Featured News 2013 Applying for U.S. Citizenship

Applying for U.S. Citizenship

If you are seeking apply for citizenship in the United States, it is no easy process, which is why having the experienced legal help of a trusted immigration lawyer walk you through every step of the process is so beneficial. While this may be a time consuming and somewhat tedious process to go through, it is safe to assume that it will be well worth it in the end. In order to apply for citizenship, you will need to go through him U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and there you will need to make sure that all requirements are properly completed before they approve you. In order to even apply for citizenship, you will need sure that you have met all of the needed requirements. In order to do so, the country requires that you would be at least 18 years or older and already obtain a green card to be here in the states. Before they allow you apply for citizenship, they want to know that over the last years you have lived in permanent residence. The only exception to this rule is in the event that you recently married a man or woman who is currently a U.S. citizen, in which case the five year requirement is no longer necessary.

During the five year period of you staying in your permanent residence, the government also asks that you have had at least stayed here in the states for two and a half years and that no more than a year was spent at once out of the country. They also ask that during this time, your only primary residence be in the U.S., and that you have not established yourself anywhere else. Good moral character is another requirement; they want to see that you have not been in trouble with the law and that your presence in the states will be a benefit to society as opposed to a hindrance. For an immigrant to become naturalized here in the U.S. they also require by the current laws that you be able to not only speak English but also read and write it as well. There will also be a test that you are required to take which discuss the history and government of the United States along with a sworn agreement that you believe in and will adhere to the laws and principles of the U.S. Constitution and remain faithful to the U.S.

Once you are certain that you meet the above mentioned requirements, and then you will need to physically apply with the USCIS. You will then fill out the application and turn in all necessary forms and proof of identification such as your green card, current photographs and any fees you may owe for the application. It may take months before the application is actually processed and they contact you for an interview. However once it is your time for the interview, be prepared to be thoroughly questions about yourself and your history. They will scrutinize every time you traveled, and ask for numerous documents and proof. It is essential that you realize what is at stake here, if they catch you lying even about the simplest details you risk being deported and denied of any future rights to reenter into the country later on. If you are able to pass the test and the interview process, likely after an extended period of time, they will then have you come into the USCIS department in order to swear-in and become an official citizen of the U.S.

For more information regarding immigration, please contact an attorney using our site today!

Related News:

Mistakes on Your Work Permit Card? Here’s How to Take Care of Them

With an employment authorization document (EAD), you can get a Social Security card, a job, and sometimes a driver's license as well. You may have finally gotten this work permit after months of ...
Read More »

Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens Can Apply for Waiver of Three- to Ten-Year Bar

Are you applying for a green card? If you do not qualify for an adjustment of status, then you would usually have to leave the country to apply through consular processing. If you are unlawfully ...
Read More »

Are Caps on Green Cards Sending Away High-Tech Talent?

Securing a green card or work-related visa can be extremely challenging, especially in the competitive immigration market. Countless immigrants come to the United States on a student visa, seeking a ...
Read More »