Naturalization and passport application
There are various pathways to obtaining U.S. citizenship based on individual circumstances. The most common methods include:
Naturalization, which is available to those who have been lawful permanent residents in the U.S. for certain period of time, and
Citizenship by acquisition, which applies to children born outside the U.S. to U.S. citizen parents.
1. Naturalization
Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
There are slight differences in requirements in the subcategories listed below. For better orientation, we have divided them as follows;
- I am a Lawful Permanent Resident of 5 Years
Naturalization is the way that a noncitizen not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen. The most common path to U.S. citizenship through naturalization is being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years.
- I am Married to a U.S. Citizen
Spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify for naturalization based on their marriage. They can apply under the standard naturalization mentioned above, which require at least five years of residency in the U.S. However, there are special provisions that allow them to naturalize after just three years of residency as an LPR, instead of the usual five-year requirement.
- I am Serving in the U.S. Military
If you are serving or have served in the U.S. armed forces and are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
2. Acquisition of citizenship
Acquisition of citizenship applies to children born outside the United States to parents who are citizens of the United States. Citizenship can be acquired either at birth or after birth but before the age of 18.
- I am a Child of a U.S. Citizen
United States laws allow for children to acquire U.S. citizenship other than through birth in the United States. Children who were born outside of the United States to a U.S. citizen parent or parents may acquire or derive U.S. citizenship at birth. Persons, including adopted children, may also acquire citizenship after birth, but before the age of 18, through their U.S. citizen parents.
Naturalization Process
The process of naturalization to become a U.S. citizen consists of 4 main steps:
1. File Form N-400
The N-400 is the Application for Naturalization. This form must be filed out with USCIS in order to apply for naturalization. The N-400 may be completed online or by paper application.
In order to apply for naturalization, you must submit multiple documents along with your Form N-400. The documents you will need depend on your particular case. Here is a general list which includes some of the documents you may need to include with your application:
- 2 Passport Photos
- Copy of Green Card (Form I-551)
- Copy of Driver’s License
- Copy of Your Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
2. Attend Biometrics Appointment
About 4 to 6 weeks after filing the Form N-400, you will receive a notice in the mail to attend a mandatory biometrics appointment. At the biometrics appointment, you will have your fingerprints taken digitally.
3. Attend Naturalization Interview
A few months after submitting your Form N-400 and completing the biometrics appointment, you will be scheduled for a naturalization interview. During this interview, you will need to respond to a range of questions regarding your naturalization application (Form N-400). Additionally, you will take both the English proficiency test and the civics test at this time.
It is important to bring specific required documents with you to the naturalization interview.
- Green Card
- State-Issued I.D. Card or Driver’s License
- Passport
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Evidence of Name Change (if applicable)
- Tax Returns for the Past 5 Years (or 3 Years in Certain Cases)
- Evidence that you maintained continuous residence in the U.S.
4. Oath of Allegiance Ceremony
Approximately 2 to 4 weeks following your successful naturalization interview, you will need to take the Oath of Allegiance. During this ceremony, you will pledge to support and defend the Constitution, among other commitments. After taking the Oath of Allegiance, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
The entire naturalization process usually takes about 10 to 14 months, although the timeline may vary based on the jurisdiction where you submit your application.
Becoming a U.S. citizen is an exciting milestone, but the process can also be overwhelming and confusing. If you have any questions regarding the paperwork or need assistance with your naturalization application, please feel free to email or contact us. We would be happy to answer your questions.
We can assist with paperwork and application process!