIS wishes to conduct a background check on you, they may request biometric information from you. You will receive an email with your appointment time, date, and location from USCIS. You are required to attend the appointment. They will take a picture of you and take your fingerprints there.
#3. Complete the citizenship by naturalization interview
USCIS will set up a time for you to meet for an interview once your application has been processed. You must notify them to reschedule if you are unable to attend this interview, as it is very important. Be aware that rescheduling the interview delays citizenship for a few months.
A USCIS officer will inquire about your application and background when you show up for the interview. You must provide an accurate and sincere response.
#4. Complete the English language test
After that, an English test with three sections—speaking, reading, and writing—will be given to you.
Your communication will help the USCIS officer determine your speaking abilities. The officer will then instruct you to read three sentences aloud for the reading test. Here, you can look at some sample sentences.
For the writing test, you must write three sentences, and you can practice with this document. The reading and writing portions of the exam will cover a wide range of civic and historical topics.
#5. Complete the civics test
You will take the civics exam after the English test. This test examines the US’s values and history. You must correctly respond to six of the ten questions posed by the officer. You can practice with about one hundred questions in this document.
You can take any of these tests again 60 to 90 days after the first one if you fail. If you fail any of them again for the second time, your application must be restarted.
#6. Receive the decision of USCIS
USCIS will make a decision after the application is processed and the interview is over. They will send a notice that can either approve or deny the citizenship application.
They will explain why you are not eligible for citizenship if you are denied. You can, however, appeal the decision if you believe it was incorrect. You must submit Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings, in order to appeal. You must submit the document within 30 days of the USCIS decision or lose your appeal.
You can proceed to the following step if your application is accepted by USCIS.
#7. Take the Oath of Allegiance
Without taking the Oath of Allegiance, it is impossible to become a citizen of the United States. In the event that you are unable to complete it on the same day as your interview, USCIS will notify you when you can take it. If you are unable to attend the ceremony when it is scheduled by USCIS, you must let them know. Fill out Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, to accomplish this. Include a letter stating your inability to attend the ceremony at that time. After that, USCIS will look at it and reschedule the ceremony.
In a court, you can only take the oath from a judge. You will receive the Certification of Naturalization once you have finished it. When you receive this certification, you become an official US citizen and are required to return your Green Card.
Conclusion
With our detailed and simplified guide, we believe you know how to become a US citizen. So you can begin your application process if you are eligible.
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