Eligibility
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application;
- Have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which naturalization category you are applying under);
- Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
What can disqualify you from naturalization?
You have been convicted of or admitted to a crime involving moral turpitude, such as fraud. You spent 180 days or more in jail or prison for any crime. You committed any crime related to illegal drugs other than a single offense involving 30 grams or less of marijuana.
What are the 5 main requirements for becoming a naturalized citizen?
All naturalization applicants must meet a number of filing requirements, described below.
- Age. …
- Residency. …
- Residence and Physical Presence. …
- Good Moral Character. …
- Attachment to the Constitution. …
- Language. …
- U.S. Government and History Knowledge. …
- Oath of Allegiance.
What is the fastest way to get US citizenship?
Expedited Naturalization by Marriage
- Hold a green card for three years;
- Be married to and living with your US citizen spouse for three years;
- Live within the state that you’re applying in for three months; and.
- Meet all other requirements for US citizenship.
How long does it take to become a US citizen in 2020?
The average processing time for citizenship (naturalization) applications is 8 months as of May 31, 2020. However, that’s just how long it takes USCIS to process Form N-400. The entire naturalization process has several steps and takes an average of 15 months.
What crimes affect citizenship?
Crimes that Result in a Permanent Automatic Bar to Citizenship
- Rape.
- Drug trafficking.
- Any crime of violence or theft that can be punished by a year or more of incarceration.
- DUI (sometimes)
- Sex with a partner who is under the age of consent (18 in some states, including California)
- Money laundering over $10,000.
Does bad credit affect citizenship application?
In the past, debt and bankruptcy wouldn’t impact your ability to become a permanent resident or citizen. … Immigrants applying for a visa, green card, or citizenship should aim for a credit score “near or slightly above” the national average, according to the new rule. The average credit score is 706, according to FICO.
Is naturalization and citizenship the same?
But both the documents are not the same. A US citizenship certificate is granted to a person who acquires or derives citizenship from his US citizen parents. But a certificate of naturalization is granted to a person who becomes a citizen of America through naturalization.
How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen in 2021?
The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.
What are the 2 ways to become a natural born citizen?
There are two ways to become a United States (U.S.) citizen – by birth or through naturalization.
Who can defend denaturalization?
The right attorney for a denaturalization case is not someone looking to sign up every person that walks through their door. The right attorney for a denaturalization case is one that has the proper experience, time, and resources to put into defending your case against the power of the government.
Is denaturalization legal?
Although rare, it is possible for a naturalized U.S. citizen to have their citizenship stripped through a process called “denaturalization.” Former citizens who are denaturalized are subject to removal (deportation) from the United States.
What is the difference between expatriation and denaturalization?
Expatriation is the voluntary abandonment of citizenship, while denaturalization is the revocation of naturalization and citizenship by the government. In the past, denaturalization proceedings were rare and usually brought only against alleged war criminals and in other extreme cases.
Can I renew my green card if my citizenship is denied?
Certainly, there are many people who have applied for citizenship, not received their citizenship, and have maintained their green card. … You might need to renew your green card because it might have expired, but typically, you are going to be allowed to stay in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
How often is citizenship denied?
Citizenship Denials and Delays. Even though the N-400 naturalization form is one of the least complicated aspects of immigration, a sizeable 10% of applicants find that they’ve been denied citizenship each year. If you’ve received a citizenship application denial or a delay, it can be easy to panic.
Why do immigrants get denied citizenship?
Having A Criminal Record
Some criminal offenses (though not all) can be reason for an automatic denial of citizenship. Any crime committed by someone who is trying to become a citizen is grounds for an immediate hearing with the immigration court for deportation.
How far back does immigration check?
If your fingerprints show you have a criminal record, a full report which contains your full criminal history (known as the RAP sheet) will be sent to the USCIS. Your fingerprints will be valid for 15 months from the date of processing by the FBI.
Can I apply for citizenship if I have a criminal record?
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) generally allows individuals with criminal convictions to apply for citizenship. … After they process your application, a USCIS officer will weigh the severity of your crimes against your “good moral character.”
Can I lose my citizenship if I commit a crime?
A felony conviction can affect citizenship in two ways. 1) A naturalized US citizen can lose their citizenship if they concealed this criminal history during the naturalization process. 2) A citizen who is convicted of a felony may lose some of their rights while incarcerated as well as after their release.
Can citizenship be denied after passing interview?
If you received a notice stating that your N-400 was denied after the interview, this means that the USCIS officer has found you ineligible for naturalization. The USCIS policy manual on naturalization lists nine grounds that the USCIS officer may deny your application.
How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen in 2021?
The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14.5 months, as of June, 2021. But that’s just the application processing wait time (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below).
How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen?
Currently it costs $725 to become a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process (for most applicants). However, some individuals may qualify for a fee waiver. When filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, you must pay two separate fees: an application fee and a biometric services fee.