In most cases, it takes
about two years
for a green card to become available, and the entire process takes around three years. It can take slightly longer for citizens of Mexico, China, India, and the Philippines.
How long should you have a green card before you could apply?
The basic rule is that you cannot submit your Form N-400 to apply for U.S. citizenship (or apply to naturalize) until you have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for
at least five years
. That means exactly five years, to the day.
How long do you have to have a green card before you can apply for US citizenship?
You may file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, 90 calendar days before you complete your permanent residence requirement if your eligibility for naturalization is based upon being a: Permanent resident for
at least 5 years
; or. Permanent resident for at least 3 years if you are married to a US citizen.
How long does it take to get citizenship after applying 2020?
The average processing time for citizenship (naturalization) applications is
8 months
as of May 31, 2020. However, that's just how long it takes USCIS to process Form N-400. The entire naturalization process has several steps and takes an average of 15 months.
How much does it cost to become a US citizen in 2021?
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.
What is the fastest way to get US citizenship?
The fastest way to get a US green card is
through sponsorship from an immediate relative
. Unlike other permanent resident visa categories, the IR visa is not subject to quotas or lengthy waiting periods. You are eligible for this visa if you are a spouse, child under 21, or parent of a current US citizen.
Why is my citizenship application taking so long?
As of early 2020, the most likely reason for this delay is
the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic
, which has resulted in the closure of USCIS offices and cancellation of swearing-in ceremonies for the immediate future. … USCIS or the federal courts are backed up in fitting people into their scheduled ceremonies.
Can I travel while my citizenship application is in process?
There are no restrictions on travel just
because you've submitted Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. You continue to be a permanent resident with the ability to travel abroad and reenter with a valid permanent resident card. … Your absence after submitting Form N-400 can interfere with the application process.
How long does it take to become a US citizen in 2021?
How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen? The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is
14.5 months
, as of June, 2021.
How can I get citizenship for free?
The application for U.S. citizenship, known as Form N-400, is among the immigration forms for which an applicant can request a fee waiver. The fee waiver application consists of Form I-912, which you will need to submit to USCIS together with your application and documents supporting your need for the waiver.
How much does a green card cost 2020?
USCIS proposes hiking fees by an average of 21%, and simultaneously restoring fees for work and travel permits for green card applicants. The move brings the total cost of a green card to
$2,750
– an increase of $990, or more than 56%. The cost of naturalization will similarly jump $445, or 61%, to become $1,170.
How can I become a U.S. citizen in 2020?
The average processing time for citizenship (naturalization) applications
is 8 months
as of May 31, 2020. However, that's just how long it takes USCIS to process Form N-400. The entire naturalization process has several steps and takes an average of 15 months.
How hard is it to get a citizenship?
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.
How long do you have to live in the US to become a citizen?
Determine your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen. In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for
at least 5 years
(or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Can I renew my green card if my citizenship is denied?
Certainly, there are many people who have applied for citizenship, not received their citizenship, and have maintained their green card. … You might need to renew your green card because it might have expired, but typically,
you are going to be allowed to stay in the United States as
a lawful permanent resident.
What happens if you fail citizenship test twice?
If you fail either test a second time,
your request for naturalization will be denied
. If you are denied naturalization, you will receive a written notice in the mail. You will receive instructions on how to proceed if you want to appeal the denial.
