How Long Does It Take to Become a U.S. Citizen?
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Many people who become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) have the ultimate goal of becoming naturalized U.S. citizens. Obtaining a green card is not easy to begin with, and even though becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen is relatively easier, many who apply still get their applications denied for various reasons. Besides worrying about whether their application for citizenship will be approved, a question we often get at Kriezelman Burton & Associates Chicago office is how long it takes to become a U.S. citizen. We are based in Chicago, but also take cases in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Before answering that question, it is important to first understand the eligibility criteria and the process one must go through to become a U.S. citizen.
Eligibility for Naturalization
A person not born in the United States or its territories can only become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, a process of applying for citizenship for noncitizens who meet the eligibility requirements. Before applying, however, one must make sure they meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization, which are as follows:
- Must be at least 18 years of age when sending your application
- Must have been a green card holder for 3 or 5 years, depending on what category one is applying under
- Must prove physical presence that has been continuous and residence in the United States
- Must be able to read, write, and speak basic English
- Must show good moral character
- Must show an understanding of basic U.S. government and history
- Must show loyalty to the U.S. Constitution; and
- Must be ready and willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
The Naturalization Process
The process of naturalization is started by accurately completing and submitting the N-400 Application for Naturalization to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Although the application might seem fairly straightforward, it is not. For this reason, it is in your interest if you are applying for naturalization to have an experienced immigration attorney assist in the preparation and filing of the naturalization application package.
An experienced immigration lawyer will not only have an error-free and complete naturalization application package filed for you, but they will also know what to look for in terms of issues in your case and have them addressed before filing – or address them in the filing itself. Doing so will be much better for you instead of being surprised by the issues at the time of your interview or even before your application is reviewed by a USCIS officer.
Once your application is submitted to USCIS, the following will take place:
- Biometrics. You will receive an appointment to have your fingerprints taken
- Interview. You will be interviewed by an immigration officer
- Citizenship Test. You will be tested on knowledge of government and English
- Naturalization Ceremony. If all the above steps are successful, next is the ceremony
- Citizenship Conferred. At the conclusion of the ceremony, you become a U.S. citizen.
If you are in the Chicago area and are thinking about applying for citizenship or if you have applied already, we can help you to make sure the application is processed without unnecessary delay or denial. Contact us today and schedule a consultation.
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Exceptional Legal Representation I want to sincerely thank Kevin Raica for handling my case so efficiently. From our very first meeting, he demonstrated confidence and a clear plan for moving forward, which put us at ease right away. He kept the process moving and resolved our case in a timely manner. His professionalism and dedication made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. I have already recommended his services to…
Kriezelman Burton & Associate are Excellent immigration law firm that understands and guide one through any immigration cases. Attorney Khiabett is one of their best attorneys you can trust, she understands, patient, attentive, and gives honest advice about any immigration case her client has. I HIGHLY recommend the law firm to anyone having immigration concerns. Thank you for all you do.
Outstanding experience and successful Green Card approval with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC! The immigration process can often be stressful and overwhelming, but working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC in Chicago made the entire journey smooth, transparent, and successful from start to finish. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Justin Burton for his exceptional professionalism, strategic guidance, and confidence from day one. Knowing my case was in…
Great lawyer, helped us to get a green card in few months, so thanks a lot. Recommended
Kevin Raica literally saved my life. He helped me out of a dangerous situation that my previous attorney had put me in. After 17 years without status and 6.5 years of working with my previous attorney, I had experienced so many denials that I had completely lost hope. When I met Kevin, everything changed. He genuinely cared about my situation and gave me hope when I couldn’t see any for…
We sincerely thank the entire team for the professionalism, responsiveness, patience, and dedication shown throughout our case. From our very first visit, Justin reassured us that everything would be all right. Thank you, Khiabett, for your expertise, professionalism, and calm guidance before and during the interview, which greatly reduced our stress and gave us confidence. We also deeply appreciate Kamila's hard work, patience, and responsiveness throughout the process. For sorting…
I would like to sincerely thank Attorney Justin Burton and PL Kamila Lada for support with my adjustment of status case. I have been working with the firm for over a year now, and I have received nothing short of exceptional services and support throughout various cases for myself and family members. Highly recommend consulting and retaining this firm.
We have been in the dark with our case for over 2 decades, while working with other big firms who just kept me in the dark and sat on our case without making any effort to move it forward until I met the wonderful team at Kriezelman & Burton. AO and JP are truly God-sent angels who with their knowledge, collaboration, sense of direction and outside the box thinking, managed…
Highly recommend attorney Kevin Raica and attorney Agata Bigdanowicz. They were super helpful, responded on time, and won my case in record time. It took about a month and half in total for me to get my approval after filing!
Brittni Rivera and her team (Carina Lopez) are fantastic! They are responsive, efficient and beyond compassionate. Brittni Rivera and her team treated me with dignity and respect as they patiently answered all of my questions. They didn't move on without making sure I understood each step. Their work ethic was impressive. It felt like they were an extension of my personal team. I can't say enough to convey my gratitude…
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