The Easiest Way To Become a USA Citizen – Immigrate to USA in 2024

• Citizenship Through Naturalization
• Citizenship Through Marriage
• Citizenship Through the Military
• Citizenship Through USA Visa Lottery

Is It Hard to Become a U.S. Citizen Now?

The difficulty of becoming a U.S. citizen can vary depending on individual circumstances and the pathway chosen to pursue citizenship. Generally, the process involves meeting certain eligibility requirements, completing an application, attending an interview, and taking the Oath of Allegiance. It is not that hard to become a US citizen, just follow the instructions on this article.

Changes in immigration policies and procedures can also impact the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. It’s important for individuals considering citizenship to stay informed about current laws and regulations, as well as any updates to the naturalization process. We will always inform you in your inbox of any changes to US immigration laws and also help you through the process.

Overall, while becoming a U.S. citizen may present challenges, it is certainly achievable with proper guidance, preparation, and determination.

What Are the U.S. Citizenship Requirements for Naturalization?

There are different paths to citizenship by naturalization, but there are some general requirements that apply in most situations. If you want to qualify to be a U.S. citizen, in the majority of cases, you will need to meet these basic qualifications:

• With certain exceptions based on an applicant’s age, you need to be able to demonstrate that you can speak, read, and write using basic English.
• You must show that you are a person of good moral character and that you have been for at least five years prior to the date when you filed Form N-400.
• You must be at least 18 years old when you submit Form N-400.
• You must be able to prove that you were a lawfully admitted and continuous U.S. resident for at least five years before you applied for citizenship.
• You must prove that you were physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months during that time.
• You must prove that you lived for at least three months in the same state or USCIS district. Depending on where you live, your application may go to either the Nebraska or Texas service centers.
• You must show that you know and understand how the U.S. government works and the fundamentals of our history.
• You must demonstrate that you have a personal attachment to these fundamentals, which involves showing that you accept our democratic process and will obey our laws.
• You must take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

Citizenship Process #1: Gaining Citizenship Through Naturalization

A green card is key to becoming a naturalized citizen. Having a green card technically means you are a legal permanent resident of the United States. You can live and work freely throughout the country.

You may be able to get a green card:

• If you already have a relative living legally in the United States: Your relative can sponsor you. A U.S. citizen can immediately sponsor a spouse, unmarried children under 21 years of age, and parents. The wait time these relatives have for a green card is minimal. U.S. citizens can also sponsor siblings, unmarried children over 21 years of age and married adult children. These relatives will have to wait several years to obtain a green card.
• If you have a qualifying job offer: If you are moving to the United States for a permanent job offer, your employer can petition you for a green card. Immigrants who demonstrate exceptional ability do not need a sponsor and can petition themselves.
• If you are legally in the United States as a refugee or asylee: If you are in either of these categories and have lived in the United States for a year, you may petition for a green card.

Residency Requirements

There are a variety of residency requirements to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. The residency requirements set by the USCIS ensure that you have lived in the country while holding a green card.

You must prove that you’ve had a permanent home in the United States for at least five years immediately before the date you applied for naturalization. So if you want to apply for naturalization in May of 2022, you must have been a green card holder since May 2017.

You will need to prove you have been physically present in the United States for two and a half years of those five years. This means you will have to prove you were physically in the country for two and a half years. You also need to prove you’ve lived in the same state or USCIS district for at least 30 months.

Personal Requirements

The personal requirements for U.S. citizenship cover your knowledge of the U.S. and its history. Personal requirements for naturalization ensure you are old enough, are a good person, and understand the language and the U.S. government.

• You need to be at least 18 years old the day you file your application for naturalization.
• Your knowledge of reading, writing, and speaking English will be evaluated during the citizenship test.
• You will also need to know the basics of the U.S. government and U.S. history.
• Lastly, you must be a person of good moral character. This means you are a law-abiding person who will be a contributing member of society.

Complete Your Naturalization Application

The USCIS form you need to complete is Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The application can be completed online using FileRight’s software. The program simplifies the application, makes it easy to understand, and checks your answers for common errors as you complete it. Keep in mind that:

• Your application will include supporting evidence. Essentially that means you must prove certain answers you gave on your application. For example, to prove you are a legal permanent resident you will need to provide a copy of your green card. FileRight will break down exactly what documents you’ll need.
• As of August 2021, the filing fee is $640 but could increase. You will also have to pay a biometric fee of $85. Payments by check need to be made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. If you do not copy that exactly it could lead to a rejection of your application.

After completing your application, FileRight will provide you a filing packet that will include personalized instructions on how to properly assemble your application.

The Biometrics Appointment

Biometrics simply refers to information about you. The majority of citizenship applicants will have to take a photograph, submit an electronic signature, and submit fingerprints during the biometrics appointment.

The information is used to conduct a background check and to ensure you are the person you say you are.

Prepare for the Citizenship Test

Part of the citizenship interview includes the test. The USCIS officer will ask you about your application and your background. This is also the time you will take the English and civics test. This is the last step before a final decision is made regarding your citizenship so being prepared is important.

FileRight does offer a citizenship test preparation course plus plenty of information for you to know exactly how to get ready for this test.

The Citizenship Interview

After your biometrics appointment, you will receive a letter telling you the time and date of your citizenship interview. You’ll take the English and citizenship tests at the interview.

Along with the date and time of the interview, you will also receive a checklist of documents to bring to the interview. Do not forget them.

Take the Oath of Allegiance

This is the final step of the naturalization process. You’ll receive your invitation to a naturalization ceremony in the mail. On the back of that Form 455, you will have to answer the questions and review them with an officer during the naturalization ceremony.

After taking the Oath of Allegiance and completing the naturalization ceremony, you will receive your naturalization certificate.

It’s very important to keep this document in a safe place because it is your proof of citizenship.

Citizenship Process #2: Gaining Citizenship Through Marriage

Petitioning a relative for a green card requires a lot of paperwork but FileRight can simplify it all.

If you’re married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a green card by submitting Form I-130, Petition for an Alien Relative.

Form I-130 establishes a relationship between you and your spouse. You will need to prove the marriage by submitting documents such as a marriage certificate.

• If an immigrant spouse is already living with a U.S. citizen legally in the United States, they can adjust status at the same time as filing Form I-130. The other form that needs to be completed is Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Both forms can be submitted together.
• If an immigrant spouse is outside the United States, they have to wait for a visa to be available and then attend an interview at an embassy or consulate. Once the immigrant spouse is admitted to the United States, they can file to adjust status by filing Form I-485.

The Marriage Interview

You’ll need to discuss your marriage with an interviewing officer. The U.S. government does everything it can to prevent marriage fraud. The marriage interview consists of an officer asking personal questions to determine if your marriage is real or not. You can expect questions about:

• Your relationship history
• Questions about who is responsible for bills or cooking
• Personal information like birthdays
• Detailed questions about your wedding

Residency Requirements

An immigrant spouse will not be able to apply for naturalization immediately after receiving a green card. There are residency requirements you must first complete.

• You must have a green card for at least three years before applying for naturalization.
• During those three years, you must be a continuous resident of the United States and prove you were physically present in the country for at least a year and a half.
• Your spouse must have been a U.S. citizen for those three years and you must have lived as a married couple the entire time.
• You must also live for three months in the state or USCIS district that will be handling your application.

Personal Requirements

Personal requirements for U.S. citizenship include knowing English as well as U.S. civics. These requirements are similar to the requirements most immigrants must meet in order to become naturalized citizens, which include:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Speak, read, and write English.
• You must have entered the United States legally. Undocumented immigrants who marry U.S. citizens cannot apply for citizenship as easily.
• You must be a person of good moral character. This means you’re generally a good person, who pays taxes and child support, and hasn’t broken any serious laws.

Apply for Naturalization

Filling out your Form N-400 Application for Naturalization can be done online. The day you satisfy all the requirements listed above is the day you are eligible to apply for naturalization. You’ll have to complete Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. FileRight can simplify the citizenship process.

• Your application will include supporting evidence. Essentially that means you must prove certain answers you gave on your application. For example, to prove you are a legal permanent resident you will need to provide a copy of your green card. FileRight will break down exactly what documents you’ll need.
• As of August 2021, the filing fee is $640 but could increase. You will also have to pay a biometric fee of $85. Payments by check need to be made out to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” If you do not copy that exactly it could lead to a rejection of your application.
• After completing your application, FileRight will provide you with a filing packet that will include personalized instructions on how to assemble your application and where to mail it.

Biometrics Appointment

During a biometrics appointment, the USCIS will collect personal information about you. The government will send you a letter telling you where you must attend your biometrics appointment.

Fingerprints, photographs, and an electronic signature will be collected. The information will be used for a background check and to make sure you are the person you say you are.

The Citizenship Interview

You’ll need to attend your citizenship interview. The citizenship interview is one of the final steps before a decision is made regarding your citizenship. Immigration officials will ask you about your background and your N-400 application.

You’ll receive a checklist of documents you must bring for your interview. Do not forget these documents. As part of your interview:

• You will take your citizenship test during the interview. That means you will need to prepare for the English and Civics portions of the test.
• You will be asked to read and write in English. You will also be asked basic questions about U.S. history and how the government works.

Take the Oath of Allegiance

The final step in this long process is taking the Oath of Allegiance at your naturalization ceremony. You will receive Form 455 in the mail and it will tell you when and where your naturalization ceremony will be.

Once you’ve completed this ceremony you’ll receive your naturalization certificate. It’s important to keep this document safe because it is proof of your citizenship

Citizenship Process #3: Through the Military

U.S. Citizenship can be gained through the military. If you served honorably in the armed forces, you could be eligible to apply for naturalization.

Personal Requirements

The personal requirements for naturalization through military services are very similar to those of a five-year green cardholder.

• You must be a person of good moral character. That means you have not been convicted of serious crimes, and you’re a person who pays their taxes and child support and is generally seen as a positive member of the community.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must speak, read, and write English.
• You must have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government.

Serving During Period of Hostility

There are different requirements if you served in the military during peacetime or times of hostility. The United States has been in a period of hostility since September 11, 2001.

• A person serving during a period of hostility may apply for naturalization right away.
• Must complete their military service honorably.
• Residency requirements may not apply.

Serving During Peacetime

For those serving during peacetime, the requirements are different. You can apply for naturalization if you:

• Served honorably for at least one year.
• Obtained a green card.
• Filed the application while you were still in the service or within six months of separation.

Complete your Application

Most military installations will have a contact person to ask about naturalization. You will need to complete Form N-400 Application for Naturalization and Form N-426 Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service. Form N-426, in part, proves you served honorably in the armed forces.

• Your filing fee will be waived.
• You can ask the USCIS questions about military service and naturalization by phone at 1-877-247-4645.
• You can also email the USCIS at [email protected].

Swear the Oath of Allegiance

Anyone wishing to become a U.S. citizen must show their attachment to the U.S. Constitution by swearing the oath of allegiance. Once that is complete, you will be given a naturalization certificate. That document is very important because it proves your status as a U.S. citizen.

When Can You Apply for Citizenship?

You can apply for citizenship as soon as you meet the eligibility requirements, many of which are time-related. Generally, you can apply for citizenship through naturalization when:

• You are 18 years old (or under 18 if applying through parents)
• You have been a permanent resident for 5 years
• You have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400

Are the U.S. Citizen Tests Difficult?

To become a U.S. citizen, most applicants must pass an English language test and a U.S. civics test. These tests are not too difficult but you can prepare ahead of time.

The English Test

The English test requires you to speak, read, and write basic English. The speaking test will occur throughout your immigration interview.

The immigration officer will judge your speaking ability by how well you answer questions. The reading portion requires you to read aloud one of three sentences correctly. The writing portion requires you to write one out of three sentences correctly.

The Civics Test

There are 100 questions on the civics test. During your interview, you will be asked up to 10 questions and you must answer six correctly. The USCIS makes all civics questions and answers available for study.

Citizenship Process #3: Through the USA Visa Lottery

he DV program issues 50,000 immigrant visas annually, based on the results of a random drawing. This enables people all over the world to Immigrate to USA. The visas are apportioned among countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.

Personal Requirements

• You must be a person of good moral character. That means you have not been convicted of serious crimes, and you’re a person who pays their taxes and child support and is generally seen as a positive member of the community.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must speak, read, and write English.
• You must have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government.

When to Register

The online registration period for the DV Program typically runs between early to October and November each year. You should register as early as possible. If you wait until the end of the sign-up period, you could miss out due to heavy website traffic. Late entries will not be accepted

Where and How to Register

Registration for the green card lottery is done online using the English-language version only. Although your application must be done in English, detailed instructions in a variety of languages are available by following the link to the instructions.

It’s important that you read the instructions carefully, noting all required documentation including your passport number, photos, and so forth. The U.S. State Department video tutorial on registering for the green card lottery explains the steps as well.

How Long Does It Take to Become a U.S. Citizen?

How long it takes to become a United States citizen depends on the path you choose. The most common way is through a process called naturalization. First, you need to fill out a form called N-400. After you submit this form, it usually takes around 6 to 14 months for it to be processed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

During this time, you might need to provide more documents or retake some tests. Once USCIS decides on your application, they’ll either approve or deny it. If approved, you’ll attend a special ceremony where you’ll take an Oath of Allegiance, marking the end of your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen.

If you want to get a U.S. passport, vote in elections, and make sure your children have all the rights of citizens, you should start your naturalization process as soon as possible. Just keep in mind that there might be waiting lists and other delays, so starting early is a good idea. We wish you good luck as you start the process of becoming a US Citizen, remeber you can make your application through this page and we are always avaiilable to assist you whenever you need help.