Becoming a United States citizen is something that many immigrants look forward to. Whether you want to vote, travel more freely or bring family members to join you, citizenship opens new doors.
One of the most common questions people ask is how much time the process actually takes. This article covers what your timeline can look like and what to expect.
When can you apply for citizenship?
Usually, you must have a green card for 5 years before you can apply. But if you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen, you might only need to wait 3 years.
In either case, you can send in your application 90 days before you reach that 5-year or 3-year mark. It is also worth noting that for members of the military and their spouses, the process can often be faster.
Furthermore, you will need to prove that you have lived in the U.S. continuously, as well as showing that you were physically inside the U.S. for at least half of that time. Finally, you must have lived in your state (like Texas) or district for at least three months before filing your application.
What does the process look like?
The path to becoming a U.S. citizen includes:
- Filing Form N-400
- Attending a biometrics appointment
- Completing an interview
- Passing the civics and English tests, unless you are exempt
- Receiving a decision from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Taking the Oath of Allegiance
All of this typically takes months to finish. Additionally, your location plays a role in how long your application can take. USCIS field offices process cases faster than others based on their workload and staffing levels.
What comes next?
If you are unsure about anything before sending in your application, reaching out to an attorney can provide you with further guidance. They can check if your paperwork is complete and accurate before you send it.
Legal counsel can also identify potential issues in your background or history that might require additional documentation or explanation. If there are any complications, an attorney may respond on your behalf.
