USCIS is the centre for helping you with the naturalization process if and when you wish to take up US citizenship. Naturalization means becoming a US citizen, which you can do in other ways as well. You can become a US citizen if you are from outside the US and wish to spend your life there.
You can become a US citizen by birth or naturalization. If one of your parents is a US citizen, you can also become one. There are a total of 10 steps towards naturalization that you need to pass through before being absolved as a US citizen.
Read complete details of the naturalization process here.
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USCIS citizenship application
Here is what you must do to apply for USCIS citizenship:
- Visit the www.uscis.gov website and then tap on citizenship and then on “Apply for Citizenship”. Make sure you are ready with the necessary documents.
- Once you click on the Apply for citizenship link, you will move to the sign in segment. If you already do not have an account with them, you will have to create one.
- If you don’t have an account, you need to create one for yourself.
- After signing in, start filling in the required details which will revolve around your personal details, green card-related information, income, family, and your bank details. You will also need to mention more about your stay in a particular county or a state of your choice and other such essential questions carefully on your N-400 application form. Submit the online application form once you are done filling it.
USCIS application for citizenship requirements
The following application requirements for USCIS are;
- Your proof of green card holdership must be submitted.
- You need to submit your application fee proof, fee reduction proof, or waiver proof.
- You can prove your marital status by submitting copies of any of the following documents: a marriage certificate, divorce certificate, annulment certificate, or death certificate.
- A single status certificate or even a no-record certificate will work
- Identity proof with two passport-style photos
- Military service proof and medical disability proof
- If you wish to be represented by someone for the naturalization interview, you need to provide proof for them as well.
- Your travel records, including your passports and USCIS travel documents.
- An identification card issued by a specific state
- If you have changed your name, you need to bring those proofs with you for your interview.
During the interview, you must carry these certificates with you.
If these documents are insufficient, you may require others, such as;
- Your spouse’s US citizenship proof for the previous 3 years before filing the N-400 form.
- Termination of your marriage proof.
- Authentic marriage proof
- You have parental authority over your children.
- IRS proof for tax payments
- Your permanent residency status within the United States
- Proof of Selective Service Registration
- If you have had any prior run-ins with the law, you must provide proof of those as well.
Who qualify for US citizenship?
You will need to fulfill these below-listed qualifying requirements;
- You must hold the green card for a certain period, and you must live in the United States for a continuous period physically.
- To obtain US citizenship, one must be at least 18 years old.
- You must become a resident of a certain state where you wish to reside after naturalization.
- One needs to have a good moral character.
- You must have basic knowledge of US history and government.
- Basic spoken and English writing skills are a must.
- One must be ready for military service until a certain age or be willing to serve in the medical services if required.
- They need you to swear their allegiance to the United States.
Is USCIS processing citizenship applications?
They are regularly processing applications, and it takes almost 14.5 months for the naturalization application process to be completed. There are a few steps that can delay the application process. They are;
- Filling out the N-400 application form—on average, 14.5 months
- Attending and completing your biometrics appointment- more than a month
- Your citizenship interview and exam might take time- 4 months approximately
- Decision on your application time: 0-4 months
- Your allegiance oath and naturalization certificate receipt: Almost 1.5 months
- Income naturalization: 18.5 to 24 months
How much is the USCIS citizenship fee?
The USCIS fee varies depending on whether you are an immigrant or a non-immigrant and ranges between $4000 and $12000. There are several fees, including the filing fee and the petition fee.
The petition fee for a nonimmigrant worker is $460, and an immigrant worker will also need to pay.
| USCIS Fee Types | Immigrant Fee | Non-immigrant Fee |
| Petition Fees | $700 | $460 |
| Legal Fees | $3,000-$4000 ((Fees can range from $800 to $1,500, and a family may require between $800 and $1,500) | $3,000-$4000 (Fees can range from $800 to $1,500, and a family may require between $800 and $1,500.) |
| Medical Costs | Vaccines like measles, mumps, and polio must be passed on. | Vaccination costs for measles, mumps, and polio must be born. |
| Naturalization Process | $725, including $640 for application processing & $85 for biometrics services. | $640 for application processing & $85 for biometrics services |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can USCIS revoke citizenship?
Yes, if you do not wish to continue any longer with your US citizenship, you can revoke it. There is a detailed process involved, and you need to complete it before you give up your US citizenship.
Can USCIS waive citizenship interview?
Yes, the agency officer can waive the USCIS citizenship interview if they feel there is ample proof of marriage with no fraudulent or misrepresented documents. if there is nothing complicated, no criminal history, and no issues to resolve.
How long does USCIS take for citizenship?
It can take anywhere between 18 and 24 months to obtain citizenship and be naturalized.
What happens after USCIS citizenship interview?
You must take an allegiance oath and have your income naturalized. The USCIS citizenship certificate arrives shortly after you receive the certificate from them.
How long does USCIS citizenship interview take?
Time frames for USCIS citizenship application interview vary with each interviewee, and ideally they can last anywhere between 20 and 40 minutes.
Conclusion
Here is everything you must know if you want to apply for USCIS citizenship application. If you do not want to get stuck in the process, you must make sure to submit all authentic documents. Also, ensure your interview goes clean and there is nothing suspicious about you in front of them.
