Am I Eligible for Citizenship through Naturalization?

Am I Eligible for Citizenship through Naturalization?

Nearly everyone who wishes to immigrate to the United States has as their goal or dream to become a U.S. citizen someday. While this is possible for those who so desire and take steps to make it happen, becoming a naturalized citizen is not easy. This is because one must go through hoops and outright obstacles they must overcome before succeeding in becoming a naturalized citizen. At Vestal Immigration Law, we have experienced citizenship lawyers who assist clients in the Davidson area to naturalize and become U.S. citizens.

Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Citizenship

An immigrant becomes a citizen through a process known as naturalization. This is a process by which citizenship is granted to someone who was born outside of the United States. and meets specific requirements set out under the U.S. immigration law. The person must also follow the steps outlined in the immigration law as implemented by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

Before embarking on the naturalization process, one must ensure that they meet naturalization requirements which are as follows:

To apply for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time you submit your application;
• Have been a green card holder for the past three or five years (depending on under which naturalization category you seek naturalization);
• Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
• Be able to speak, read, and write basic English;
• Be a person of good moral character;
• Show a knowledge and understanding of basic U.S. history and government;
• Show loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and
• Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Steps to Naturalization

Once you have determined you meet the above requirements, then you will need to take the following steps to successfully complete the naturalization process

• Consult an experienced naturalization lawyer. Even after determining that you meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization, it would be in your interest to consult an experienced naturalization lawyer. This is because an experienced immigration lawyer can find issues you are unaware of that could result in the denial of your application if not properly addressed before you apply. 
• Once your application for naturalization is submitted, you will soon thereafter receive a notice for your biometrics to be taken, if necessary. The notice will tell you where to go to have the biometrics taken and the date and time as well.
• You will next be scheduled for an interview by a USCIS officer. The officer will ask you questions related to your N-400 and usually probe to find if there are issues in your case that can be a basis to deny your application.
• At the conclusion of your interview, the officer will either tell you whether your application is approved or will tell you to go home and await a decision in the mail.
• In either case, you will receive a formal decision either granting or denying your application. If your application is granted, you will next receive notice to take the Oath of Allegiance. Your application is not complete, and you do not become a naturalized citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance.