Regardless of the path you take, becoming a U.S. citizen is not easy. Expect to put time and money into the process, and know that even small mistakes, (like an error on your application) can temporarily freeze your ability to reapply.
To avoid such errors, we’ve listed the four ways to become a U.S. citizen. Here are some of the basic guidelines on citizenship in the land of opportunity.
How Do I Get Started?
There are many things to know, like that the federal court now recognizes ‘market research analyst’ as an approved specialty position for H-1B employers.
To avoid missing information like this, you can learn about opportunities for obtaining U.S. citizenship, and ensure that your forms are error-free by using Abogados en Chicago; getting help from professional agents is sincerely recommended.
General Citizenship Requirements
The general requirements to become a U.S. citizen are:
- Demonstrate proficiency in basic English
- Proof that since filing Form N-400, you’ve showcased good character
- You were at least 18 years old when Form N-400 was submitted.
- Proof that you were a U.S. resident (lawfully) for five years before applying for citizenship. If you are a parent of a ‘documented dreamer,’ you likely have proof of legal residency for more than this amount of time.
- Proof that you were in the U.S. for 30 months during this time.
- Proof that you lived in one state for three months minimum during that time frame or at USCIS district.
- Take the U.S. Oath of Allegiance
Now that you understand some of the preliminary requirements, let’s go over the four main ways to obtain citizenship.
1. Get A Green Card
Obtaining a green card is citizenship via naturalization. A green card permits your legal permanent residence and ability to work in the U.S. To get a green card, you are required to have a relative already legally residing in the U.S.
You can also obtain a green card through a permanent job offer. Your employer can petition for your green card. If you have qualifications that imply you could be a founder of one of the next U.S. unicorns, you may be eligible to petition for yourself.
The final way to get a green card is your personal petition for one, should you be legally in the U.S. as a refugee or asylee.
2. Citizenship Through Marriage
Another way to become a U.S. citizen is if you have an immigrant spouse living in the U.S. By completing Form I-30 and Form I-485, you can be permitted legal citizenship. Should the immigrant spouse be outside the U.S, they must complete an embassy interview.
Once admitted to the U.S., the spouse may file to adjust their status. Your interview will commence with an interviewing officer whose obligation is to prevent marriage fraud. You will be asked for detailed information about your history, personal information such as birthdays, wedding information, etc.
3. Citizenship Via Military
You can also gain U.S. citizenship if you honorably served in the U.S. military. You may be eligible to apply for citizenship under naturalization through these means. Additional requirements include having basic knowledge of U.S. history and governmental functions.
4. Citizenship Via Parents
If you are a child of a U.S. citizen, you may become a U.S. citizen by meeting the additional requirements based on whether one or both parents are also U.S. citizens if you were adopted, and other factors specific to your case.
Work With Professional Agents
Becoming a U.S. citizen is an elongated process that requires assistance from agents who can navigate the process. Work with representatives to increase your chances of gaining citizenship.