Introduction to U.S. Citizenship

Are you a permanent resident looking to enjoy even more benefits of living in the United States? Citizenship grants and guarantees you exclusive rights and privileges that are only available to U.S. citizens. However, the path to naturalization can be complex and confusing. Our comprehensive Naturalization guide will clarify the process making your transition from green card to U.S. citizen simple and straightforward.

Understanding U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization

Citizenship is the legal status that grants you the right to live in a state or country and enjoy all the benefits of being a citizen. Once you become a citizen, the state cannot deport you, giving you a sense of security and permanence.

Your pathway to citizenship can be through birth, deriving it from your parents (even citizenship through parents being naturalized), or through the naturalization process. This guide is designed specifically to help you understand how to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization and break down the naturalization citizenship application.

Naturalization Citizenship Application Process

Naturalization refers to becoming a U.S. citizen even if you were not born in the country or to American parents. The process takes 4.9 months, from the application to the day of taking the oath of allegiance. It formally commences with filling and submitting your N-400 Form.

N-400 Form

You begin your application for U.S. citizenship by filling out Form N-400. You can download it online by creating a free online account. The form contains instructions on how to become a U.S. citizen by naturalization, as well as eligibility.

Application

Dully completed N-400 Form can be submitted online after creating an online account, or sent by mail to the U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Services (USCIS). You can begin the application process and submit the N-400 form three months (90 days) before the maturity of your eligibility waiting period.

Filing Fee

The filing fee varies with the submission method. You pay $760 when you file by paper (sending your application by mail) and $710 for online submission.

Naturalization Document Checklist

Your N-400 form must be accompanied by supporting documents as proof of eligibility. Here is a document checklist to help you complete your N-400.

• Copy (front and back) of your green card (Permanent Resident Card) for green card holders.
• Proof of application fee payment (attach money order or Personal check with your A-number printed on the back). A credit card authorization (Form G-1450) is also acceptable.
• Proof of current marital status
• 2 passport-style photos if your application is made from abroad.
• Proof of military service for applications based on military services.
• Form N-648 if you seek exemption from citizenship test based on qualifying disability.
• Form G-28 if you will require an attorney during your U.S. citizenship interview.
• Form I-912 if you applied for a fee waiver.
• Form I-942 if you applied for a fee reduction.
• Court records (if applicable)
• Rehabilitation records (if applicable)

Naturalization Citizenship Eligibility Requirements

U.S. citizenship eligibility depends on the category under which the application is made. USCIS uses the following criteria to determine the eligibility of different categories of applicants.

• Number of years you have held your green card. USCIS requires you to have held the green card for a minimum of 5 years. Eligibility drops to 3 years if you are married to a U.S. Citizen.
• The period you have physically lived in the country. Green card holders should have lived in the country for two and a half years. Those married to U.S. citizens are required to have lived in the country for 18 months.
• Whether your military service was during wartime or peacetime

Who Can Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

The USCIS allows you to apply for citizenship if:

• You are at least 18 years old.
• You can read, write, and speak basic English.
• You are of good moral character.

Additionally, since the naturalization interview is conducted by the USCIS field office in the applicant’s state of residence, the applicant must have lived in that state for at least 3 months.

However, if you are married to a U.S. citizen who is employed overseas, you may qualify for expeditious naturalization, which has different requirements. In this case, you do not need to be physically present in the U.S. at the time of your application, as this process allows eligible applicants to complete their naturalization while residing abroad. Read more on our blog post, A Guide to Expeditious Naturalization: For Spouses of U.S. Citizens, that can be another solution to your American dream together, bypassing some of the residency requirements for standard naturalization, while still providing a path to U.S. citizenship.

Benefits of Naturalization

You enjoy the following benefits and protection upon successful application of U.S. citizenship:

• You become eligible to apply for government jobs.
• You qualify for federal benefits available only to citizens.
• You become eligible to vote.
• Citizenship protects you from deportation but can be revoked in exceptional circumstances.

Green Card Vs. Naturalization

While a green card allows you permanent residence, you have limited rights. Unlike a naturalization certificate, a green card does not protect you from deportation. You also don’t have the right to vote or access other rights and privileges only available to citizens.

Naturalization and U.S. Citizenship Experts

While all qualifying persons can apply for U.S. citizenship, the application process is complex. That’s why a naturalization attorney can help you navigate the intricacies of the U.S. citizenship application process. HBM Law is an immigration-focused law firm based in Iowa and our principal attorney, Himani Bhardwaj, has the expertise for U.S. immigration processes. Our team can facilitate applications for foreign nationals who are looking to start their American dreams. We have helped hundreds achieve Naturalization status and are known for being the immigrant’s immigration lawyer handling referrals from the Iowa community with extensive relationships near and far in US immigration agencies and embassies worldwide. Contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more about our naturalization services through Whatsapp or email for your U.S. citizenship application.