The road to U.S. citizenship is long, but many immigrants believe the benefits are worth it. It is the dream of many immigrants to become full-fledged U.S. citizens. The application for U.S. citizenship starts the final process toward naturalization.
If you do not have a Permanent Resident Card (green card), you will need to apply for one before you can start the final application process. If you have held one for at least five years, it’s time to look at the N-400 application and what you’ll need to do to become a U.S. citizen.
With effort and preparation, your United States citizenship application will lead you to become a full-fledged American citizen.
What Is the N-400 Application?
Form N-400, Application for U.S. Citizenship, is the form used by permanent residents (Green Card holders) to become citizens of the United States. It is how you tell the government that you desire to become a full citizen.
Processing the N-400 form takes many months and there are a lot of steps. You will need to go through interviews, take tests, and possibly get biometrics. The final step is attending a naturalization ceremony.
What Are the Benefits of U.S. Citizenship?
Some exceptional reasons for becoming a U.S. citizen include the ability to help your relatives immigrate easier, the right to vote, and the right to hold a U.S. passport. You also won’t need to apply for green card renewal anymore.
You will have all the protections afforded to citizens by law, including the right to stay in the country for the rest of your life. You may also benefit from dual citizenship, as the U.S. does not require you to give up your prior citizenship.
What Are the Requirements to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
The following are the essential requirements for applying for citizenship, a process called naturalization:
- You must hold a Permanent Resident card for five years and continuously live in the U.S. (meaning that you live there without leaving for trips of six months or longer),
- You must be physically present inside the U.S. for at least 30 months before applying
- You must have lived in the state where you will submit the application for at least three months
- You need to be reasonably proficient in the English language
- You need to be reasonably familiar with American history, government and society
- You need to make an Oath of Allegiance (There are some exceptions for those whose religion does not allow oaths)
- You must follow all local, state, and federal laws.
The United States wants to make sure you can support yourself, follow the law, and get used to America’s culture and way of life before granting citizenship. This is why the requirements are so strict.
How Do I File for Citizenship Using Form N-400?
If you meet the requirements above, it’s time to look at the U.S. Citizenship Application. Besides the form, you will need to include a lot of additional documentation, just like you did to get your Permanent Resident card.
These include documents that will help the USCIS decide whether you have good moral character, such as criminal records and tax records. FileRight can help you find the documents you need so you only have to apply once.
What Additional Documents Do I Need?
According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the current documents you need along with your Form N-400 include:
- A copy of your Permanent Resident Card
- A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (if applying for naturalization based on military service)
- DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or discharge orders (if applying for naturalization based on military service and separated from service)
- A copy of your official military orders (if applying for naturalization based on military service and currently serving)
- Evidence of your citizen spouse’s employment abroad (if applying under 319(b))
- Two passport-style photographs (if you reside outside the United States)
Later Steps in the Process
As we mentioned, there are later steps you’ll have to follow to complete the citizenship process. We will get the form right for you, but then it’s up to you to pass the naturalization interview and the two required tests for English and Civics.
Our blog resources can help prepare you on these topics and even the USCIS has plenty of resources for immigrants to help them prepare for these important steps. If you are working with an immigration lawyer, they likely have material you can use to prepare.
How Much Does Applying for U.S. Citizenship Cost Using FileRight?
Filing USCIS Form N-400 for U.S. Citizenship using FileRight requires the following fees:
- FileRight Application Package fee: $345.
- Application fee: $760.
There are ways to get the USCIS to discount the application fee, but you will need to apply for a waiver and send it more information to prove that paying the fee is a hardship for you.
