A Step-by-Step Guide for How to Apply for the USA Citizenship Program
In order to become a citizen of the United States, a person must go through the naturalization procedure. It is often awarded to people with green cards who have lived in the nation for a considerable amount of time and are ready to assume the obligations of becoming citizens of the United States. You must be at least 18 years old, have lived in the country for at least five years, and be prepared to assume obligations as a citizen of the United States, such as paying federal taxes and abiding by the Constitution and laws of the country.
Depending on where you live, there are different citizenship criteria; nonetheless, before beginning the naturalization process, all candidates must complete the fundamental eligibility requirements. You may learn everything you need to know about the USA citizenship program by reading the following article: Step-by-step directions
The term “streamlined naturalization” refers to a particular kind of procedure that may be appropriate for those who are eligible for citizenship through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) program. This indicates that they have lived in the nation continuously for at least six months and are considered to be citizens.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services program requires applicants to complete a number of steps, including living in the country with the intention of remaining there permanently or having sufficient ties to the nation through marriage, employment, or other forms of permanent residency like education or family. Here, we go over each stage in depth, along with the prerequisites and deadlines.
Understand the prerequisites for the citizenship program
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services’ citizenship criteria are unambiguous and simple to understand. One of the few methods to obtain citizenship in the United States without getting it through marriage or having a kid born there is through this process. The length of your residence, your ties to the nation, and the minimum standards of age, health, and civic literacy must all be met. You need to have lived in the country as a permanent resident for at least five years.
Although there is no set time limit, you must leave if you enter the nation on a visitor’s visa or as a tourist. When applying, you must be at least 18 years old. You must have spent at least 30 months physically residing in the nation over the previous five years. Periods of approved absence for things like military service or schooling are excluded from this. Basic English reading, writing, comprehension, and speaking skills are required.
Visit a USCIS branch.
The initial step for many people is to go to the local municipal or county office of US Citizenship and Immigration Services. In some locations, the office could be a division of the local administration. The office could be a division of a state government in other areas. The easiest way to locate the office is to use a search engine or directory like Google Maps. In order to help the USCIS assess if you are qualified to apply for citizenship through the program, you will need to fill out a number of documents and give basic information.
Your entire name and current address must be provided. Additionally, you’ll need to provide your fingerprints and, if applicable, copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and divorce decree. Additionally, there are costs associated with applying, processing biometric data, and perhaps even having an interview and/or getting your fingerprints taken.
Oath of Allegiance: Take it.
You must go to a USCIS office to take the Oath of Allegiance after the USCIS certifies your eligibility and you submit your application and supporting documents. One of the last steps in the procedure will be this. To take the oath, you must show up in person at a USCIS location. You will also need to bring certain paperwork with you.
For instance, you’ll need to bring a copy of your application, your green card, and a photo ID that is now valid. You will also need to provide a declaration of intention and proof that you have lived continuously in the US for at least five years if you are applying for citizenship under the “streamlined naturalization” process.
undergoing fingerprinting
In some circumstances, such as those involving youngsters or the elderly, this may be waived. The USCIS uses fingerprinting to verify your identification. You must make an appointment with a fingerprinting facility. The majority of fingerprinting facilities operate seven days a week. To learn what time they are open and which days they are taking appointments, you should give them a call in advance or look them up online.
Your photo ID, documentation of your citizenship or immigration status (such as a passport, immigration papers, a green card, etc.), and a non-refundable application fee must all be brought with you to the facility. The application cost can be paid in person at many facilities, and appointments can be made the same day.
Six Months of Waiting
The USCIS will email you a notification of receipt and a receipt number after you have filed your application. After five months, if you still have not gotten these two notifications, you must follow up with the USCIS. You will have six months from the date of the notification to complete your application after you have received it and marked your application package as received.
You need to submit all the required paperwork and payment. To complete your application, you might need to go in person to a USCIS location. Alternatively, you might be able to decide to have your application submitted online. The original receipts must be returned, along with all required extra paperwork and fees, before your application will be considered complete.
