The Naturalization Process- A Detailed Guide to Acquire a United States Citizenship

Step 1: Determine Eligibility – Generally, one must meet some basic requirements to qualify to become a naturalized citizen.

Eligibility criteria

The applicant must be: 

• 18 years old
• a lawful permanent resident within the United States for at least five years (if unmarried) or, for at least three years (if married to a U.S. citizen)
• A good moral character  

Step 2: File Form N-400 

In this step, the applicant needs to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and supporting documents together with the applicable fees. A seasoned naturalization immigration lawyer can help with any questions you may have regarding the application. 

Step 3: Biometrics Appointment 

After you submit your application, an appointment is scheduled for biometrics where your fingerprints are scanned for a background check.     

Step 4: Interview and Exam 

After the background check, you will be interviewed by a USCIS official usually referred to as the interviewing officer. This interview will analyze your communication in English along with your civics knowledge.

Naturalization Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for United States Citizenship? 

Naturalization, a legal way of obtaining U.S. citizenship, offers many benefits and opportunities to individuals. But please remember that not everyone can apply for U. S. citizenship. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) necessitates that people interested in obtaining United States citizenship must fulfill some important USCIS criteria. Firstly, as stated above, the applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old. He/she must have a lawful permanent resident status in the USA for five years (if unmarried) or three (if married to a U.S. citizen). They must also show that they were physically present in this country for an uninterrupted period for this time. 

English Knowledge and Understanding of US History and Government Processes

There are several other essential requirements for naturalization. You must have good English knowledge along with a basic understanding of United States’ history and government. For the applicants, there is a test of the English language which assesses the applicants’ speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension skills in the English language. They must take a civics test to confirm their historical knowledge and understanding of other important government processes.  

Finally, every person seeking naturalization should display good moral character during the entire application process. They should also highlight their attachment to the U.S. Constitution’s principles. 

The Importance of Acquiring a U.S. Citizen Status: Advantages and Responsibilities of Naturalization 

Acquiring a United States citizenship via the naturalization process can be one of the most important moments of your life. It provides numerous advantages and has significant implications that define one’s life in the United States of America. 

Full Legal Rights

Firstly, naturalized citizens are entitled to full legal rights that any citizen of the United States of America is granted by the Constitution. Their rights are the same as citizens. Hence, they cannot be deprived of any privileges due to their nationality or status as refugees or immigrants.   

Right to vote

They also have the right to vote in federal elections. It allows them to take an active part and play a role in the country’s decision-making, at the community level. 

Eligibility to Sponsor Your Family Members

A significant advantage is the eligibility to sponsor your close family members for legal permanent residency. This enables families to reunite and develop stronger relationships within the United States. 

Diverse Educational Opportunities

As a result of naturalization, you will get access to diverse academic opportunities. This includes federal scholarships and grants only available to United States citizens. This will permit people to seek higher education or professional training, hence boosting their career prospects and making significant contributions to economic development. 

As a naturalized citizen, you must respect the principles defined in the United States Constitution. This includes respecting laws, serving on juries when required, and having a willingness to defend your new country in difficult times. 

Looking for a naturalization immigration lawyer to help you become a U.S. Citizen? Reach out to us at Jadeja-Cimone Law for a free consultation