How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship

The terms are often used interchangeably, but they have different constitutional implications and requirements. In the legal point of view, these two mean different things. A U.S. citizen is automatically a U.S. national, but the reverse is sometimes untrue. U.S. citizens have less restrictions and more benefits than U.S. nationals. U.S. nationals can apply for citizenship after 3 months of physical presence or residency in the United States.

To be eligible for U.S. citizenship, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including being:

• At least 18 years old when you apply
• Able to read, write, and speak basic English (depending on age)
• Of good moral character
• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
• Demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. constitution
•  Be willing to take oath of allegiance
• Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States.

You must also be in one of these categories:

• Lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) of five years
• Married to a U.S. citizen
• U.S. military service member (active duty or veteran)
• Child of a U.S. citizen

The cost of U.S. citizenship for those who seek naturalization is currently $725. This fee includes a $640 processing fee and around $85 which goes into biometrics payments. This fee does not apply to applicants who have served in the U.S. military. Aged applicants older than 75 years are also exempted from the biometric fees.

Eligibility for naturalization generally depends on a number of factors:

• How long you’ve had your green card
• How long you’ve physically lived in the United States
• Whether you’ve served in the U.S. military (and if so, whether your service was during “peacetime” or “wartime”)
• Applicants holding a U.S. green card, who do not have any special circumstances are able to apply for U.S. citizenship. They need to wait 5 years after obtaining their green card to make an application for citizenship. Also, applicants are required to have lived in the U.S. for a period of 2.5 years or 30 months in the 5 years required.
• Residents who have constituted at least 3 years of marriage and have lived with their American citizen spouse within that period of time are eligible to apply for citizenship. They must apply only after 3 years of obtaining their U.S. green card. This category of applicants should have lived in the United States for a minimum period of 18 months or 1.5 years. Their spouse must also have been a U.S. citizen for a period of 3 years.
• Applicants who were living with their partners who died while serving in the U.S. military may apply for U.S. citizenship at any time. They are required to have their green card at any time of their citizenship application. There are no time constraints on when to have a green card for the purpose of this citizenship application. The only requirement is that applicants are living with their partners at the time of their death in the military service.
• Applicants who have served in the U.S. military for a least period of 12 months during peacetime are allowed to apply while in service.
• Applicants who have served in the U.S. military for less than a year of peacetime need to apply after 5 years of holding a green card.
• Applicants who have at least 12 months of military service during peacetime, and filing for citizenship 6 months after separating honorably from service need to have held a green card for a period of 5 years.
• Applicants who have served in the U.S. military for any period of time during wartime can apply for citizenship at any time.

Step 4: Oath of Allegiance

After your application is approved, you will attend a citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance.

You will normally receive a letter detailing the date, time, and location of the ceremony.

You’ll be asked to return your green card when you check in. Once the ceremony is over, you’ll receive a Certificate of Naturalization and become a fully-fledged U.S. citizen.

There are some key aspects of becoming a U.S. citizen that you should ensure that you’re aware of. Depending on your own personal circumstances, these may include the following:

• If you’re the citizen of a country that does not allow dual-citizenship, you may have to renounce your citizenship to that country before becoming naturalized as a U.S. citizen. The U.S. does allow dual citizenship however, so it is possible to be a U.S. citizen and a citizen of another country.
• You may be required to serve in the U.S. military. If you are a male U.S. citizen or green card holder and lived in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 25, you must normally register with the Selective Service System.
• You may need to carry out jury duty in the U.S. Only individuals who hold certain titles and positions, such as active-duty military service members, fire and police department workers and certain public government officers may be exempt. In addition, those aged 71 and older may also be exempt.
• You are required to file U.S. income tax returns, regardless of whether or not you’ll be living in the U.S.
• If you’ve been convicted of certain crimes such as immigration fraud, domestic violence or drug offences, this could negatively affect your chances of being approved to become a U.S. citizen. If this applies to you, it’s especially important to seek legal assistance before applying for naturalization by reaching out to us today on +1 844 290 6312 or contact us online.