Here is a quick, step by step process in the journey to an immigrant’s becoming an American Citizen!
Becoming an American Citizen involves certain steps – establishing identity, filing, fingerprinting, attending an interview, passing English and US Civics tests and attending an oath ceremony.
STEP 1 – FIND OUT YOUR ELIGIBILITY!
The first step is to pave your way towards the US green card, or what could be called lawful permanent residence. There are very few exceptions to this – you must first obtain a green card before you can apply for citizenship. So if you do not have a green card and you wish to apply for citizenship you should first obtain a green card.
STEP 2 – OVERCOME INELIGIBILITY IF ANY
It might so happen that you are not just eligible to turn citizen just now. Maybe you are unable to establish good moral character, due to the fact that you committed a minor crime. Or maybe you did not stay continuously in the country so as to establish residence. So you might have to take stronger steps just to prove your citizenship. Consult an immigration lawyer for better guidance.
STEP 3 – FILING USCIS FORM N-400
Once your eligibility is established you will need to file some paperwork with the USCIS. The N-400 is the form to be filled up. This is the application for naturalization. You are required to pay some fees for naturalization plus a biometrics fee. You are also required to attach a copy of your green card along with the Form N-400.
Watch out for the 2nd part of this post for the final steps of the citizenship process!
