How Do I Become A United States Citizen?

There are two ways to become a United States (U.S.) citizen –

by birth or through naturalization

.

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen in 2020?

The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is

14.5 months

, as of June, 2021. But that's just the application processing wait time (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below). The overall naturalization process involves more steps and a longer citizenship timeline.

Is it hard to become a U.S. citizen?

Becoming a U.S. citizen

shouldn't be so hard

, but it is due to the long processing time, financial and personal costs, and the fact that most immigrants do not have a direct relative that is a citizen of the United States. The requirements of USCIS are also very complex and may not be understandable to outsiders.

What is the fastest way to become a U.S. citizen?

1. Hold a green card for three years;
2. Be married to and living with your US citizen spouse for three years;
3. Live within the state that you're applying in for three months; and.
4. Meet all other requirements for US citizenship.

How much does it cost to become a citizen 2020?

There are many ways to become a U.S. Citizen, but Citizenship by Naturalization is the most common way to apply for U.S. citizenship.

The Naturalization application costs $725 in 2020. Two separate fees make up this larger fee: a $640 filing fee for the required Form N-400, and $85 for the biometrics appointment

.

What is the 4 year 1 day rule for U.S. citizenship?

The statutory period preceding the filing of the application is calculated from the date of filing. Once 4 years and 1 day have elapsed from the date of the applicant's return to the United States,

the period of absence from the United States that occurred within the past 5 years is now less than 1 year

.

How much money does it take to become a U.S. citizen?

The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725. That total includes

$640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services

, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.

How much is it to become a U.S. citizen in 2021?

How Much Will It Cost To Become A U.S. Citizen? As of February 2021, the total application fee for naturalization is

$725

. This fee consists of the processing fee of $640 and the biometrics fee of $85. The USCIS does not refund these filing fees regardless of the outcome of the naturalization application.

What is an American green card?

A green card

allows a non-U.S. citizen to gain permanent residence in the United States

. Many people from outside the United States want a green card because it would allow them to live and work (lawfully) anywhere in the United States and qualify for U.S. citizenship after three or five years.

Is it worth becoming a U.S. citizen?

Becoming a U.S. citizen

protects you and your children from deportation

. As a lawful permanent resident, certain criminal convictions could make you deportable, and some actions put LPRs at risk for permanent consequences such as deportation.

How can I live in the US legally?

To immigrate to the United States means to

relocate permanently by obtaining a green card

(officially known as an “immigrant visa” or “lawful permanent residence”). A green card allows unrestricted employment and can be renewed indefinitely. It also provides a pathway to U.S. citizenship.

Why is getting a green card so hard?

The bottom line is,

the supply of visas often fails to meet the demand

, and waiting lists develop in most visa-preference categories. The waits are especially long for people attempting to immigrate from China, Mexico, India, and the Philippines, due to the high demand from those countries.

How long can you live in us without being a citizen?

If you plan to leave the U.S. for a period exceeding

12 months

, it's a good idea to obtain a reentry permit first. Upon return from foreign travel, you will be subject to the same grounds of inadmissibility as you faced when you first got the green card.

What are the four ways to become a citizen?

In all, there are four fundamental ways to become a U.S. citizen:

citizenship by birth in the U.S., citizenship through derivation, citizenship through acquisition, and citizenship through naturalization

. Most immigrants in the United States become citizens through the naturalization process.

How long do you have to live in the US to become a citizen?

As a permanent resident, you are generally eligible for naturalization after

five years

. This is the most common way that people apply to become a U.S. citizen. To qualify, you must have lived in the U.S. continuously for the five years immediately preceding the date you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

Do I need a lawyer to become a US citizen?

Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? No. You can file USCIS forms yourself, including Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online. However,

some people choose to seek assistance from a lawyer or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)-accredited representative

.

Can I get my citizenship for free?

USCIS charges a filing fee of $725 to apply for citizenship. However,

if you have very low income, you may qualify to apply for citizenship for free

, or at a discounted rate of $405.

How long does it take to become a US citizen with a green card?

What disqualifies you from becoming a U.S. citizen?

You have been convicted of or admitted to a crime involving moral turpitude, such as fraud

. You spent 180 days or more in jail or prison for any crime. You committed any crime related to illegal drugs other than a single offense involving 30 grams or less of marijuana.

How long can a U.S. citizen stay out of the country 2021?

International Travel

U.S. immigration law assumes that a person admitted to the United States as an immigrant will live in the United States permanently. Remaining outside the United States for more than

one year

may result in a loss of Lawful Permanent Resident status.

Can I stay on green card forever?

Although some Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as Green Cards, contain no expiration date,

most are valid for 10 years

. If you have been granted conditional permanent resident status, the card is valid for 2 years. It is important to keep your card up-to-date.

How much does it cost to become a citizen of 2022?

$1,170

. You may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier's check. When filing at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

How much does it cost to become a US citizen with a green card?

Form N-400 is the application for naturalization, the final step to go from a green card holder to a naturalized citizen. The current fee is

$725 to file, but $85 of that is a biometrics fee

. If you are younger than 75 years of age, you need to pay the biometrics fee.

How much does a green card cost 2020?

How much does it cost to apply for a green card? The government filing fees for getting a family-based green card is

$1,760 for an applicant living in the United States or $1,200 for an applicant living outside the United States

.

How do I apply for a green card?

Apply for a Green Card

If you are eligible,

file Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with USCIS

, including all supporting documents and fees. USCIS will review your application and schedule an interview with you. Once issued, your Green Card will be valid for 10 years.

When can I start my citizenship application?

The 90-day early-filing rule: You may file your naturalization application with USCIS as early as

90 days before the end of your three- or five-year wait period as a green card holder

— as long as you've met all other eligibility criteria.