U.S. Citizenship – Common Paths To Obtain It
You want a new life and you’re tired of dealing with your native country’s restrictions. It’s time to start your new life, but where do you begin? Obtaining U.S. citizenship can be quite a lengthy process, but it may be much quicker for you than you think. Good news! You have several options.
Obtaining citizenship in the United States is one of the most meaningful events you can experience. The process is not an easy one, however, and it has its pitfalls that often discourage even the most passionate citizenship seekers. But if you’re ready to find out the different pathways to becoming a U.S. citizen, keep reading.
While some people have to simply wait for approval of their application, others have to go through a more rigorous process. The reason behind this difference is that there are several different paths to becoming a citizen of the United States.
The information contained in this guide will help you gather your documents and navigate the application process. This can be a long and complicated road, but this guide will make your journey much easier.
There are two main ways that a person can become a citizen.
- By birth.
- By naturalization.
Become A U.S. Citizen
If you’ve spent any amount of time in the U.S., you’ve probably dreamed at one point or another of becoming a U.S. citizen. It’s understandable—the country is a place that some people dream of living in, after all.
Becoming a U.S. citizen can be a difficult but rewarding process, and it’s much easier if you start on the right path from day one of your life in the U.S. The key to success is ensuring that you understand all of your options and get started on the application process as soon as possible. If you do, there’s no telling what you can achieve.
Citizenship By Birth
If you were born in America, then you’re already a U.S. citizen by birth. If you are born in one of these particular areas, you automatically become a citizen. The territories and outlying possessions include American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
In the event that one or both of your parents were U.S. citizens at the time of your birth, even if you were born outside of these places, you might still be eligible for U.S. citizenship.
If both of your parents were born in the United States and at least one of them had resided in the country before passing away, you qualify for citizenship by birth as well.
If your biological parents became citizens before you turned 18, you may already be a citizen without having to apply for naturalization. Additionally, if you were adopted by American parents before turning 18, you are already regarded as a citizen of the United States.
If you do not meet to any of these qualifications, you can still become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. A skilled immigration attorney can assist you in applying for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
Citizenship By Naturalization
If you want to become a U.S. citizen and make the United States your home, U.S. Citizenship through Naturalization is the right path for you. To become a U.S. citizen by naturalization, you must meet the following general requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be a Permanent Resident or Green Card holder for at least 5 years before applying for citizenship.
- You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months during the 5 years immediately prior to filing for naturalization.
Naturalization is the process through which a foreign national becomes a United States citizen. It’s a lengthy and complicated process that requires you to meet several requirements, but it’s well worth the effort.
Let’s explore some of the common pathways to U.S. citizenship
Child Of A U.S. Citizen
You are a U.S. Citizen by virtue of your parentage. Which means you are entitled to all of the privileges that come with U.S. citizenship.
Citizenship can be acquired at birth or before reaching the age of 18 through a U.S. citizen parent. Congress has enacted legislation that outlines how citizenship is transmitted from a parent or parents who are citizens of the United States to children who were born abroad.
Married To A U.S. Citizen
Once you’re married to a U.S. citizen, you can begin the process of applying for citizenship. The first step is to complete an N-400 form. You will need to provide evidence that you have been living together with your spouse for at least three years before submitting your application, such as copies of rent receipts, utility bills, vehicle registrations, or other documents that demonstrate joint residency.
Legal service providers can make sure that you have all of the information you need about naturalization requirements. This process can be accomplished with the help of an immigration attorney. They will guide you through the necessary steps to gain your citizenship.
Serving In The U.S. Military
There are provisions under specific sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act for individuals who are working or have enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces. If they are interested in obtaining U.S. citizenship, they may be eligible to apply for naturalization under the INA.
The INA includes several many provisions that offer special benefits to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. For example, active-duty service members are eligible for expedited citizenship within their first year following an honorable discharge from active duty service, as long as they meet certain other requirements.
LPR For 5 Years
An individual who was not born in the U.S. can voluntarily become a citizen by going through the naturalization process. Being a lawful permanent resident for five years is another common path to obtaining citizenship through naturalization.
If you have been living in the United States for five years and have been a lawful permanent resident for that time, you’re now ready to begin applying for a U.S. citizenship.
The most common path to U.S. citizenship for immigrants is the naturalization process. This involves completing paperwork and submitting it to the USCIS. An immigration officer will review your application and decide whether or not you’re eligible. If you’re approved, you’ll need to take an oath of allegiance before an immigration judge. Afterward, you will attend a naturalization ceremony where you’ll receive your certificate of citizenship.
Other U.S. Citizenship Pathways
In addition to the most common methods, there are other options people find themselves eligible for. These include immediate relatives, family members of a U.S. citizen, employment, permanent residency, and refugee or asylum status.
You can become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. You simply need to meet certain basic requirements, pay the required fees, and attend an interview with an immigration officer. Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll receive your certificate of citizenship and be able to enjoy all the benefits of being an American.
Before you begin your naturalization application or complete the N-400 form, take a few minutes to determine if you’re eligible to apply for citizenship. An immigration lawyer in Fort Worth TX can guide you through the process of determining your eligibility.
Naturalization can be a complicated process. If you are not familiar with the procedure, navigating it on your own can be challenging. That’s why skilled lawyers are here to assist you with your naturalization needs. With their help, you can ensure that everything goes smoothly, and that you have the best chance at becoming a U.S. citizen.
Legal Help On Citizenship Options
There are many potential routes to getting citizenship and it is a good idea to consider several different approaches. You can become a citizen through one of the options listed here, but it is important to understand all aspects of the laws regarding naturalization in order to avoid making a mistake that could limit or delay your ability to get it.
The United States is a country that is open to immigrants. Every day, people from all over the world face various challenges in finding an affordable and trustworthy way to obtain citizenship in the U.S.
Immigration laws are constantly changing, and the best way to stay informed is to consult with an attorney who is well-versed in the field. The information provided above is a valuable resource, but you may still have questions that were not addressed.
If this is the case, it is in your best interest to consult with a qualified attorney who can fully address your questions and assist you in making more informed decisions in your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen.
At Fort Worth Immigration Lawyers, they offer help with your immigration case. With that, they provide personalized support and guidance on different citizenship methods. You will access to a wide range of options for individuals and their families that may apply to your situation.
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