Many immigration applicants are interested in citizenship but are unsure about the process or how long it will take. Let’s break down the steps and timeframe for becoming a citizen of the United States. With this knowledge, you can better plan your immigration journey.
How long does the citizenship process take in the US if you are born abroad and want to become a citizen through your parents?
If you are born abroad and wish to attain US citizenship through your parents, the amount of time it takes can depend on multiple factors. However, the average process generally takes around six or seven years.
The initial step is for your parents to petition for you by filing Form I-130. Subsequently, visa availability must be checked to determine which kind of green card must be processed.
After you enter the country with an immigrant visa, if one is required, the next step would be to apply for a green card and wait until USCIS approves it in order to move onto the final phase: If you are over 18 and not yet a US citizen then they must apply for naturalization.
All in all, becoming a US citizen from abroad through your parents can take a few years—but at least it’s possible!
How long does the citizenship process take in the US if you are born in the US but your parents aren’t citizens yet (or you don’t have any parent who is a citizen)?
Acquiring citizenship through parental lineage is a unique process in the United States. While it is fairly straightforward if one or both parents are US citizens, it can be more difficult if neither parent is a citizen. In such cases, the child must file a form with the USCIS and provide different types of documentation, such as proof of birth, marriage records, and photographs of their parents.
On average, this process may take anywhere from 6 to 8 months before the application for naturalized citizenship for the US-born child is accepted by the Department of Homeland Security.
The entire process will likely take around two years since there are several steps along the way, including interviews and review periods. Although long and complex, acquiring citizenship through this method can be extremely rewarding and liberating for those who seek to obtain it.
How long does it take to become a naturalized US citizen if you already have a green card or another legal status in the country?
Becoming a naturalized US citizen after already possessing a green card or another legal status to remain in the country can be a fairly straightforward process. Depending on one’s circumstances, it usually takes three to seven years to become a naturalized citizen.
First, an eligibility application must be completed and submitted to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services for review.
After that, an interview is granted, including an English language exam and testing of knowledge about US history and government functioning.
Lastly, an Oath of Allegiance ceremony is attended in order to become officially sworn in as a new US citizen. With dedication towards completing all the necessary requirements, individuals who have achieved permanent resident status can make their dream of becoming citizens come true!
Once you start the citizenship process, how long do you have to wait until you can actually vote in elections and enjoy all the rights of full citizenship?
Securing full citizenship and the rights it confers can be a long process, but depending on your background, you may find it shorter than you thought. After beginning the citizenship process, most people wait between 6 to 12 months before they can take part in elections and become officially recognized citizens.
It’s a lengthy but rewarding experience – when you receive that letter announcing that you are a voting member of society, there’s no denying the feeling of accomplishment. Once this step is taken, you join over 125 million other Americans who come from all walks of life and contribute to making our country so great.
Are there any shortcuts to becoming a US citizen, or any ways to speed up the process so that it doesn’t take as long as it otherwise might?”
Becoming a US citizen is no easy feat; it requires patience and dedication to complete the process. However, there are certain ways to expedite the steps required to obtain US citizenship.
Depending on your background and situation, you may benefit from certain programs such as the Compact of Free Association migration or US military service. You may also qualify for an F-1 student visa, allowing foreign students to stay and study in the United States for long periods without worrying about overstaying their visas or being deported.
Additionally, if you have family members who can file a petition on your behalf or if you invest in a qualifying enterprise that creates ten permanent full-time jobs, then you may receive preferential consideration on your path to obtaining US citizenship. While none of these options are guaranteed success in becoming a US citizen quickly and easily, they could potentially help speed up the overall process.
Call us for immigration assistance.
Becoming a United States citizen is a long and complicated process that takes quite a long time. Still, with the proper guidance from an experienced immigration attorney, it can be accomplished in the shortest amount of time allowable.
No matter how you become a US citizen – through birth abroad to parents who are citizens, or by being born in the United States with non-citizen parents, or via naturalization – you must go through various processes to obtain your citizenship, and then wait for some time before being able to fully enjoy all the benefits of full citizenship, including voting rights. It’s important to understand that there aren’t any shortcuts to becoming a US citizen.
If you want to speed up the process as much as possible without compromising on quality, it’s advisable to secure complete services from an experienced immigration lawyer. If you’re looking for help with your immigration needs in the US, look for an immigration law firm like Ruby Powers Law. Their wealth of knowledge and expertise make them well-equipped to help you every step of the way!
