Getting US citizenship is one of the most significant decisions in a person’s life. The one who is applying for US citizenship must show his loyalty towards the government and law of that state and also show responsibility for the development of the state.
After completing all of their responsibilities and in return they get all the rights and privileges from the US government which are given to all the citizens living there.
What are the requirements for US citizenship?
There are many ways to get US citizenship. Thousands of people each year apply for US citizenship after following and completing all the necessary steps to become US citizens and now we discuss one by one all of these steps.
The requirement for becoming a US citizen is different in each case either we apply at birth citizenship, after birth citizenship, or through naturalization.
How to become a US citizen at birth?
Firstly, if you want to register your child as a US citizen from his birth so in that case child must be born in the United States or certain territories or outlying possessions of the United States and the second one is that at least one of the parents of the child having US citizenship at the time of his birth. In case he fulfills these two requirements with necessary documents he is eligible for applying for US citizenship.
How to become a US citizen after birth?
Now in that case, if you are not born in the US but want to become a US citizen. First is the case, if one of your parents has US citizenship then you have to apply for “acquired” or “Derived” citizenship through your parents.
The government of the US has practiced laws that decide how citizenship is conveyed to children who are born outside the US or within the US from US citizen parents. The age limitation to obtain citizenship from parents is 18 years. The child who got citizenship from US citizen parents will remain in the custody of that parent till 18 years of his age.
Naturalization process:
The second process is to apply for naturalization.
Eligibility Criteria for naturalization process:
- Having age more than 18 years.
- Having a good moral character.
- Being able to read, write, understand and speak basic English at least.
- Having a Permanent Resident of card of the United States or Alien registration card.
- Have a green card for at least five years or three years in case you are filing as the spouse of a US citizen.
Brief description of naturalization process:
We discuss step by step this process of naturalization:
- File your application for the naturalization process, it’s a time taking process that takes 14 months or more. The faster you collect and submit all the required documents and supporting documents like a photocopy of a green card the sooner you get a response on your application.
- To attend all of your biometric appointments on time, it will be held after a month when they receive your application for US citizenship. Your signatures, fingerprints, and photos will be collected in this process.
- Attending your citizenship interview is also an important part of the naturalization process. It usually takes about 14 months. On average, USCIS will send you a letter with the date and location of your interview and a list of documents required for the interview.
- Citizen Exams are held on the same day as the interview, basic English writing, reading, and speaking skills are tested there. After that, a civics test is taken which covers the basic US history and knowledge of government. It is compulsory to clear both of these tests.
- The last step is when you receive a response on your application whether it is approved or not and it will be held on the same day as your citizenship interview and exam.
- In case you are selected then you receive an invitation for a naturalization ceremony through the mail. After taking the Oath of Allegiance and attending the naturalization ceremony, you will receive your naturalization certificate.
Citizenship through Marriage:
The third process is citizenship through marriage. In case you are married to a US citizen, then it’s easy for you to apply for a green card by submitting a form I- 130, a Petition for an Alien relative.
- To prove your marriage firstly you have to submit your marriage certificate.
- If the immigrant spouse is living outside of the US then first there needs to apply for a visa and then he must attend the interview through the embassy. When an immigrant spouse entered the United States, they can file form I- 485 to adjust his status as a US citizen.
- If the spouse is already living as a US citizen then they can adjust the status by filing form I-130 and I- 485, applications to register permanent Residence, and adjustable status.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Having age more than 18 years
- Having a good moral character pays taxes on time, and hasn’t broken any serious laws.
- Being able to read, write, understand and speak basic English at least.
- A person who illegally entered the United States, then married to a US citizen, cannot apply for citizenship easily.
Marriage requirements:
- In a marriage interview, there are detailed questions regarding your marriage, your relationship history, who is responsible for your bills and cooking, etc.
- The immigrant spouse will not be able to apply for naturalization after getting a green card immediately, you must have a green card at least three years before applying for naturalization.
- During the 3 year process, you must be physically present in the country for at least a year and a half.
- During these three years, you have to live as a married couple the entire time.
- You must also live for three months in the state or USCIS district that will be handling your application.
Citizenship through military:
The person who is honorably served the armed forces, for a certain period of time is eligible for the naturalization process:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Having age more than 18 years
- Having a good moral character, paying taxes on time, and hasn’t broken any serious laws, and is seen as a positive member of society.
- Being able to read, write, understand and speak basic English at least.
- A person who illegally entered the United States, then married to a US citizen, cannot apply for citizenship easily.
- Also, have a basic understanding of the US government and history.
- Must complete their military service honorably.
- Have a green card and service there for at least one month.
Filling for application:
If you fill your application through your military service then you got the benefit that the filing fee will be ignored. You will need to complete a form N-400 and N-426 for application for naturalization and request for certification for military and naval service. In case you are selected, you have to swear an oath of allegiance. Once that is complete, you will be given by naturalization certificate.
These are some important and basic ways explained for getting US citizenship. Hope these ways are helpful for you. Thank you!
