how to become a us citizen step by step course for financially challenged

by Prof. Ephraim Boyer Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago 4 min read

What are the steps to become a US citizen?

· In order to become a US citizen, you must have the following requirements. You must be a permanent resident, which means have held a Green Card for at least 5 years. If you are filing as a spouse of a US citizen, then you only need to have held a Green Card for 3 years.

How much does it cost to become a US citizen?

· Start a Citizenship Program. The following set of resources can help you start a citizenship program. Use these resources to both develop and maintain a high-quality citizenship instruction program. This set of resources is a one-stop-shop for everything from the elements of a high-quality citizenship instruction program to information on how to develop a citizenship …

How to determine if you are eligible to become a citizen?

· Becoming a United States citizen is a big decision. The first step many people take is to go to a Citizenship Class. There you will learn about the process, (called Naturalization), study the 100 questions, and get tips for passing the interview. Basic Overview of Qualifications: Have held a Green Card for a minimum of 5 years (3 years if you are married to a U.S. Citizen).

Why should I become a citizen of the USA?

· Step 1. Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen Step 2. Determine if you are eligible to become a U.S. citizen Step 3. Prepare your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization Step 4. Submit your Form N-400 and pay your fees Step 5. Go to your biometrics appointment, if applicable Step 6. Complete the interview Step 7.

What is the fastest and easiest way to become a U.S. citizen?

What Is the Easiest Way to Become a US Citizen?Citizenship Through Naturalization.Citizenship Through Marriage.Citizenship Through Parents.Citizenship Through the Military.

What are the 4 qualifications for someone to qualify as a U.S. citizen?

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 can I become a U.S. citizen for free?

Fee Waivers for Citizenship Application (Form N-400)1 The applicant, their spouse, or the head of their household receives a means-tested benefit.2 The applicant's household income is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.3 The applicant is currently experiencing a financial hardship.

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.

What disqualifies you from becoming a U.S. citizen?

USCIS's definition of aggravated felony includes many crimes that you would expect; such as rape, sexual abuse of a minor, drug trafficking, firearm trafficking, racketeering, running a prostitution business, child pornography, and fraud of $10,000 or more.

How can you become a U.S. citizen without a test?

The USCIS states you may skip the English portion of the test if: You are at least 50 years old at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a green card holder in the United States for at least 20 years. This exception is commonly known as the 50/20 exemption.

Can I apply for U.S. citizenship if I am unemployed?

The short answer is that, as long as you received the public benefits lawfully (without using fraud, for example), it will not hurt or affect your eligibility for naturalization in any way.

How much does it cost to become a citizen 2020?

$725The 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.

How much does it cost to pay for U.S. citizenship?

If you file your Form N-400 by mail (paper), you may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, cashier's check, or by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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 months, as of April 2022. But that's just the application processing wait time (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below).

What is the three year rule for citizenship?

3 Years of Continuous Residence. The spouse of a U.S. citizen residing in the United States must have continuously resided in the United States as an LPR for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of the filing the application and up to the time of the Oath of Allegiance.

How hard is it 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.

How to apply for US citizenship?

Filing USCIS Form N-400 , Application for Naturalization begins the request for U.S. citizenship. There are steps are involved in completing the naturalization process. The application form requires attachment of two passport style photographs and the documents to establish eligibility for citizenship.US Citizenship Application Form N-400 is used for obtaining US citizenship (naturalization). A completed Form N-400 (US Citizenship Application) is the required form and must be filed along with photos and supporting documents. An application receipt notice is issued for record. The progress of an applicant’s case can be monitored online. The National Customer Service Center provides direct phone access for inquiry about the status of an application.

What is the process of getting a foreign citizen?

Citizenship by marriage or military service in a war offers applicants a fast pass to approval. Naturalization is the process by which foreign-born persons obtain citizenship. Approval of citizenship carries tremendous privileges, rights and benefits, as well as obligations.

How old do you have to be to get a green card?

Eligibility for U.S. citizenship application requires that the applicant be at least 18 years old; hold an unexpired green card; live in the country as a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years, or are a spouse of a U.S. citizen; a refugee, or are in receipt of your green card by way of political asylum; and you have been physically present in the jurisdiction of the United States for at least half of 5 years.

What is citizenship acquisition?

Citizenship through Acquisition. Acquisition means that an applicant qualifies at birth for U.S. citizenship, automatically. This rule applies even if an applicant is born outside the U.S. and its territories. If one parent is a U.S. citizen, a child automatically qualifies as a U.S. citizen if the parents are married to each other.

What is an interview for USCIS?

The interview is an English proficiency test conducted by a USCIS officer. Applicants over 50 years of age are exempt from the interview English proficiency test. Applicants also take a U.S. history and government exam. Disabled naturalization applicants can request reasonable accommodations.

What is the form for a pledge of allegiance?

Before taking the Oath of Allegiance, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, known as Form N-445, must be completed. An immigration officer will review the answers. If the applicant passes, the officer will ask for the surrender of the applicant’s green card. After doing so, the applicant with pledge allegiance by taking the oath. He or she will then receive a naturalization certificate. All information, such as the applicant’s name, should be checked. The applicant should notify officers of any mistakes before leaving.

How many days do you have to apply for a green card to become a permanent resident?

The 5 Year Rule for permanent residency prior to application to the naturalization process, permits 90-day early application to the USCIS. Refugees seeking asylum in the U.S, who have obtained green cards count each year as a permanent resident would applying for naturalization.

How long does it take to get a US citizenship?

Citizenship applications may take approximately 16-18 months to process.

What do you need to be a naturalization applicant?

All applicants for naturalization must be willing to support and defend the United States and our Constitution.

How old do you have to be to apply for naturalization?

Being at least 18 years old when filing the application. Knowing the U.S. government basics and the history of the US. Showing evidence that you had a permanent home in the States at least five years prior to applying for naturalization. Bringing proof that you were physically in the U.S. for at least two and a half years out of that amount.

What does it mean to own a green card?

Owning a green card is something that can help you become a naturalized citizen of the States as it makes the entire process much easier. Basically, if you own a green card, it means you are a legal permanent resident of the United States already. As a result, living freely in the States and working there is very much possible.

How old do you have to be to apply for a job in the US?

You need to understand the government and history of the U.S. Must be at least 18 years old when you apply. You must know how to read, write and speak in English. You must be a morally good person, which means that you’re paying your taxes and child support, and you haven’t been convicted of any serious crimes.

How many people are there in the United States?

The United States of America currently has 330,928,170 citizens, and there are multiple other people who wish to become citizens of the country. But how can you become one?

Can I file an I-485 if my spouse lives outside the US?

Not to mention that if the immigrant spouse lives outside the United States, then they will have to wait a certain amount of time to receive their visa. Afterward, it is required to go to the embassy or consulate for an interview. When the spouse is finally admitted to the States, they can file Form I-485 to adjust status.

Can I file an I-485 if my spouse is already living in the US?

When the spouse is finally admitted to the States, they can file Form I-485 to adjust status. Additionally, if the spouse is already living in the States with you, then they can adjust their status when you’re completing the I-130 form. Form I-485 needs to be completed as well.

Do I have to submit an I-130 for an alien relative?

You will have to submit Form I-130 Petition for an Alien Relative. This helps you apply for your green card as it establishes a relationship between you and your significant other. But there are some things you will need to prove before being able to obtain that green card .

What to expect if USCIS approves N-400?

What to expect: If USCIS approved your Form N-400 in step 7, you may be able to participate in a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview. If a same day naturalization ceremony is unavailable, USCIS will mail you a notification with the date, time, and location of your scheduled ceremony.

What is the common thread that connects all Americans?

Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. Check out this list of some of the most important rights and responsibilities that all citizens—both Americans by birth and by choice—should exercise, honor, and respect. Additional Resources. USCIS Policy Manual: Citizenship and Naturalization.

Is the 2020 Civics test still available?

USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide study materials for the 2020 test for those applicants who are eligible to choose between the 2008 or 2020 civics test at their re-exam or N-336 hearing. For more information about the 2020 civics test, visit The 2020 Version ...

What is the form for a parent to get a citizenship?

If anyone of your parents are U.S. citizens or are naturalized, then you’re required to fill out Form N-600 or Form N-600K, which is the Application for Certificate of Citizenship and the Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate, respectively.

How much does it cost to send a N-400 to USCIS?

When sending, make sure to enter the correct address. Also, you need to send an application fee of around $725, which includes the biometric verification fee. You can create a money order or write a check for this purpose.

What happens after a USCIS interview?

After the interview, the USCIS will make a decision on whether or not to grant citizenship to you based on the information you’ve provided and the questions you’ve answered during the interview. There can be three possibilities.

Where do you go to get a biometric verification?

After everything is in place, and your application has been accepted, you’ll be called in for a biometric verification at a designated USCIS office.

What is the N-400 form?

After you’ve gone through the eligibility check, go ahead and file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, provided by the USCIS.

What documents are needed for a green card?

The primary documents required are photocopies of your green card (both front and back), passport, visa, birth certificate, etc. If you have documents in any language other than English, you should get them translated first and submit a photocopy.

How long do you have to be a spouse to get a green card?

You’re a spouse of a U.S. citizen for at least three years.

What is it like to be a citizen?

As a citizen, you can vote in national elections and contribute to your community. People who are naturalized, or become citizens, also have better job opportunities.

How many questions do you have to answer to pass the civics quiz?

For your final lesson, you will complete a full-length practice exam. Just like during your civics exam, in order to pass the final quiz, you must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly.

How to save money on citizenship?

The easiest way to save money while applying for U.S. citizenship is to make sure you are approved from your first try. You can do this by seeking help from legal attorneys that know all the tricks to get a higher approval rate. Even though an attorney will cost more upfront, it will be well worth it to avoid spending again and again with each new application.

How long does it take to get a USCIS visa?

After you fill out the initial form, it can take up to six months or more, according to the USCIS official website, before you get an answer. Remember that you have to live in the United States for quite a while before you are even eligible to apply.

Is it cheaper to renew your green card?

While doing our research, we stumbled upon a very interesting aspect: It is a lot cheaper to apply for citizenship than to renew your green card again and again. The average 30-year-old permanent resident can end up paying close to $50,000 over the span of a lifetime to renew their green card again and again if you factor in all the fees.

Does USCIS waive fees?

The USCIS has a fee waiver process for people that qualify for citizenship but can’t afford the initial filing fee. For example, if the head of a household is receiving government benefits, they might qualify for fee waiver. November 12, 2018 /. 0 Comments.