U.S. citizenship is a dream for many immigrants, but the application process can be tricky. Mistakes can lead to delays or even denials.
A common error is submitting incomplete forms. Another is turning in forms that are missing details.
Incomplete or incorrect forms
In the 2022 fiscal year, 967,500 people became U.S. citizens. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has forms for applications. Make sure to use the right forms and fill them out all the way. Read the instructions, and double-check all information before you turn them in.
Insufficient supporting documentation
Applications need complete supporting documents. Create a checklist of required documents and ensure they are up-to-date. If needed, get someone to translate and authenticate them.
Failure to meet residency requirements
Some applicants apply for citizenship before fulfilling residency requirements. To avoid this mistake, understand and meet the residency criteria. Keep accurate records of your time in the United States.
Criminal records and moral character concerns
Applicants with criminal records or moral character concerns can face challenges. Be honest about any criminal history and show rehabilitation efforts. Review USCIS guidelines on character concerns and take necessary steps to address them.
Missing deadlines
Missing deadlines can cause officials to reject your application. Note the submission date. Send your application in plenty of time to avoid potential delays or problems.
Also, some applicants must attend interviews or take tests. You may be more likely to run into problems if you do not prepare enough. Study and practice for interviews or tests as required. Learn about the content and format.
