Becoming a US citizen is a dream for many immigrants who come to the United States seeking a better life. US citizenship offers a range of benefits, including the right to vote, the ability to travel freely, and the opportunity to apply for certain government jobs. However, becoming a US citizen is not an easy process, and there are several requirements that must be met. In this article, we will outline the eligibility requirements and application process for becoming a US citizen.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements are the first and most important aspect to consider when applying for US citizenship. To become a US citizen, an applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements.
-
Age Requirements
The applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing the N-400 form, unless they are applying under special circumstances, such as serving in the US military.
-
Permanent Residency Status
The applicant must hold a valid green card and be a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Additionally, they must have maintained continuous residence in the US for at least five years (or three years if they are married to a US citizen).
-
Continuous Residence and Physical Presence Requirements
The applicant must have continuously resided in the US for the required length of time (five years or three years if married to a US citizen) and have been physically present in the US for at least half of that time. Extended absences from the US may affect eligibility for citizenship.
-
Good Moral Character Requirement
The applicant must demonstrate good moral character for the required period of time leading up to the application. This includes no criminal history, paying taxes, and paying any outstanding debts to the government.
-
Basic Knowledge of English Language and US Government and History
The applicant must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. Additionally, they must pass a civics test that covers US government and history.
-
Oath of Allegiance to the United States
The applicant must take an oath of allegiance to the United States, affirming their loyalty to the US Constitution and renouncing any prior allegiance to a foreign country.
Meeting these eligibility requirements is crucial for obtaining US citizenship. Once the eligibility requirements have been met, the applicant can begin the naturalization process by filing the N-400 form with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Application Process
The application process for becoming a US citizen involves several steps, including filing the N-400 form with the USCIS, undergoing a background check and fingerprinting, attending an interview and civics test, and taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. Here is a more detailed explanation of each step in the application process.
-
Filing the N-400 form
The first step in the naturalization process is to file the N-400 form with the USCIS. This form requires the applicant to provide personal information, employment history, and details about their immigration status. The form must be accompanied by a fee, which is currently $725 (as of September 2021).
-
Fingerprinting and Background Check
After the N-400 form is filed, the applicant will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment, where their fingerprints will be taken for a background check. This background check includes an FBI criminal history check and a review of the applicant’s immigration records.
-
Interview and Civics Test
The applicant will be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer, which will include questions about their application, background, and eligibility for citizenship. Additionally, the applicant will be required to take a civics test, which covers basic knowledge of US government and history.
-
Naturalization Ceremony
If the applicant successfully passes the interview and civics test, they will be scheduled for a naturalization ceremony. At the ceremony, the applicant will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, officially becoming a US citizen.
It is important to note that the naturalization process can take several months, and delays may occur due to factors such as processing times and COVID-19 related restrictions. It is recommended that applicants carefully prepare for each step of the process and consult with an immigration attorney if needed.
US citizenship is a valuable asset that comes with a range of benefits and responsibilities. Eligibility requirements and the application process may seem daunting, but with the right preparation, becoming a US citizen is an achievable goal. It is important for eligible individuals to understand the requirements and take the necessary steps to apply for citizenship. By pursuing US citizenship, immigrants can fully participate in the American democracy and achieve their dreams of a better life in the United States.
