Understanding the Process of Becoming a US Citizen

The process of naturalization within the United States is one that requires perseverance and dedication. To apply for naturalization or citizenship in the US you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must first be admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident, otherwise known as getting a green card.
  • You must be 18 years or older.
  • You must have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years preceding your filing for citizenship. There are, however, exceptions to this requirement. If you are applying for citizenship due to your marriage to a U.S. citizen or are a political asylum-seeker, you must have only lived in the United States for 3 years.
    • You must have actually been physically present in the United States for at least half of those 5 years or 3 years, depending on your situation.
  • You must have lived in the state which you are filing for citizenship for at least 3 months prior to your filing.
  • You must have “good moral character”. This is reflected in your history before applying for citizenship; for example, whether or not you have a clean criminal record.
  • You must be able to read, write, and speak English.
  • You must be able to pass a test administered to you regarding United States' history and government.
  • And, finally, you must swear that you truly believe in the United States' Constitution and what it represents, as well as swearing that your loyalty will be to the United States.

As a completion of the naturalization process, USCIS will schedule an interview with you and the ultimate decision regarding your citizenship status will be mailed to you. It is typical that the exam would be taken the same day as your scheduled interview. The exam consists of two distinct components including the civics portion that evaluates one's knowledge on government and American history while the English portion evaluates one's ability to read, write, and speak in English. It is vital that you properly prepare yourself for both the exam and interview considering the test may only be taken twice.

The US naturalization process is most definitely not easy. It requires lots of preparation, time, studying, and expert advice. In order to save time, money, and effort, it is important consult legal experts in the field of immigration. Experts will be able to use their experience and knowledge to guide you through the entire process, making your application for US citizenship the best it could be.

It is advisable to seek legal guidance from our office today as we strive to help guide you with your specific case. 

Attorney Ramona Kennedy cares about your case and will fight for you.

You can contact attorney Ramona Kennedy Law Offices (Kennedy Law LC) for an initial consultation and case evaluation. The first consultation is free of charge. 

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