If you want to become a United States citizen, you will need to go through the U.S. citizenship application process. The good news is that there is more than one way of becoming a U.S. citizen depending on your situation and what you could be eligible for. In this article, we will be discussing the process of U.S. citizenship, the different pathways to citizenship, filing costs, and how to determine whether or not you are eligible.
The Process of U.S. Citizenship
The United States has provided several different avenues that immigrants can take that provides a fast track to U.S. citizenship. It’s important to understand what your options are since not everybody is going to be eligible for the same citizenship options.
Before you begin looking into the citizenship process in the U.S., you need to take the additional step of hiring an immigration attorney. An immigration attorney can help you understand what your best option is and how you can start the application process. They will also be there to help if you run into any issues, such as needing to provide additional information to prove that you are eligible.
Keep in mind that the basic eligibility requirements for filing for naturalization are going to be the same no matter what pathway you take. These eligibility requirements include:
- Being 18 years old or older.
- Being a lawful permanent resident when filing form N-400.
- Have basic knowledge and understanding of United States civics.
- Have an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read and write.
- Have a good moral character.
- Show continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years before filing form N-400.
- Have proof showing you have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the five years before filing form N-400.
- Demonstrate that you have lived for at least three months in the USCIS district or state that has jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Now that you know what the requirements are for naturalization, here are some of the best options if you want a fast track to U.S. citizenship.
Marriage-Based Citizenship
One legal process to become a U.S. citizen is to marry a U.S. citizen or someone who is a green card holder living in the United States. This is an option that requires a few different steps since you will need to first apply for a marriage-based green card. Once you are granted a green card and have permanent resident status, you can apply for U.S. citizenship.
To qualify for a marriage-based green card, you have to be sponsored by a family member, which, in this case, would be your spouse. They will also have to agree to an Affidavit of Support, which means that they are taking financial responsibility for you.
Other requirements for citizenship through marriage include:
- Living in marital union with the U.S. spouse for three years preceding the naturalization application.
- Continue with the marriage and tell you to take the oath of allegiance.
You should also be prepared to pay the $760 filing fee if you are filing by paper or the $710 fee if you are filing online.
Green Card Holder
Similar to the process of U.S. citizenship through marriage, you can also become a U.S. citizen without marrying a U.S. citizen while still getting a green card. This is one of the most straightforward options that the majority of immigrants use when pursuing naturalization.
However, like becoming a citizen through marriage, there are multiple steps to this process since getting a green card does not equal citizenship. Once you have been a lawful permanent resident or a green card holder for five years, you will be eligible for U.S. citizenship.
The most common type of green card is a family-based green card, which requires you to have a family member as a sponsor. However, you can also get an employment-based green card if there is an employer in the United States willing to sponsor you. The filing fee for getting a green card is $3005 for applicants applying from within the U.S. and $1340 for applicants living outside the U.S.
Keep in mind that this filing fee does not include the cost of filing form N-400 for naturalization.
Birthright Citizenship
There are many steps to take to become a citizen of the United States, but some are easier than others. For instance, birthright citizenship is a path to citizenship that applies to anyone who is born within the United States territory or has at least one U.S. citizen parent at the time of their birth. They are automatically born with citizenship to the United States, giving them all of the benefits of being a citizen without having to actually apply for naturalization.
Military Service
If you have served in the U.S. armed forces, you can easily begin the process of becoming a citizen of the United States. Those who have served in the military may be eligible for naturalization under special provisions provided by the Immigration and Nationality Act. A benefit to this option is that the residency requirements are not as strict since a foreign born service member qualifies after just one year of honorable service.
Military members have to meet the requirements for naturalization, which have already been mentioned above, except for the requirements regarding residency. Another benefit of the legal process to become a U.S. citizen through military service is that all of the fees related to naturalization are waived for members of the U.S. military including the $85 biometrics fee.
You will need to gather information regarding your military service to prove that you have served at least one year. To ensure you have all the documentation you need, you should hire an immigration attorney to help you with the filing process.
Hire an Immigration Attorney Today
Are you ready to start the citizenship process in the U.S.? Contact us today at U.S. Immigration Law Counsel at 800-666-4996 to speak with an immigration attorney about your case. We will deal with the government, so you don’t have to!
