Green card to citizen: Holding the US green card for more than 5 years (or 3 years), it will have the opportunity to become a US citizen (US Citizen).This process is called “naturalization” and English is naturalization.
Before you apply for a green card to transfer citizens, you need to meet some conditions.For different backgrounds, the required materials may also be different, but the two most important points are:
- You hold the time of the American green card
- Have you met “continuous living conditions” and “actual living conditions”
Directory of this article
- Citizenship
- How long does it take for American citizenship?
- The cost of applying for American citizens
- The specific steps of green card to citizens
- Reader benefits
- More immigrants in the United States
- common problem
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Citizenship
Green Card holder’s “5 -year naturalization”
The following conditions are for friends who have already held the US green card for 5 years【source】EssenceBut you can earl Application for application in the first three months of 5 years This is called “90 Day Rule”.That is, when you hold a green card 4 years and 9 months When you are, you can start applying for citizenship.The start time should be calculated from the “Residence Since” on the green card you hold, as shown below:
Below is the condition that green card to citizens must meet【source】The
- Get the green card for 5 years;
- Need to submit a US citizenship application form N-400 table, Apply for naturalization, you can fill in and submit online;
- At the age of 18 years of application;
- In the 5 years before submitting the application, it can be satisfied “Continuous Living Conditions”, English is called Continuous Residence;
- In the 5 years before submitting the application, you have lived in the United States for at least 30 months.This is called “Actual living conditions”, English is called Physical Presence;
- You have lived in your state for more than 3 months; for students who are still economically attached to your parents, you can apply from the place where the school is located, or you can apply from your parents’ place;
- Have good character, obey the US constitution;
- With basic English reading, writing and expression ability (need to pass the English test);
- Have a basic understanding of American history and government (need to pass the CIVICS test);
- Oath is loyal to the United States.
The “3 -year naturalization of citizenship” of American citizen spouses
The following conditions are the spouse of American citizens【source】The
- Before submitting the application, the green card has been obtained for 3 years, and in these three years, they have the status of American citizens;
- Need to submit a US citizenship application form N-400 table, Apply for naturalization, you can fill in and submit online, or you can mail it after you are filled in;
- At the age of 18 years of application;
- At least 3 months before submitting citizenship applications, they live in the state where the application is submitted;
- In the 3 years before applying for citizenship, it can be satisfied “Continuous Living Conditions”, English is called Continuous Residence;
- During the period of submitting citizenship applications and eventually becoming American citizens, it still meets the “continuous living conditions”;
- During the 3 years before submitting the application, there were at least 18 months in the United States.This is called “Actual living conditions”, English is called Physical Presence;
- With basic English reading, writing and expression ability (need to pass the English test);
- Have a basic understanding of American history and government (need to pass the CIVICS test);
- Have good character, obey the US constitution and ideals;
- Oath is loyal to the United States.
What is “continuous residence conditions”
In English with continuous living conditions, Continuous Residence refers to the citizenship applicant before submitting the application 3 consecutive years or 5 years Whether it is not in the United States for too long.
Therefore, continuous living conditions are mainly about the time of departure.
Excessive time to leave the United States (Extended Absences) may interrupt your “continuous living conditions”【source】The
- Leaving the United States for more than 6 months, but no more than 1 year, “continuous living conditions” may be broken, unless you can provide effective proofs to indicate that your “continuous living conditions” are still valid;
- After leaving the United States for more than one year, the “continuous residence” status is interrupted; at the same time, you will not be able to enter the United States again with a green card.At this time, you need to apply for “Reentry Permit” to enter the country again.
Notice: If you have repeatedly left the country, even if the time is less than 6 months, it may not necessarily meet the “continuous living conditions”.When you apply for citizenship, USCIS officials may review whether your situation meets citizenship conditions.The original USCIS text is as follows:
An Office May Also Review WHether An Applicant with Multiple Absences THAN 6 MONTHS EACHS EACHS EULE to Satisfy The Continuous Residence Requirement.In Some Of these cases, an applicant may not be able to establish that his or her principsIn the United States or Establish Residence Within the United States for the StatUTURED PERIOD PERIOD of Time.[10]
Summarize the table as shown below【source】The
Departure time | Does the applicant need an additional proof: | Whether to meet the condition of citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months and below | unnecessary | Bleak |
| More than 6 months, less than 1 year | Need an additional explanation | Bleak |
| More than 1 year | Can’t apply | Bleak |
There are also some applicants who need to leave the country for more than one year for some reasons.At this time, a application needs to be submitted to retain the continuous living conditions of applying for American citizens.You need to fill in and submit N-470 form EssenceFor specific content, check the expression of USCIS.
What is “actual living conditions”
The actual living conditions in English are Physical Presence, which refers to the three or 5 years before submitting the application for citizen【source】Essence
Therefore, the actual living conditions are mainly about the time for living in the United States.
- For general green card holders, in the 5 years before applying for citizenship, at least 30 months have lived in the United States;
- For American citizens’ spouses, at least 18 months before applying for citizenship, live in the United States for at least 18 months.
How long does it take for American citizenship?
From submitting citizenship to citizen to American citizens, it may take 10 to 20 months.This process includes the processing time of the N-400 form, the process of interviewing at USCIS, and an oath.
Among them, the processing time of the N-400 form is about 10 months.In view of your application place, the processing time may be different.
The cost of applying for American citizens
The cost of applying for American citizens is:
- US citizenship application form N-400 form fee: $ 640
- Biometrics Fee: $ 85
Of course, if you ask a lawyer, there will be other related costs.
The specific steps of green card to citizens
Below is the specific step of green card to citizens【source】The
Step 1: Fill in the n-400 table
You can fill in and submit a US citizenship application form N-400 form on the USCIS website:
Fill in FORM N-400Step 2: Play fingerprints and photos
USCIS requires all applicants to complete fingerprint collection and photos.This information is for background investigation for FBI.
After the USCIS processs the N-400 form, it will send you a reservation form, including the date, time, and place of your fingerprint.Please reach on time and complete the fingerprint collection.
Step 3: Go to USCIS interview
After your background survey is completed, you will receive an interview notice sent by USCIS.Please participate in the interview according to the required time and the required materials required.
The interview time may be 10 to 12 months after you submit the N-400 form, and it may also be faster or longer.
Interview content
There will be the following parts in the interview:
- The interviewer will review the materials and ask you some questions according to the N-400 form;
- English basic ability test (English test);
- Test about American history and government (CIVICS TEST);
Two tests
During the interview, the interviewer will conduct two informal test/tests on you: including English test (English test) and tests about American history and government:
- English ability test: The interviewer may let you read a paragraph of English, and then write an English text;
- Regarding the test of American history and the government, you need to answer 6 questions on the 10 questions;
interview result
After the interview, there may be three situations:
- You passed on the spot: USCIS interviewers may approve your N-400 form on the spot;
- You are rejected on the spot: USCIS interviewers may also think that you are not satisfied with the condition of naturalization, so you will reject your application on the spot;
- The interviewer cannot be determined on the spot: In some cases, USCIS interviewers cannot decide on the spot based on the materials submitted.At this time, USCIS officials may ask you to provide new materials or request for a second interview.
Several situations that the interviewer cannot decide on the spot:
- You have not passed the English test or Civics Test: USCIS may ask you to interview again within 60 to 90 days, but the second interview is only examined the test that is not approved.If you have not passed the required test for the second time, USCIS will reject your citizenship application;
- USCIS officials need more materials to make decisions: In this case, USCIS may give you the N-1 14 form (research for adDitional information, documents or forms) to add some materials;
- No correct materials are provided.
If your interview is rejected, you will not be able to perform the following steps.You will receive a written notice sent by USCIS to you, informing the reasons for your rejection.At the same time, if you have any objections to the results, you can ask for a hearing (fill in the N-336 form) and appeal to the decision.
Step 4: Oath become American citizen
After your interview is passed, you will receive a notice about the oath (Form N-445) to inform you the time and place of the oath.You need to answer questions on Form N-445.
Of course, you may also take an oath on the same day of the USCIS interview.
Note: Only when you swore can you truly become American citizens.After completing the oath, you will receive a Certificate for Naturalization to prove your American citizenship.
We summarize the steps of the oath as follows:
- Fill in the N-445 Form (Notice of Natureization Oath Ceremony)
- At the specified time, report to the specified location;
- USCIS will view your answer on your N-445 form;
- Pay your green card;
- Oath becoming American citizen;
- Get Certificate for Naturalization on the spot.Before leaving the oath, check whether the information is correct.If there are any errors, inform the USCIS in time;
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common problem
Question 1: How long does it take for American citizenship 2021?From submitting citizenship to citizen to American citizens, it may take 10 to 20 months.This process includes the processing time of the N-400 form, the process of interviewing at USCIS, and an oath.
Among them, the processing time of the N-400 form is about 10 months.In view of your application place, the processing time may be different.
See More
For the “5 -year naturalization of citizenship” of general green card holders, you can first Application for application in the first three months of 5 years This is called “90 Day Rule”.That is, when you hold a green card 4 years and 9 months When you are, you can start applying for citizenship.The start time should be calculated from the “Residence Since” on the green card you hold.
See More
American citizenship expenses are:
US citizenship application form N-400 form fee: $ 640
Biometrics Fee: $ 85
Of course, if you ask a lawyer, there will be other related costs.
See More
The main steps of American citizenship are:
Step 1: Fill in the n-400 table;
Step 2: Play fingerprints and photos;
Step 3: Go to USCIS interview;
Step 4: Oath become American citizen;
See More
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