The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is
14 months
, as of April 2022. 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.
How long does the US citizenship process take?
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.
How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen with a green card?
To become a U.S. citizen, you must: Have had a Permanent Resident (Green) Card for
at least five years, or for at least three years if you're filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen
.
What is the fastest way to get US citizenship?
- Hold a green card for three years;
- Be married to and living with your US citizen spouse for three years;
- Live within the state that you're applying in for three months; and.
- Meet all other requirements for US citizenship.
What are the 5 requirements to become a U.S. citizen?
Be able to read, write, and speak basic English; Demonstrate good moral character; Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government; Demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and.
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.
Can I leave the US while waiting for citizenship?
You may travel to another country, including your home country, provided no other legal impediment precludes you from doing so
. However, if a trip lasts longer than 180 days, USCIS may determine that you have not continuously resided in the United States and therefore are ineligible for naturalization.
Why does citizenship take so long?
Wait Times for Naturalization Applications
The spike in recent years is
largely due to a naturalization application backlog
. In addition, a recent report from Boundless found that the postponement of naturalization interviews and oath ceremonies due to the coronavirus pandemic led to a surge in wait times.
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
.
Can I apply for U.S. citizenship after 3 years of green card?
All green card holders, as long as they meet key conditions, can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (known as the “five-year rule”) — but
those with a U.S. spouse and a green card through marriage can apply after only three years
(known as the “three-year rule”).
How much is a U.S. citizenship?
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.
Can I apply for citizenship after 2 years green card?
Fortunately,
for people who have spent two years as a conditional resident, those two years count as permanent residence when it comes to applying for citizenship
—on one condition. You must have successfully become a permanent resident at the end of them.
What are the 4 ways to become a U.S. citizen?
Luckily, there are various paths to U.S citizenship that immigrants could be eligible for. The four routes available include;
citizenship by Naturalization, Citizenship by Marriage, citizenship through your parents and citizenship through the military
.
Can I buy U.S. citizenship?
US Citizenship by investment
EB-5 and E2 are not a citizenship by investment program, However;
after getting a Green Card via the EB-5 visa route, investors can apply for USA citizenship after five years of Permanent Residency
. This process is known as Naturalization.
How long can I stay outside US with green card?
Generally, you can stay outside the U.S. for
up to one year
. If you have been issued a Re-Entry Permit, which applicants must apply for while in the U.S., you can stay outside the United States as long as your Re-Entry Permit has not expired.
How much does it cost 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.
How do I know if I am eligible for citizenship?
Be of the minimum required age (typically, at least 18) Continuously and physically live in the United States as a green card holder for a certain number of years. Establish residency in the state or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district where they intend to apply. Have “good moral character”
How long can a U.S. citizen stay out of the country 2020?
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.
What is the hardest country to get citizenship?
The most difficult countries to obtain citizenship include
Vatican City, Liechtenstein, Bhutan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Switzerland, China, and North Korea
. If you have ever submitted an application for citizenship, you will know just how difficult the process can be.
How difficult is green card?
No matter how you attempt it, it's not easy to get a green card.
The process of getting a green card can be very long and complicated
. Doing it incorrectly could waste years and a lot of money. It also could expose you to deportation, criminal charges, and being barred from ever entering the US.
How much is American citizenship 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.
How many times can you fail citizenship test?
An applicant has two opportunities to pass the English and civics tests: the initial examination and the re-examination interview. USCIS denies the naturalization application if the applicant fails to pass any portion of the tests after
two attempts
.
What happens if I fail the 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.
What happens if my green card expires while waiting for citizenship?
If your green card expires, or is about to expire, while you're waiting for citizenship,
you don't need to worry
. The USCIS has created Form I-90 specifically for the purpose of replacing an expired green card.
How many questions are on the citizenship test 2021?
The civics test is an oral test and the USCIS Officer will ask the applicant up to 10 of the
100 civics questions
. An applicant must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test.
What happens after citizenship interview?
After you pass your U.S. citizenship interview (also called U.S.citizenship test),
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) will schedule you to take the Oath of Allegiance at a citizenship ceremony (also called naturalization ceremony)
. This is the last step before becoming a U.S. citizen.
Why is my 2021 work permit taking long?
The federal agency responsible for overseeing the country's legal immigration system faces an application backlog of 3.8 million worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic
, according to an internal watchdog report. That has led to long delays for many of the immigration petitions they process, especially to issue work permits.
