U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization

There is no necessity to file for citizenship if you are already a U.S. citizen or obtained citizenship from your parents. 

Complete the Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet to decide if you satisfy the requirements for filing for US citizenship.

You must fill out the form N-400, which is the application for naturalization. Then, you can file online by making a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services online account. You can also file by mail. You must also present documents with your Form N-400. The necessary proof includes:

• Two passport-style photographs if you live outside of the U.S.
• A copy of authorized military orders if your naturalization application depends on your service
• A copy of your permanent residency card
• For married, a copy of the marriage certificate

Filling out form N-400 can be complicated. Reach out to your naturalization attorney for help when filing for naturalization.

One of the vital steps in filing for naturalization is to submit your Form N-400 to the USCIS. The fee for filling out Form N-400 is $640. And with the biometrics fee of $85, the total price of a US naturalization application is $725. You can indeed ask your immigration attorney about exceptions to this payment.

Once the USCIS accepts your submission, they will provide you with a receipt notice. 

The citizenship application processing time can take 5.5 to 8 months, yet changes depending on your location. Therefore, processing time can take up to 18 months or more.

You will obtain details from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regarding your biometrics appointment’s time, date, and location. Biometrics contain digital signing, photographs, and fingerprints.

The USCIS will organize an interview where an English test and a civics test will be dispensed. The interview itself will also specify your English-speaking ability. You will be asked a series of questions during the US citizenship interview. Your immigration lawyer can provide you with the best assistance regarding this.

There are three different options you can receive from USCIS about your N-400, Application for Naturalization:

• Granted — You are authorized and qualified for U.S. Citizenship.
• Continued — You are qualified for citizenship but may require to send in more documents or have to retake the English and civics tests.
• Rejected — You may be rejected if you are found ineligible for citizenship.

After you are authorized for citizenship, you are on your way to becoming a naturalized citizen. Next, you will obtain a notice to take an Oath of Allegiance.