Citizenship Lawyers in Denver
Requirements for U.S. Citizenship
Pursuing citizenship in the United States is a significant accomplishment that requires qualified individuals to demonstrate that they are worthy of the benefits and rights that come with being a U.S. citizen.
If you’ve been living legally in the United States for at least five years, or have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years, you are eligible to begin the process of applying for citizenship. Applicants for citizenship also must be at least 18 years old and able to read, write, and speak basic English.
The type of visa that you hold at the time of applying for citizenship doesn’t matter. Requirements for citizenship (also called naturalization) rely on the amount of time that you have held your Green Card, as well as fulfilling the steps of the application and interview process.
What is the Difference between Citizenship and Naturalization?
There is no real difference between naturalization and citizenship. Naturalization is the legal process of becoming a citizen of a certain country (in this case, the United States) and citizenship is used to refer to the status of an individual who has completed that process.
Becoming a U.S. citizen as a foreign national means going through the process of naturalization, submitting your citizenship application, completing the required steps, and taking the Oath of Allegiance to become an official citizen of the United States and enjoy all the rights and privileges that come with that status.
U.S. Citizenship Application Process
- Determine your eligibility for citizenship based on whether or not you meet the requirements (listed above).
- Prepare an N-400 Application for Naturalization. Have questions? The citizenship lawyers at Barringer Law Firm are here to help.
- Submit your completed N-400 to USCIS and pay the necessary fees.
- Attend a biometric appointment where you provide fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature.
- Attend an interview with a USCIS officer where they will ask questions about your application, background, and civic knowledge.
- Pass a test evaluating your knowledge of the English language as well as U.S. history and government.
- Once you’ve done your biometric appointment, interview, and passed your test, you will receive a decision from USCIS about your application.
- If your citizenship application is approved, you will be required to take the Oath of Allegiance to become an official United States citizen.
How Much Does Citizenship Cost?
The N-400 application for citizenship costs $640, and the biometric appointment costs an additional $85.
What Happens If You Fail the Citizenship Test or Interview?
If an applicant for U.S. citizenship fails the test or interview on their first try, they will be allowed to repeat it once within 60 to 90 days of their first attempt. If the applicant also fails this second attempt, their application will be denied and they will have to start the process over from the beginning (including all fees).
The silver lining for individuals who do not achieve citizenship on their first application is that they will receive feedback from USCIS outlining the areas where they must improve in order to pass on their next application. There are many resources available to help prepare for the citizenship application, including our citizenship lawyers at Barringer Law Firm.
