People of different nationalities around the world dream of becoming a US citizen. This great American dream encompasses a higher standard of living and permanently getting away from the hustle of being an immigrant.
However, you must know the process of becoming a US citizen is immensely regulated, streamlined and strict. At the same time, if you are clear in your approach and follow certain instructions, you have nothing much to worry about.
Read along to know more on how to become a US citizen.
Naturalization
A permanent resident can become a citizen of the United States legally with the process called Naturalization. A permanent resident is usually eligible to get the nationality of the USA by applying for naturalization.
Eligibility Criteria for Naturalization
For your understanding, here is the complete eligibility criteria to apply for naturalization:
- At the time of application, you must be at least 18 years old.
- You should be a permanent resident of the US (a green card holder) for at least 5 years. Or for 3 years if your lawfully wedded spouse is a US citizen.
- You should have been present in the country for half of the period mentioned above i.e., two and half years if you are a permanent resident.
- You should demonstrate your efficacy with the English language. This includes having a basic ability to write, read and speak in English.
- You should be knowledgeable of basic history of the US and its Government as it will be appraised by a civics test.
Application Process
The first step of the application process is filing the Form N-400. The form can be filed through the USCIS online portal. After paying the filing fee, you will be required to attend a biometrics appointment for registration. The most important step of the process is the Interview. The interview generally involves English and Civics tests that you need to pass to get approval.
Becoming a Citizen of the United States: Top 4 Ways
There are four pathways foreign nationals can take to become a citizen of America. These include:
1. Citizenship after Permanent Residence
A person with a valid green card is eligible for naturalization, granted that they have been a permanent resident of the US for at least five years.
2. Citizenship through Marriage
If you get married to a US citizen, it does not automatically lead you towards US nationality. To become a citizen of the United States, you have to pass through a refined process. First and foremost, you must be a green card holder and married to a US citizen, to be eligible to apply for citizenship yourself. Moreover, you should be a permanent resident for at least three years.
3. Citizenship through Parents
A person becomes a citizen of the United States through parents in three major ways. However, the requirements and approval is dependent on the date of birth of the child, the legal status of citizenship of the parents, among other criteria.
The three major ways for citizenship through marriage are:
Acquisition
A child born outside of the US is naturally binding to acquire citizenship if one of the parents was a US citizen at the time of birth. The requirements regarding the duration of presence of the US parent is dependent on when the child was born. To illustrate, the parent of a child born after Nov 18, 1986 must have been present in the country for at least five years.
Child Citizenship Act
The Child Citizenship Act, 2000, states that a child is naturally standing for US citizenship, given that all the following requirements are met.
- The child is under the age of 18.
- The child is a permanent resident i.e., holds a green card.
- The legal custodian or parent of the child is a US citizen.
Being Born in the US
Under the 14th Amendment, any child who was born in the United States becomes a US citizen, regardless of the status of the parents’ citizenship or nationality. However, there are exceptions made to the children born to foreign diplomats.
4. Citizenship through Military
A person who has served in the US Military can apply for naturalization. The process and requirements of the application depend on whether the service was given during peacetime or at a time of hostility (wartime).
- For peacetime naturalization, the applicant must be a permanent resident for at least one year. Additionally, the applicant must apply for naturalization while in service or within six months of discharge from the service. If the person applies after six months, then he must fulfil the requirement of being a permanent resident for at least five years.
- For wartime naturalization, the applicant is not needed to fulfil any physical presence requirements. Moreover, the applicant can apply any time after getting released from the service.
Perks of Becoming a Citizen of the United States
Many reasons accumulate to form a greater picture of a country that is on the wish list for people around the world.
- A permanent status in the US
- No more fear of deportation
- Right to vote in federal elections
- Getting a US passport
- A chance to sponsor family members for green cards
Apply for US Citizenship with Documitra
After having read how to become a US citizen, you must have realized the American dream is not a distant destination anymore but a feasible reality. As detailed above, there are many ways on how to get citizenship in the US.
However, you must present the required documents in proper order, file the correct forms and get through the interview involving tests. The expert professionals at Documitra with years of experience are more than equipped and competent to help you with the entire process.. From documentation to preparing you for the interview, we make sure that you make a successful application for naturalization. So, why wait any longer? Apply for US Citizenship and become a citizen of the United States with Documitra now.
FAQs
Q. What are the top ways to get nationality in the USA?
There are four rudimentary pathways to become a citizen of America. These are:
- Citizenship after permanent residence
- Citizenship through marriage
- Citizenship through parents
- Citizenship through military
Q. Who is eligible for citizenship through marriage?
To get a US citizenship through marriage you must be a permanent resident of the USA for at least three years and married to a US citizen. Additionally, you should be able to demonstrate that your marriage is legitimate and recognised by the state. Also, the sponsoring spouse must be able to prove that they can financially support you.
Q. What are some of the reasons that can lead to rejection of the US citizenship application?
- You do not fulfill the presence requirements for permanent residence in the US. For instance, you have a green card but have not been present as a permanent resident in the US for eighteen months in the five year period.
- You have a criminal record or a history of fraudulent behaviour.
- You cannot demonstrate a good moral character. For instance, you give false testimony or give improper responses.
- You fail the English or Civics test at the interview.
- You refuse to take the oath of allegiance or demonstrate your loyalty to the United States.
