Applying for US citizenship is a time-consuming and labor-intensive procedure, but for many, it is well worth the time and effort. Citizenship applications are handled by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here are the essential requirements you must complete when applying for citizenship in the United States:
You have a green card already
You are over the age of 18.
You are the spouse of a U.S. citizen, a refugee, or have acquired your green card through political asylum.
You have lived in the United States lawfully as a permanent resident for at least five years.
You were physically present in the United States for at least half of those five years.
You have not spent more than one year outside the United States.
You have not made another country your principal residence.
You have lived in the state or district where your application is being filed for at least three months.
You possess “good moral character”.
You are fluent in speaking, reading, and writing English.
You can pass a history and government test in the United States.
You will swear that you believe in the values of the United States Constitution and that you will be loyal to the United States.
Your Immigration History and the Application
If you meet all of the aforementioned requirements, the next step is to apply. Include a copy of your current green card, any required pictures, and any application fee(s) with your citizenship application. Filing for citizenship will likely take months before they make an appointment to fingerprint you and schedule an interview.
You should expect them to question your entire immigration background. Every trip out of the country will be scrutinized, so be prepared to answer any potential questions and provide any documents you can to prove why you left the country. Do not lie for whatever reason; if the USCIS suspects fraud, they will not only deny your citizenship application but also deport you.
The Interview
The interview is basically a test, and a USCIS official will assess your English skills (unless you are exempt and over 50) as well as your understanding of US history and government. Applicants with disabilities may request appropriate accommodations. The test isn't a trap, and the officers aren't out to fail you.
The swearing-in Ceremony
If the interview goes well, a swearing-in ceremony is organized for you. This is the official citizenship ceremony that takes place. To verify your citizenship, you will take an oath and get a certificate of naturalization. You can also seek to have close family members lawfully enter the United States now that you are a citizen.
Getting to the end goal of becoming a citizen of the United States takes time, research, and a lot of paperwork. If you wish to apply for citizenship in the United States, you should consult with an immigration lawyer to learn more about the requirements and get help filling out all of the necessary documentation.