Introduction
For many immigrants, becoming a U.S. citizen is a lifelong dream come true—a key step that grants them the “American” identity. The United States has a strong tradition of welcoming immigrants, with 878,500 new citizens in fiscal year 2023 alone.
Interestingly, the naturalizations in 2022 and 2023 make up nearly 24% of all naturalizations in the past decade, showing a significant increase in recent years.
But what does the timeline for U.S. citizenship look like? It varies based on individual circumstances and the specific immigration programs a person is part of. In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of U.S. citizenship, the requirements you’ll need to meet, and the key steps in the journey to citizenship.
What are the benefits of U.S. Citizenship Over a Green Card?
Here is a comparative analysis of how U.S. citizenship offers more extensive benefits over a green card holder:
- Sponsoring Family Members: With you being a U.S. citizen, you can help your relatives to immigrate to the United States more easily than if you only have a green card as this includes the ability to sponsor your immediate family members for green cards, often with shorter waiting times.
- Living Abroad: Once you become a U.S. citizen, you are free to live abroad for as long as you wish without the fear of losing your citizenship. On the other hand, as a green card holder, the risk of losing your residency status persists if you stay outside the U.S. for extended periods.
- Voting Rights: Voting rights are exclusively enjoyed by the U.S. Citizens.
- Protection from Deportation: Once you become a U.S. citizen, you cannot be deported to your original country, while green card holders can be deported if they commit certain crimes or violate immigration laws.
What are the Requirements for Green Card Holders for U.S. Citizenship?
To apply for U.S. citizenship, if you are a green card holder, then you are supposed to meet the following requirements:
- Age: The minimum age requirement is 18 years.
- Continuous Residence: There must be a tenure of at least 5 years in which you must have lived in the U.S. with your green card. It must be kept in mind that the trips outside the U.S. should not extend 6 months.
- State Residency: You are required to have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where you are applying for citizenship.
What is the timeline for Becoming a U.S. Citizen?
The timeline for becoming a citizen varies on the specific circumstances related to the individual. For most green card holders, the general timeline is that you can apply for citizenship after continuously living in the U.S. for five years.
You must be physically present in the US for at least 30 months and should not have taken any trips outside the U.S. that lasted more than six months, as this could disrupt your continuous residence requirement.
What are the exceptions to the general timeline for getting citizenship?
Military Service
If you are a green card holder and a member of the U.S. military, you may be able to apply for citizenship sooner. For example, if you have served at least one year of peacetime military service, you can apply for citizenship while still on active duty or within six months after being honorably discharged. Additionally, if you served during wartime, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship immediately, even if you do not have a green card.
Married to a U.S. Citizen
If you’re married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply for citizenship after three years instead of the usual five. To qualify, you must have lived with your spouse continuously during those three years, and your spouse must have been a U.S. citizen the whole time.
Additionally, if your U.S. citizen spouse works abroad for certain organizations, you can apply for citizenship without waiting five years. However, you’ll need to return to the U.S. to submit your application.
Widows or Widowers of U.S. Citizens
If your spouse was a U.S. citizen who died while honorably serving in the U.S. military, you can apply for citizenship without waiting for the usual five-year period.
Victims of Abuse (VAWA):
If you got your green card through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) because of an abusive marriage to a U.S. citizen, you can apply for citizenship after three years.
Refugees:
If you came to the U.S. as a refugee, the time you spent as a refugee counts toward the five years. So, you can apply earlier based on your arrival date, not just the date you got your green card.
Asylees:
If you received asylum and got a green card, one year of your time as an asylee counts as a permanent resident.
What are the important steps you need to follow to get citizenship post-approval?
Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the process:
Filing the Naturalization Application
You need to file a Form N-400 (application for naturalization). This can be done online or by mailing the completed form to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form includes information about your background, the time that you have spent living in the U.S., etc.
Biometrics Appointment
After a few weeks of your Form N-400 Submission, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment (Form I-797C) for you, wherein your fingerprints, a photo, and possibly your signature are taken in the record.
USCIS will then forward your fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to conduct a background check. These biometrics are used to conduct a background check to make sure you don’t have any criminal history or other issues that could affect your application.
Citizenship Interview and Exam
Once your biometrics have been processed, USCIS will schedule an interview with you. The interview typically takes place several months after your biometrics appointment. During the interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and your background. They will also test your ability to speak, read, and write in English.
Additionally, you will need to take a civics test, which will check your knowledge of U.S. history and government.
Oath of Allegiance
If you pass the interview and the exam, the next step is to take the Oath of Allegiance. This is a formal ceremony where you pledge your loyalty to the United States and renounce allegiance to any other country. Once you take this oath, you become a U.S. citizen. The USCIS will notify you of the date, time, and location of the ceremony. After taking the oath, you will receive a Certificate of Naturalization, proof of your U.S. citizenship.
If you did not pass and your application shows either continued or denied, then in either of the cases, USCIS will explain why, and then you have the right to appeal in 30 days.
Conclusion
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a dream for many immigrants, U.S. citizenship offers significant benefits over holding a green card, such as the ability to sponsor family members more easily, protection from deportation, and the right to vote. While the standard waiting period is five years, exceptions exist for those married to U.S. citizens, serving in the military, or under special circumstances.
And if you are ready to become a U.S. citizen? Don’t let the process overwhelm you. FileRight simplifies every step, helping you avoid mistakes and ensuring your application is submitted accurately. Start your citizenship journey with FileRight today and take the next big step toward achieving your American citizenship!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Green Card Grant You Citizenship?
Having a green card does not allow you to become a U.S. citizen; it only allows you to live in the United States lawfully. Certain requirements are supposed to be fulfilled to become a citizen of the U.S..
Can I Stay on a Green Card Forever?
An individual can stay on a green card forever as long as they renew it and they stay eligible for it. However, it must be understood that staying permanently in the US does not give you citizenship rights.
Can a Green Card Holder Apply for Citizenship After 3 Years?
Yes, if you are a green card holder married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply for citizenship after three years of marriage.
How Long Does It Take To Get U.S. Citizenship?
The time it takes to get U.S. citizenship can vary. It can take anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on your situation and how long it takes for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process your application.
