Discover The Steps To Achieving Your American Dream And Becoming A US Citizen
Want to make your American dream come true? Want to know the steps to become a U.S. Citizen? We will discuss here the steps to becoming a US citizen in New Jersey.
For many immigrants, becoming a citizen of the United States is a great accomplishment. The benefits of becoming a citizen are extensive and include everything from the capacity to sponsor family members for immigration to the right to vote and hold public office. Also, having citizenship gives one a sense of security because it protects one from deportation and presents a wealth of chances for both personal and professional development.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the steps for gaining US citizenship and delve into the many advantages that come with it.
- Know if you are eligible to be a US Citizen
- Prepare and submit your N-400 form
- Attend your Biometrics appointment
- Attend and complete the interview
- Wait for the decision from USCIS about your Form N-400
- Wait for the notice to take the Oath of Allegiance
- Understand US Citizenship
Hiring our immigration lawyer at Andres Mejer Law can be quite helpful while navigating the difficult process of becoming a US citizen. Our familiarity with immigration laws can ensure that your application is submitted appropriately and quickly, lowering the possibility of delays or rejections. To improve your chances of approval, contact our law office today.
Step 1: Know Who Are Eligible
It is difficult to become a citizen and there are strict requirements that must be met. You must pass a civics test, be a lawful permanent resident, and meet other conditions before you may become a citizen of the United States.
Here are some basic eligibility criteria to qualify to be a naturalized US Citizen
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing the application
- Must be a permanent resident of the USA (Green Card), for at least 5 years
- Must have spent at least half of the five (or three) years immediately before your application physically residing in the United States
- Before submitting your application, you must have continuously lived in the US as a permanent resident for at least five years
- Must provide evidence that for the five years before making a citizenship application, you have been a person of good moral character
- Must be able to read, write, and speak basic English
- Must complete a civics exam to prove your familiarity with American history and government
- Must take an oath of allegiance to the United States
Step 2: Prepare And Submit Your N-400 Form
Submit the N-400 form to apply for naturalization if you are a lawful permanent resident of the US and meet the criteria for citizenship.
Here are important things to remember about the N-400 Form:
- The N-400 form is available online, start by creating an account
- Read the instructions carefully and complete all important parts
- Have all the necessary documents to show you are eligible to become US Citizen
- Get 2 passport-style photos taken if you live outside of the US
- The fee can be paid online
- Once you submit Form N-400, USCIS will send you a receipt notice
Step 3: Attend To Your Biometrics Appointment
An important stage in the citizenship application process is showing up for a biometrics session. The U.S. uses the biometrics appointment, which is a requirement in the application procedure. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will compile the data required to process your application.
Please remember that:
- Your biometrics appointment’s date, time, and location will be listed in an appointment notice that USCIS will send to you
- At the appointed time, show up at the specified spot
Step 4: Attend And Complete The Interview
An important phase in the process of becoming a citizen of the United States is the interview. You will be given a day and time for an interview with a USCIS officer after your application has been assessed and your biometrics have been collected.
The interview’s objectives are to determine your suitability for citizenship and gauge your command of both the English language and American civics. To advance in the application process, you must attend and complete the interview. If you don’t, your application may be delayed or even rejected.
Please remember that:
- To complete the naturalization process, USCIS will schedule an interview with you after all the preliminary procedures on your case have been finished
- At the time and day specified on your appointment notice, you must appear at the USCIS office
- Bring the appointment confirmation with you
Step 5: Receive The Decision From Uscis About Form N-400
A crucial stage in the process of becoming a citizen of the United States is getting a response from the USCIS regarding your Form N-400. Your ability to become a citizen of the United States will depend on the outcome of this decision, which may be either an approval or a refusal.
A decision notice will be mailed to you by USCIS. You can access the electronic notice in your account if you filed your N-400 online.
- Granted. If the information in your record shows that you are eligible for naturalization, USCIS may approve your Form N-400.
- Continued. If you need to give more proof or documentation, don’t send USCIS the right documents, or fail the English and/or civics test the first time, USCIS may still consider your application.
- Denied. If the information in your file shows you are ineligible for naturalization, USCIS will reject your Form N-400.
Step 6: Notice To Take Oath Of Allegiance
Another crucial step toward becoming a citizen of the United States is taking the Oath of Allegiance. This oath is your pledge to uphold American principles and laws and to play a constructive role in American society.
You will get a Notice to Take the Oath of Allegiance once you have finished all the requirements, which include submitting your application, showing up for the biometrics appointment, finishing the interview, and passing the naturalization test. It is important to take this notification seriously as it is a necessary step in the naturalization process.
Here’s some important information you need to know:
- You might be eligible to attend a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview if USCIS accepted your Form N-400 in step 7
- The USCIS will mail you a notification containing the date, time, and venue of your scheduled ceremony if a same-day naturalization ceremony is not available
- You can view the electronic notification in your application if you filed your N-400 online
- Unless you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony, you are not a citizen of the United States
- Fill out the questionnaire on the Notification of Naturalization Oath Ceremony Form N-445
- Check in with USCIS before your naturalization ceremony. Your Form N-445 replies will be examined by a USCIS officer
- Give your permanent resident card back (Green Card)
- Take the Oath of Allegiance to become a citizen of the United States
- Before leaving the ceremony venue, get your Certificate of Naturalization, check it over, and let USCIS know if there are any mistakes
Step 7: Understanding U.S. Citizenship
Anyone who wants to become a citizen of the United States must have a solid understanding of citizenship in the country. More than merely a legal status, citizenship signifies a strong adherence to the norms, rules, and traditions of American culture. You have obligations and rights as a citizen, such as the ability to vote, participate on a jury, and seek public office. You also owe it to the country’s overall welfare to uphold the law and do your part to further it.
Call Our New Jersey Immigration Attorney To Help You In Becoming A US Citizen!
For many immigrants, navigating the immigration system to becoming a citizen of the United States can be a complicated process. This is where our New Jersey immigration lawyer is essential. We can offer direction and help throughout the entire citizenship process because we know the U.S. immigration laws like the back of our hands.
Reach out to our New Jersey immigration attorney at Andres Mejer Law and let us help you make your American dream come true.
