US Citizenship FAQs

Firstly, anyone wanting to become a US citizen must submit the N-400 application form to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), providing all of the required information and documents.

When the application has been received, the next step is to attend the appointments for US naturalization. The first stage is the biometrics appointment, where the applicant’s identity and background is verified. After this, the English language and civics tests will be arranged.

Following on from the tests, the applicant must await the decision of USCIS, which can take up to 4 months. At this time, the results of the tests will be revealed to the applicant.

Individuals who successfully pass the tests, and are approved by USCIS, must prepare to take the Oath of Allegiance at the Oath Ceremony. When this stage is complete, a naturalization certificate will be handed to the new US citizen.

For more information on what the US citizenship application entails, get in touch with IAS on +1 844 290 6312.

Yes, a thorough background check is carried out by the USCIS for all naturalization applicants. As well as checking for criminal records, the USCIS investigates identity and residency, implements FBI fingerprinting and reviews immigration records.

Background check appointments are scheduled after an application is received  and they take place before the US citizenship tests.

US citizenship applicants have a much better chance of gaining citizenship if they have not been outside of the US for six months or longer, since they have resided in the country. Temporary travel is permitted, but applicants must not be outside of the US for more than six months within one year.

If the applicant traveled for 6-12 months, there is a risk to their application, but it may still be approved. If they traveled for over 12 months, their application will be denied.

The Oath of Allegiance is a series of promises that an individual must make before they are accepted as a US citizen. They must commit to defending the Constitution, taking part in military service if required by the law, and demonstrating loyalty to the United States. The exact wording of the oath can be found on the USCIS website.

As the applicant reads the Oath of Allegiance aloud, they must place their hand on their heart. It is not obligatory to commit the oath to memory, as the script will be provided.

Applicants are informed of the documentation they need to provide when they submit their naturalization application.

A form of identification, such as a passport, state identification card, or driver’s license, is required. All valid and expired passports and travel documents relating to absences from the US must be taken to the interview.

As well as this, applicants must bring their appointment notice, the I-551 form and their permanent resident card.

There are no exceptions to these requirements, and individuals who arrive to the appointment without these documents could be denied US citizenship.

All of the information provided in your application must be detailed and accurate. For example, changes to appearance (e.g. dyed hair) must be recorded. The subjects that will be covered are:

• Personal details – such as name, date of birth and social security number.
• Physical attributes – including their hair color, eye color, height and weight.
• Family history – information such as names and birthplaces of their parents.
• Relationship history – individuals who are married, or who have children, must state this as part of the application. Previous marriages must also be recorded here.
• Military service – questions relating to the time of service and the length of service if applicable
• Immigration status – details of past visas or Green Card applications.
• Trips abroad – details of travel and the purpose of travel such as business, personal etc.
• Residential history – evidence of current residence and any past addresses in the US.
• Employment and education history – information on schooling and training including qualifications relating to the English language must also be included. Plus all details of current or previous employment.
• Income tax obligations – details of income tax payments including previous tax returns.
• Personal ethics  – USCIS will primarily investigate the applicant’s morality in the five years prior to their application, but previous years will also be taken into account.
• Affiliations and memberships – applicants who are part of subversive groups will not be able to complete the naturalization process.If the group does not violate the Constitution, it does not harm the application to make reference to membership.
• Legal issues  – this includes criminal convictions, court appearances and arrests.

There are many possible consequences of lying to an immigration officer during the US naturalization process, and all of them pose serious risk to the applicant’s right to reside in the US. Some possible consequences of a false application are: criminal charges, denied or revoked citizenship and deportation.

The majority of Green Card holders must wait 5 years before applying for US citizenship. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as:

• Refugees – All of the time spent in the US by a refugee counts towards the minimum five year period. This means that even if a refugee gets a Green Card after one year, their first year in the US represents their first qualifying year for citizenship.
• Asylees are only required to wait four years after getting US residence to apply for citizenship.
• Spouses of US citizens – Anyone who is married to a US citizen, and has been living with them, only has to wait three years before applying for naturalization.

Military members (including ex-members), or spouses of military members who died in service – Military members who have served for at least a year can pursue Peacetime Naturalization, which has a waiting time of one year, as opposed to five years. If a military member joins the forces at a time of war, they can apply for citizenship after just one day of service.