What Are The Requirements To Be A US Citizen?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Be at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application;
  • Have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which category you are applying under);
  • Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;

What are the four ways to become a U.S. citizen?

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

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.

What are the 5 requirements to become a U.S. citizen?

  • Age. …
  • Residency. …
  • Residence and Physical Presence. …
  • Good Moral Character. …
  • Attachment to the Constitution. …
  • Language. …
  • U.S. Government and History Knowledge. …
  • Oath of Allegiance.

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

The chances to become a United States citizen depend mainly on how tricky it is for you to first become a

permanent resident

and get a green card. If you're extremely educated and can find work, you can expect to get citizenship in just over 5 years after becoming a green card owner.

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

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

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.

How much does it cost to become a U.S. 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 easiest way to become a U.S. citizen?

What Is the Easiest Way to Become a US Citizen?

Applying for a green card is

the most common way most people begin the process of becoming a United States citizen. Citizenship through naturalization is the most common way immigrants become U.S. citizens.

How hard is it to get a US green card?

As of May 2020,

completing the green card process is impossible for most people

, regardless of whether they are living in the U.S. or coming from overseas, owing to U.S. government office closures to in-person visits.

What is the hardest country to get citizenship?


Austria, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and the United States

are five nations that make it especially difficult for foreigners to establish permanent residency or obtain citizenship.

How expensive is it to become a U.S. citizen?

Currently it costs

$725

to become a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process (for most applicants). However, some individuals may qualify for a fee waiver. When filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, you must pay two separate fees: an application fee and a biometric services fee.

How long does it take to become a U.S. 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 long is the citizenship interview?

How long will the interview last? A typical citizenship interview lasts

about 20 minutes

, but the exact timeframe varies by applicant.

Can you be denied citizenship?

Even though the N-400 naturalization form is one of the least complicated aspects of , a

sizeable 10% of applicants

find that they've been denied citizenship each year. If you've received a citizenship application denial or a delay, it can be easy to panic.

How can I permanently live in USA?

  1. Find out if you're eligible.
  2. If you are eligible, file Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with USCIS, including all supporting documents and fees.
  3. USCIS will review your application and schedule an interview with you.

What are three rights of US citizens?

  • Freedom to express yourself.
  • Freedom to worship as you wish.
  • Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.
  • Right to vote in elections for public officials.
  • Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.
  • Right to run for elected office.
  • Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.