Today we start looking at what do we need to become an American citizen, aka the naturalization process.
First of all, there are several ways to obtain citizenship: at birth, or after birth. To know more you can visit the government website. Here I will focus on how to obtain citizenship through naturalization, after birth.
Start this process by reading the guide to naturalization (full PDF here) where you will be able to get an idea of the whole process, the requirements and the benefits.
Following there is a copy of the requirements and benefits from the American Immigration Center website (which is a commercial web, not from the government) in which I marked in bold the key elements:
"Lawful Permanent residents (Green Card holders) whose Green Card has been valid during the 5 years prior can file for US citizenship. [...] If you are married to a US citizen, you may apply for US citizenship after 3 years with a valid Green Card. There are exceptions. If an applicant has served in the United States Armed Forces during war, that individual may obtain citizenship without first becoming a permanent resident if he or she was in the United States upon enlistment into the US military. A completed Form N-400 (US Citizenship Application) is the required form; it must be filed along with photos and supporting documents. Becoming a US citizen has many advantages. File today for US Citizenship, and don't wait to process your naturalization and immigration forms.
Advantages of U.S. Citizenship
- Right to vote: The ability to elect the leaders of this nation is an exclusive right of US citizens. Becoming one of them gives you the right to vote in federal elections. Get a voice!
- Reunite your family in the United States: To promote family unity, US citizens and legal residents are allowed to petition for certain qualified relatives to come and live permanently in the United States. Usually, only US citizens get priority when petitioning for loved ones. Bring your family to the US!
- Obtain citizenship for children born abroad: If you are a US citizen and your child was born outside of the country, he or she could become a US citizen automatically.
- Ability to travel freely across US borders: Enjoy all the benefits of overseas travel with a US passport! Get assistance from the US government and feel protected during your trips! Remember that as a US citizen the amount of time you spend outside the country is not restricted. Permanent Residents, on the other hand, may lose their status if they leave the country for a certain period of time.
- Collect benefits: Take advantage of US benefits like social security and Medicare.
- Become a federal employee: To be eligible for most federal jobs you need to be a US citizen. You can apply and enjoy the benefits of being a federal worker!
- Become an elected official: Most elected posts in this country require US citizenship. Get the right to participate!"
If you want to know if you qualify to obtain American citizenship you can read the requirements on the guide to naturalization or fill a free quiz here (also part of the comercial website). Now, as you finish the quiz do NOT start the application with this company, you will have to pay $199 for their services, which are not necessary. You may opt to pay for their help, but as seen on the online reviews they do not seem to be of much help at all. Also, you can do the whole process on your own without having to pay that amount.
Summing up, to qualify for American citizenship this way you have to be 18 years old or older and have a Green Card valid for at least 5 years, or 3 if you are married to an American citizen (**The process can be started 3 months before the 5 or the 3 years are met).
What is needed is to fill the N-400 form, pay the fees (680$ in January of 2016), 2 passport pictures, copies of the marriage certificate/divorce/widowe, green card, background check, tax returns... biometrics, an interview, a test, and an oath.
The next post will focus on how to start the application process with the N-400 form
See you soon!
Updated on January 2016
