Naturalization
Congratulations on reaching your final destination on your immigration journey! Filing for Naturalization is beneficial in many ways. First, if approved for U.S. citizenship, you are considered a U.S. citizen for life unless you formally renounce or are denaturalized. This means that once you become a citizen, you will no longer be required to file any further immigration petitions or applications to extend or maintain your status. If you remain a green card holder and your card is lost, stolen or expired, you may have travel restrictions and will be required to pay government fees in order to obtain a new card.
Second, as a green card holder, you are required to continue to reside in the U.S. If you decide to move back to your home country or leave the U.S. for extended periods of time, your green card status may be jeopardized or declared “abandoned,” meaning you would have to refile and start the process all over. However, as a citizen, you can move anywhere in the world and always retain your citizenship and access to live and work freely inside the U.S.
Lastly, as a U.S. citizen, you will be eligible to sponsor your parents, spouse, children or siblings for green cards, if they are interested in moving to the U.S.
General Requirements:
- If you obtained your Green Card through marriage to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship in 3 years.
- If you obtained your Green Card through employment, you may be eligible in 5 years.
- At least 18 years old
- Residence for the last 3 months in the state or district where you apply
- Continuous residence and physical presence for a certain period of time
- Ability to read, write and speak English
- Knowledge of U.S. history and civics
- Good Moral Character
- Oath of Allegiance and attachments to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution
Filing Process:
After USCIS reviews your N-400 Application, you will be scheduled for an interview at your local USCIS Office. During the interview, the Officer will confirm the information on your application, review your eligibility for Naturalization, and test your knowledge of U.S. history and civics and ability to read, write and speak English. If your interview is successful, you will be scheduled for an Oath Ceremony during which you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization and officially become a U.S. Citizen.
Common Issues:
- Continuous Residence with frequent or lengthy trips outside the U.S.
- Issues proving Good Moral Character with previous convictions or arrests
Validity:
If approved for U.S. citizenship, you are considered a U.S. citizen for life unless you formally renounce or are denaturalized. Upon receipt of your Naturalization Certificate, you can apply for a U.S. passport.