Naturalization is the process of becoming a US citizen purely on a voluntary basis when that person is not born in the US. It is by far the easiest way for those, who do not have the birthright citizenship or who cannot acquire it from their parents. For example, if an immigrant from the Philippines wants to become a US citizen, then he/she should use the form N-400 to become a naturalized citizen. Filing this application alone will not make you a US citizen. There are so many ‘must know facts’ before going on to the naturalization process.
How to become a naturalized citizen?
Not everybody who immigrates to the US wants to become its citizen. They are quite content and happy with the privileges offered by the green card, that they do not want to spend money or time on the citizenship application process. At times, the thought of becoming a US citizen fascinates a part of the immigrant community who would cherish the title and a US passport (which is possible only by becoming a US citizen). Many questions pop up on your minds, when you think of the naturalization process. Getting a clear idea of the process is half the job done.
Q: Am I eligible to become a naturalized citizen?
The most basic requirement for this is you should be 18 yrs of age or above. In addition to this, you need to satisfy the following eligibility criteria.
- Establish 5 yrs as a permanent resident of the US, 3 yrs in the case of conditional residents – This is referred to as the ‘continuous residence criteria’
- Accumulate at least 30 months of permanent residence in the US, 18 months in the case of conditional residents – This is the ‘physical presence’ criteria
- Be a resident of the address that you are filling in on the form for 3 months, prior to the submission
- Possess good moral values
- Have sufficient knowledge about the ancient history and the constitution of the country as you will be required to clear a Citizenship test and interview
If your status confirms with all the above mentioned, then you can go ahead with the process of becoming a naturalized citizen.
Q: What if I want to go to my native country for a short visit? Will it break my continuous residence?
When you undertake trips out of the US that are less than six months, you do not have to worry about it becoming an issue. But if they are between 6-12 months, then your continuous residence will be deemed to be broken unless you can prove otherwise to the USCIS (it is really difficult!). So it is better to cut short your trips if you so badly want to become a naturalized citizen without any problems.
Q: What if I conceal information about my criminal history or charges that were filed on me on the application?
USCIS is not happy with untruthful applicants who try to conceal their shady past and act like a good person. What you should know is that how much ever clever you may be in concealing these facts, the FBI will dig out everything during their routine name check (part of the naturalization process).
These are some of the most common queries that may trouble you during the process of becoming a naturalized citizen.
What next after filing in N-400?
Once you are clear with all those that are troubling your mind, proceed with the submission of the application (N-400). This should be accompanied by 2 passport size photographs, documents for proof and the filing fee. When the application is approved by the USCIS, you will be asked to appear for a biometrics test. When this is cleared by the FBI, you will be scheduled the citizenship test and interview. Some may get through this easily and may become a naturalized citizen at the end of it. But there is the other side of it where you have to wait to receive a date for the oath ceremony so that you can become a naturalized citizen finally. Taking the Oath of allegiance and returning the green card marks the end of the naturalization process.
