Thousands of foreigners seek US visas to enter the United States each year. Immigrants come to the US for studies or work, and after some time, they apply for US citizenship. Permanent citizenship also offers many opportunities and benefits. However, the citizenship application by immigrants must be voluntary according to the USCIS rules.
For this purpose, candidates must apply for USCIS Citizenship Application to seek US citizenship. So, let’s understand its application process, requirements, qualifications, and other details.
USCIS Citizenship Application, known as Neutralization, allows immigrants to become permanent United States citizens. As a result, they get all the benefits similar to a US citizen. So, let’s understand the USCIS application process in detail.
Open the ‘uscis.gov‘ website on any web browser.
Sign up or log in to your account.
Scroll down until you find the ‘Most Accessed Forms‘ tab.
Now, click on the ‘N-400, Application for Neutralization‘ link.
Check your eligibility and tap on ‘File Online.’
Fill out empty sections, i.e., Data Stamp, Receipt, and Action Block.
Begin with checking the boxes. For example, check the box against ‘Have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least five years‘ if you qualify for it.
Provide basic information, such as first and last names, email IDs, and contact numbers.
In the further steps, submit all the required documents.
Sign the application form.
Finally, click on ‘Submit.’
Your application will only be considered if it meets all the primary requirements. So, let’s glance at USCIS application requirements.
USCIS application for Citizenship requirements
Applicants cannot apply for Neutralization the moment they enter the United States. They must wait for three or five years to get their green card. The condition doesn’t apply to individuals in military service.
So, besides waiting for five years, here are the USCIS application citizenship requirements:
An ideal candidate must be at least 18 years old.
Candidates should have taken a trip up to six months in other countries in the five years waiting period.
You must reside for at least three months at the same place from where you are currently applying for USCIS citizenship. The resident place must be in the United States.
An ideal applicant should not be involved in illegal activities or crimes. Moreover, they must have a ‘good moral character.’
Candidates will get US citizenship if they pass a two-part neutralization test. The first part is the English Language test, and the other is the Civics test.
You must agree to serve in the US military if the government asks.
Finally, candidates must agree to defend the US Constitution.
Read further to learn the qualifying factors for US citizenship.
Who is Eligible for US citizenship?
US citizenship qualification relies on numerous factors, such as:
How long you are a green card holder?
How long have you been residing in the United States?
Whether you have performed US military service?
Below are the qualification criteria for USCIS citizenship application:
Green card holder for five years
Green card holder married to a US citizen for three years
Military services should have a green card for one year
Is USCIS processing citizenship applications?
Presently, USCIS official portal is processing US citizenship applications. So, interested candidates who have been green card holders for five years can apply for US citizenship. Remember you should use 90 calendar days before continuous residence provision.
For instance, if your Permanent Resident Card date is ‘4th June 2017,’ then you must have completed the 5-year permanent provision on 4th June 2022. So, the most premature date to file for USCIS Citizenship is 4th March 2022.
You can check for USCIS Early Filing Calculator for the correct analysis of when to apply.
How much is the USCIS citizenship fee?
The United States government asks for $725 as filing fees for the neutralization application process.
The filing fee of $725 is divided into two parts, i.e., processing and biometric fees. So, the processing fee is $640, and the biometric is $85.
Military services applying for USCIS citizenship don’t need to pay processing and biometric fees. The neutralization cost is free for military applicants.
You can apply for USCIS citizenship via a third-party platform and get a price reduction on the $725 application fee.
FAQs
Can USCIS revoke citizenship?
USCIS may revoke your citizenship if you submit false documents. Also, USCIS takes strict legal action against people who present fake material.
USCIS may waive citizenship interviews when an agency officer gets all the sufficient documents. The agency officer verifies that all your evidence is genuine works in your favor. Your chances of getting selected increase when you have a clean record.
How long does USCIS take for citizenship?
Applicants must wait for at least seven to eleven months after filing for USCIS citizenship. You can expect an interview appointment letter from the USCIS within this period. Moreover, you can reschedule your interview for several weeks if you cannot make to the original date.
What happens after the USCIS citizenship interview?
Candidates must take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States and participate in the ceremony after the USCIS citizenship interview. USCIS mails you the invitation letter, which says, “The Notice of Neutralization Oath Ceremony.”
How long does the USCIS citizenship interview take?
On average, the USCIS citizenship interview takes twenty minutes.
Conclusion
Many immigrants living and working in the United States aspire to get permanent citizenship. It provides them with additional security and protection. Once immigrants become permanent US citizens, they don’t have to worry about getting deported. Also, such individuals’ families, i.e., wives and children, get security in the US. Other privileges related to tax and property become more accessible once you become a permanent US citizen.
So, you can also apply for USCIS citizenship if you have completed a 90-day continuous residence provision and have been a green card holder for five years. Refer to this article for the application process.
Digital marketer by profession and author by interest. He is the mind behind starting this blog. While surfing the internet, Ajay found that many people are facing problems while filling up the application forms. To overcome this, Ajay decided to start a blog so that users will get proper guidance on how to apply for any online/offline applications.
