US Citizenship Application Process
Naturalization with the USCIS:
The process immigrants have to go through to become citizens of the United
States. A person may become a U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization.
Usually if children are Permanent Residents, they can derive citizenship from
their naturalized parents. This is true whether is a child by birth or
adoption.
Citizenship: As an U.S. citizen you will be granted rights
and accept responsibilities.
Some of the rights and benefits granted by the U.S.
citizenship include:
- All the rights listed in the Constitution including the right to vote
- Right to have a U.S. passport
- Right to work in the U.S.
Some of the responsibilities implied by the U.S. citizenship
are:
- Promises in the Oath of Allegiance including giving up prior allegiances to
other countries
- Support and defend the laws of the U.S.
- Swear allegiance to the U.S.
- Serve the country when required
Who Can Apply?
There are seven basic requirements.
- Be a permanent resident for five (5) years having a
continuous residence in the United States
- Having a physical presence in the United States
- Having the required time within the USCIS
district or State
- Having a good moral character
- Having sufficient English and
- Declaring attachment to the U.S. Constitution
These requirements vary depending on whether the applicant has special
circumstances that the USCIS
recognizes for naturalization.
How do I Apply?
After determining your eligibility you will decide if you should apply for
naturalization. If you do not meet all the requirements, you may save both time
and money by waiting until you are eligible to apply. You must be 18 years of
age or older and willing to apply for naturalization based on your years as
Permanent Resident. You may file for naturalization up to 3 months before you
have met the "continuous residence" for 5 years before you naturalize, you may
apply once you have been in "continuous residence" for 4 years and 9 months.
- You must fill out the Form N-400 completely and send it to
the appropriate service center including 2 photographs, the fee and other
necessary documents.
The USCIS
may ask for additional information: if you leave it out of your application,
this will delay the processing of you naturalization process.
- You will receive a appointment letter from USCIS
with the date and location to get fingerprinted. In order to do a criminal
background check, the USCIS
will send your fingerprints to the FBI.
- The USCIS
will send you an interview notice in the mail that will tell you the date, time
and place of your interview. If you fail to bring the necessary documents, your
case may be delayed or denied. During the interview, your ability to read, write
and speak English will be tested. You will also have answer a set of civics
questions to test your knowledge and understanding of the U.S. History and
Government.
Source : rapidimmigration.com
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