Naturalization is the legal means by which immigrants become U.S. citizens. It permits green card holders (permanent residents) and other individuals with the right to become U.S. citizens after meeting certain conditions specified by the U.S. government. You get many advantages from naturalization, including voting rights, federal jobs, and other government benefits. This can be granted to immigrants who meet specific conditions, such as living in the United States for a set amount of years or having completed military service.
Naturalization vs. Citizenship: What’s the Difference?
Naturalization and citizenship have often been equated, but they are two different things. It’s a state that’s a citizen of a country. You can be a citizen by birth or naturalization. Naturalization: Naturalization is the legal initiation of a foreign national into the nation. The point is, naturalization is citizenship but it is not citizen. It’s forming one.
Once you are an American citizen, you have access to all kinds of rights and duties — voting rights, being on a jury, and full protection under US law.
How Long Does It Take To Become a U.S. Citizen?
The process for naturalization to U.S. citizenship can take some time, but an application for citizenship takes an average of 4.9 months. It involves filling out the application, sitting for an interview, passing a citizenship exam, and swearing the Oath of Allegiance. But there are sometimes delays, depending on your case and U.S. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) workload.
Where Do I Sign Up To Be a U.S. Citizen The Fastest?
You can naturalize as soon as you’re married to a U.S. citizen and not five years after becoming a permanent resident but in three. Even active-duty military personnel can receive naturalization faster, and may even get rid of the residency requirements altogether.
We at Law and Visas are here to help you during each phase of naturalization from your first citizenship application to your last Oath of Allegiance.
How Much Does Naturalization Cost?
The government filing fee for a naturalization application is now $760.
But there are some discounts and exceptions:
There is no application fee for the military personnel.
You get a $50 discount if you apply online with USCIS.
Furthermore, Law and Visas has flexible payment plan so you can pay for your application fees in installments. Find out how you can pay and how we can help you along the way.
Who is Eligible for Naturalization?
There are qualifications to be considered for naturalization based on factors such as your residence, time in the U.S., and military service. Here’s a guide to help you figure out when you can become a U.S. citizen:
Green card holders (no exemptions): You’ve been living in the United States for 5 years at least (30 months of residing physically) and then you can apply for citizenship.
Those with a Green Card married to a US citizen: You may be naturalized after 3 years of marriage if you’ve been married for at least 3 years and stayed with your spouse.
United States citizen widows or widowers: If your spouse was a U.S. citizen who died while honorably in the military, you can apply to be a citizen at any time even if you’ve held your green card for a certain amount of time.
Army and Air Force veterans: If you served in the U.S. Armed Forces, you might be eligible to naturalize earlier or even while still on active duty.
Eligibility Criteria at a Glance
Here is a quick summary of eligibility based on different circumstances:
| If you are a… | And you’ve lived in the U.S. for at least… | You can apply for naturalization… |
| Green card holder (no special circumstances) | 30 months (2.5 years) | After 5 years |
| Green card holder married to a U.S. citizen | 18 months (1.5 years) | After 3 years |
| Widow or widower of a U.S. citizen | No requirement | Anytime |
| Green card holder with peacetime military service | No requirement | While on active duty or within 6 months after separation |
| Green card holder with wartime military service | No requirement | Anytime |
Key Naturalization Requirements
In addition to meeting the residency or military service requirements, you must also fulfill other basic eligibility conditions:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Residency: You must not have taken trips lasting 6 months or longer outside of the U.S. during your residency period.
- State Residency: You must have lived in the state where you are applying for at least 3 months.
- Good Moral Character: You must demonstrate good moral character, meaning you have not committed certain crimes or lied to the U.S. government.
- Pass the Citizenship Test: You must pass both an English language test (reading, writing, and speaking) and a civics test (covering U.S. history and government).
- Oath of Allegiance: You must be willing to swear allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.
Exceptions for Older Applicants or Those with Disabilities
There are exceptions for applicants who are:
- Aged 50 or older and have lived in the U.S. as a green card holder for at least 20 years.
- Aged 55 or older and have lived in the U.S. for at least 15 years.
- Aged 65 or older and have lived in the U.S. for at least 20 years.
These applicants may be exempt from the English test but must still take the civics test.
If you have a disability that impacts your ability to take the tests, you can request an exemption by filing Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, signed by a physician.
What if You Can’t Afford the Filing Fee?
If you’re unable to pay the filing fee due to financial hardship, you may be eligible for a fee waiver or reduction. Check with Law and Visas for more information on how to apply for a fee waiver.
Naturalization is a significant milestone in an immigrant’s journey to becoming a U.S. citizen. It requires careful preparation, adherence to eligibility criteria, and a commitment to fulfilling all legal obligations. At Law and Visas, we offer personalized support to guide you through the entire process, ensuring you understand each step and meet all requirements.
How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship: A Simple Guide
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone, and the process, known as naturalization, involves several key steps. If you’re wondering how to become a U.S. citizen, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process to help you understand each stage and what you need to do. Be sure to also check out our detailed guide on the U.S. citizenship timeline for a better idea of when each step takes place.
Step 1: Submit Your Naturalization Application
The first step in applying for U.S. citizenship is to submit an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) along with the filing fee (unless you qualify for a fee reduction or exemption). You can fill out this application either online or on paper. If you choose to file online, you will first need to create an account with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
However, if you’re applying based on military service, from abroad, or for a fee waiver, you will need to mail your application to the appropriate USCIS office instead of applying online.
90-Day Early Filing Rule
You can submit your N-400 application up to 90 days before reaching the three- or five-year wait period required for green card holders. While filing early helps you get ahead in the application process, you must still wait the full three or five years before you can officially become a U.S. citizen.
Step 2: Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, the next step is to attend a biometrics appointment. This means getting your fingerprints taken at your local USCIS field office. The fingerprinting is essential for conducting a background check. Typically, this appointment will take place about a month after USCIS receives your application.
Step 3: Citizenship Interview and Exam
The Interview
The citizenship interview usually happens around 14 months after you file your application. Keep in mind that the exact processing time may vary depending on the USCIS office handling your case.
During the interview, a USCIS officer will verify the information you’ve provided on your application. If you’re applying from abroad, your interview will be held at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are in the military, your interview may be at a military facility.
The Exam
The citizenship interview is also known as the citizenship “exam” because you’ll also take two tests: the English language test and the civics test.
- English Test: This will test your ability to read, write, and speak English.
- Civics Test: This will assess your knowledge of U.S. history and government.
Don’t worry! These tests are straightforward, and USCIS provides study materials to help you prepare. You will have two opportunities to take the tests—once during your interview and again if you need to retake any portion.
If you pass both the interview and the tests, the USCIS officer will approve your application. In some cases, they may ask for more documents or schedule a second interview. If you fail, USCIS will send you a denial letter, but you can appeal their decision or reapply.
Step 4: The Oath of Allegiance
Once USCIS approves your application, the final step is the Oath of Allegiance ceremony. This is the final requirement to officially become a U.S. citizen.
After your interview, you will receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and location of the ceremony, which is typically held at a local courthouse or USCIS office. The time to schedule this ceremony may vary by state.
At the ceremony, you’ll return your green card, and in exchange, you’ll receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Once this is done, you’re officially a U.S. citizen!
Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
Once you have your Certificate of Naturalization, you’ll enjoy many benefits that were unavailable to you as a green card holder. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Voting Rights
As a U.S. citizen, you can vote in federal elections and make an impact on the country’s future. Green card holders may be able to vote in some local elections, but U.S. citizenship gives you a voice on the national level. - Eligibility to Run for Office
If you’ve ever dreamed of running for office, U.S. citizenship makes that possible. Only U.S. citizens can run for most government positions. - No More Immigration Forms
Once you’re a U.S. citizen, you no longer need to file forms like you did as a green card holder. That means no more green card renewals or updates with USCIS. - Job Opportunities
U.S. citizens are eligible to work for the federal government, which often offers higher salaries and better benefits compared to private-sector jobs. - Access to Government Benefits
As a U.S. citizen, you can access federal programs such as Social Security and Medicare, as well as apply for federal college aid. - No Risk of Deportation
Unlike green card holders, U.S. citizens cannot be deported. This gives you peace of mind knowing your status in the country is secure. - Sponsor Relatives
U.S. citizens can sponsor certain family members, like siblings and parents, to apply for permanent residency. - Automatic Citizenship for Children
If you become a U.S. citizen, your children will automatically gain citizenship, even if they were born outside the U.S. - U.S. Passport
As a U.S. citizen, you’ll be entitled to a U.S. passport, which grants you visa-free access to many countries around the world. Additionally, if you’re in an emergency abroad, you’ll have support from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Special Considerations Before Applying for Naturalization
Before you start the naturalization process, there are a few responsibilities you should be aware of as a potential U.S. citizen:
- Dual Citizenship
Some countries may require you to renounce your current citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen. While the U.S. allows dual citizenship, it’s important to check if your home country does as well. - Military Service
Although the U.S. no longer has mandatory military service, it’s important to know that you may be called to serve if a draft is reinstated. - Jury Duty
U.S. citizens may be called to serve on a jury. While certain groups, like the elderly or active-duty military personnel, are exempt, jury duty is a requirement for most citizens. - Tax Responsibility
As a U.S. citizen, you must file U.S. income taxes, regardless of where you live. However, you may be able to exclude up to $100,000 of your foreign income from U.S. taxes. - Criminal Background
It’s crucial to ensure you meet all the requirements for naturalization, especially if you have a criminal record. Crimes like immigration fraud or domestic violence can affect your eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Naturalization
What is a naturalized citizen?
A naturalized citizen is someone who was born outside the United States and has gone through the naturalization process to obtain U.S. citizenship.
What’s the difference between naturalization and citizenship?
Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Citizenship refers to the status of being a U.S. citizen, whether by birth or through naturalization.
Do I need a green card before applying for naturalization?
Yes, most applicants must hold a green card (permanent resident status) for at least 3-5 years before applying for citizenship.
What is the difference between peacetime and wartime naturalization?
Wartime naturalization applies to individuals who served in the U.S. military during designated periods of conflict, like World War I or the Vietnam War. Peacetime naturalization refers to any other time, where a military service member can apply for citizenship after serving at least one year.
Do I need a lawyer to become a U.S. citizen?
While it’s not required to have an immigration lawyer, hiring one can help ensure that your application is complete and correct, avoiding unnecessary delays or rejections.
By following these steps and understanding the benefits and responsibilities, you’re well on your way to becoming a U.S. citizen. If you need help or have any questions, reach out to our team at Law and Visas. We offer expert guidance to help make the naturalization process as smooth as possible.
