Nationality Law And Citizenship: Becoming An American
For some, becoming an American citizen would be a dream come true. Our immigration attorneys at the Canizares Law Group, LLC, all come from diverse backgrounds and their work is inspired and influenced by their own personal experiences. Our founding lawyer was once an immigrant herself. Claudia Canizares founded the Canizares Law Group, LLC, in Miami to help and assist others in achieving their American dreams with the process of naturalization to obtain citizenship. With decades of combined experience and thousands of cases between them, our immigration attorneys have the skills and knowledge to help you with your immigration law needs.
Your American dream begins here — call 305-686-3187 now or send us a message for your consultation.
Advantages To Becoming An American Citizen
As an American citizen, you will have protection from deportation and will never find yourself subject to removal proceedings. American citizens have access to government benefits and programs that are available to U.S. citizens, like federal college tuition assistance programs. American citizens also have the right to vote in elections. In fact, as an American citizen, you will have the freedom to travel freely back and forth to your country of origin without worrying about reentry into the United States.
Sponsoring Family Members For Green Cards
In addition, as an American citizen, you can more easily facilitate lawful permanent residency applications and help your family members obtain green cards. The immigration laws in the United States are designed to help keep families together and reunite families that have been separated by the immigration process. As an American citizen, your sponsorship of your parents, siblings and children can enable them to achieve lawful status more quickly.
Basic Eligibility Requirements For U.S. Citizenship
Not everyone who applies for citizenship is successful. Those who do apply need to know what legal steps they can take to navigate the system, and that starts with understanding the basic eligibility requirements imposed by the U.S. government. Applicants for naturalization generally have to meet the following qualifications, with limited exceptions:
- Minimum age: Generally, applicants need to be at least 18 years old. You can apply as a legal adult.
- Green card requirements: You need to have lived in the country continuously, with a green card, for at least three to five years. You can travel outside of the United States, but not for more than six months.
- Moral character: An applicant needs to have good moral character, which can be demonstrated by things like the lack of a criminal record and honesty during the interview process.
- State residency: In addition to having to live in the United States for three to five years, you must have been a resident of your specific state for a minimum of three months. Even if you’ve lived in the U.S. for years, if you just moved to Florida, you can’t apply for three months.
- Educational testing: Applicants have to take certain tests, such as a civics test and an English language test. You have to demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading and writing, along with U.S. government and history topics.
- Military service: Most men from 18 to 26 years old need to be registered with the selective service. This means you could be chosen for service if the U.S. ever institutes a draft.
- The Oath of Allegiance: One of the final steps that you have to take is simply to swear the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. This started in the 18th century, so it’s a long-standing tradition in the U.S.
Even looking at these basic eligibility requirements, you may have questions. Does a drunk driving arrest violate the requirement for good moral character, for example? What paperwork do you need to file? How do you set up your citizenship tests? For all of this and more, it can help to have experienced legal guidance.
What Are The Steps To Becoming A U.S. Citizen?
The U.S. citizenship process involves meeting specific eligibility requirements and completing multiple steps. They include:
- Determine eligibility: Ensure you meet requirements, such as being 18 years old, having lawful permanent resident status (green card) for at least 3-5 years and meeting physical presence and continuous residence criteria.
- Prepare form N-400: Gather the necessary documents and complete the application for naturalization (Form N-400).
- Submit the application: File Form N-400 online or by mail, along with the required filing fee.
- Biometric appointment: Attend your biometrics appointment, during which fingerprints, a photo and a signature will be collected.
- Naturalization interview: Attend an interview where a USCIS officer will review your application and test your knowledge of U.S. civics and the English language.
- Take the oath of allegiance: If approved, you will attend a naturalization ceremony and officially become a U.S. citizen.
Completing each step thoroughly and promptly can help ensure a smooth process toward citizenship.
How Can You Prepare For Your U.S. Citizenship Test?
Preparing for the U.S. citizenship test is crucial to the naturalization process. The test assesses your knowledge of U.S. history, government and English proficiency. Below are steps to help you succeed:
- Review study materials
- Take citizenship classes
- Practice English skills
- Attend mock interviews
With consistent preparation and practice, you can approach the test with confidence.
How Much Does It cost To Apply For Citizenship?
The cost of applying for U.S. citizenship primarily involves filing fees for Form N-400, Application for naturalization. As of now, the total fee is $760 for paper filing, while online filing is $710.
Certain individuals who meet financial hardship criteria may qualify for a fee waiver or a reduced fee using Form I-912 or Form I-942, respectively.
It is essential to verify the latest fee schedule directly on the USCIS website before filing, as fees may be subject to change. Also, keep in mind that fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Therefore, ensuring your application is accurate and complete before submission is crucial.
Take One Step Closer to Citizenship – Call Today
Our lawyers meet with clients by appointment only but offer appointments over the phone, in person or online through video chats. You can schedule a meeting by calling 305-686-3187 or sending an email through our website. Se habla español.