Becoming a US citizen is an important step for many immigrants who plan to make their life in this country. An American passport opens up further opportunities for work, for travel, for government benefits and for taking a full part in public life. The path to citizenship, though, means meeting a number of conditions, preparing documents and going through several compulsory stages.
For most applicants the naturalisation process takes several months, but successfully obtaining citizenship begins long before the application is filed. It is important to understand the requirements of the law, the residence periods, the rules of the test and how to prepare for the interview.
What US citizenship gives you
American citizenship confers considerably more rights than the status of permanent resident (Green Card).
Once a person becomes a citizen, they can:
- vote in elections;
- obtain an American passport;
- enter and leave the country freely, with no limits on how long they are away;
- apply for most government posts;
- rely on full US consular protection abroad;
- petition for the immigration of certain relatives on more favourable terms.
A citizen also runs no risk of losing their status through living outside the United States for a long period, as a Green Card holder can.
Who can obtain citizenship
The commonest route to citizenship is naturalisation. Foreign nationals who already hold permanent resident status in the United States and meet the requirements can apply.
There are also separate grounds for citizenship:
- by birth;
- through parents;
- through military service;
- through naturalisation.
Most immigrants go through naturalisation, after several years of living in the country.
The main requirements
Before filing, make sure every requirement has been met.
Normally the applicant must:
- hold a valid Green Card;
- have lived for the required period as a permanent resident;
- reside permanently in the United States;
- be of good character;
- comply with the law;
- know basic English;
- pass the test on US history and government.
Even where the main conditions are met, immigration officers examine the applicant's whole history carefully.
How long you have to have lived there
For most Green Card holders the rule is five years of permanent residence. If the Green Card came through marriage to a US citizen, an application can usually be made after three years, provided the marriage and life together continue.
Besides the overall period of residence there are further requirements. The applicant has to prove:
- continuous residence;
- physical presence in the country;
- residence in the state where the application is filed.
Long trips outside the United States can sometimes affect whether these conditions are met.
What counts as continuous residence
One of the most important requirements is keeping a permanent connection with the United States. If a person spends too long outside the country, the immigration service may consider that continuous residence has been broken.
Trips lasting more than six months are examined especially closely. In some cases you will have to provide further proof that you continued to treat the United States as your permanent home. So it is advisable to consult an immigration law specialist before any long trip.
Preparing the documents
Gather all your documents before filing.
As a rule you will need:
- your Green Card;
- your passport;
- documents about your marital status;
- details of trips outside the United States;
- tax documents;
- information about where you work;
- registration details of where you live.
If the applicant has changed their name, documents proving the change have to be produced. Everything must be as accurate as possible, because errors can slow the application down considerably.
Filing the application
The process begins with filing the naturalisation form. Most applicants now file electronically through the immigration service's official portal.
Once the application is registered, it begins to be considered. The immigration service checks the documents, confirms the applicant's identity and schedules the next stages of the procedure. Throughout, the status of the application can be followed through your online account.
Biometrics
Once the application has been accepted, the applicant is invited to have their biometric data taken.
The appointment collects:
- fingerprints;
- a photograph;
- an electronic signature.
The information is used to verify identity and to carry out the necessary security checks. The appointment itself does not take long and usually goes quite quickly.
The interview
One of the most important stages is the interview. At the meeting an immigration officer checks:
- the documents;
- the information given in the application;
- knowledge of English;
- readiness for citizenship.
Most of the questions concern the information given on the form. So it is worth rereading your own application carefully before the interview. The officer also assesses the applicant's ability to understand questions and answer them in English.
The English test
Almost every candidate has to prove a basic command of English.
What is tested:
- reading;
- writing;
- speaking.
The test is not considered difficult, but it does need preparation. Certain categories of applicant are exempt, depending on age and on how long they have held permanent resident status. The test on history and government
The second part of the assessment covers the history and the basics of the government of the United States.
The applicant is asked about:
- the Constitution;
- the rights of citizens;
- how the branches of government work;
- historical events;
- national symbols.
You can prepare in advance using the official list of questions published by the immigration service. Most candidates pass the test after a little preparation.
After a successful interview
If every stage has gone well, the immigration service decides to grant citizenship. The final stage is the oath ceremony. Until then the person remains a permanent resident. It is only after taking the oath that they officially become a US citizen.
The oath ceremony
At the ceremony the future citizens say the words of the oath of allegiance to the United States. They are then given a certificate of naturalisation. From that moment the person is entitled to obtain an American passport and to exercise all the rights of a citizen.
For many immigrants that day is the symbolic end of a long road of settling into and becoming part of a new country.
What it costs
The cost changes from time to time.
Normally you pay:
- the government fee;
- registration of the application;
- certain additional services (where needed).
Before filing, check the current fees on the immigration service's official website.
Possible reasons for refusal
Refusals are not common, but they do happen.
The main reasons are:
- errors in the documents;
- failure to meet the residence requirements;
- serious problems with the law;
- giving false information;
- insufficient knowledge of English;
- failing the test.
In many cases the applicant can go through the necessary stages again once the problems identified have been put right.
Useful advice
Before you begin, gather all your documents in advance, check the history of your trips and make sure your tax returns were filed correctly. It helps to start preparing for the English and US history tests early.
It is also worth filling in the application carefully and keeping copies of every document. If the situation looks complicated, it is better to consult a qualified immigration lawyer beforehand.
Becoming a US citizen is not only a legal procedure but an important stage in life. Despite the long list of requirements, most applicants get through the process successfully once they have prepared properly.
Knowing the rules, filling in the documents carefully and preparing for the interview in good time considerably improve your chances of obtaining American citizenship and open up new possibilities for the life, work and future of the whole family.
End of the article.
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