Becoming a U.S. citizen is a dream for many people around the world. It comes with many advantages, rights, and rewards, so it’s no surprise that so many people desire to relocate to the country. Many people will make significant sacrifices to immigrate to America and obtain citizenship. However, it takes a degree of planning—and in some cases, a bit of luck.
The process to become a U.S. citizen might be difficult. You must carefully consider what you are doing and that you know the process is clear to you. Therefore, you need to research and analyze a general overview of the citizenship application process. Before applying, it is essential that you meet all eligibility criteria and understand any exemptions or accommodations you are entitled to.
Many people find it challenging to obtain a tourist visa, let alone immigrate to the country and process a citizenship application. As a result, if you wish to become a U.S. citizen, you need to carefully evaluate factors such as fees, investment requirements, tax implications, and opportunity costs. Because immigration reform has been a hotly debated topic in the United States, you should also understand the possibility of modifications to U.S. policy on immigration in the coming years.
To help you understand the process, here are some questions you may be asking in your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen as well as their answers.
Can I Apply For an Immigrant Visa?
There are various types of immigrant visas to the United States. That includes those with family ties, certain types of employment, special immigrant status, and adoption. While the United States provides two sorts of visas: immigrant and non-immigrant, only the former allows you to apply for lawful permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.
If you are a fiancé/fiancée, husband/wife, or adopted child of a U.S. citizen, you can readily qualify for an immigrant visa. Close relatives of permanent residents, religious workers, former U.S. government employees from Iraq and Afghanistan can also apply. Furthermore, workers defined by preference categories and people who win the diversity lottery can gain eligibility for this visa type.
Can I Become a Green Card Holder?
Those who are able to obtain immigrant visas are given green cards that allow them the possibility of becoming lawful permanent residents or citizens of the United States. You must meet the eligibility requirements for one of the green card categories. That includes a specific type of job, investment, or part of those who lived in the U.S. before Jan.1, 1972. You are also eligible if you have an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen or a green card holder. If you have the status of being an extraordinary immigrant, a refugee or asylee, or a crime and human trafficking victim, you can also become a green card holder.
Should I Live as a Law Abiding Resident?
In your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen, you will need to learn English, American history, and democratic ideals in the country. You should avoid committing crimes and establish a track record of moral conduct. In most circumstances, you must be a valid permanent resident for at least five years before you can become a citizen. Spouses of U.S. citizens, on the other hand, have to wait three years.
What Criteria Should I Possess?
To begin, you must be at least 18 years old to become a U.S. citizen. Aside from becoming a lawful permanent resident, you must have lived in the United States for at least 30 months and be of sound moral character. You also need to demonstrate adherence to the values of the United States Constitution and a favorable attitude toward the country’s good order and happiness. Furthermore, you should be able to speak, read, write, and interpret English, at a basic level, as well as understand U.S. history and democratic values.
How Can I Apply For Citizenship?
Submit a fully completed Form N-400 application, along with all needed supporting papers and a fee. Take part in an interview with a USCIS officer. Attend your naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
Final Thoughts
Citizenship involves a process you must undertake to gain your certificate. There are rules you have to follow and plenty of processes to complete. However, the journey can be worth it because at the end of the day, it can provide you with more opportunities than ever before. Let this article guide and help you decide whether you want to embark on the journey of becoming a U.S. citizen.
Are you ready to start your way into becoming a U.S. citizen? Work with the best immigration attorney in San Diego today! Contact us now and make your American dream a reality!