U.S. Citizenship in 3 Years with a Green Card: A Guide for Immigrants
Achieving U.S. Citizenship in Three Years with a Green Card: A Guide for Immigrants
For immigrants the desire to become a U.S. Citizen has long been a cherished dream. U.S. Citizenship brings benefits, including the right to vote the ability to sponsor family members for immigration and protection from deportation. Typically it takes five years as a resident (holder of a green card) to become eligible for U.S. Citizenship. However were you aware that there is an expedited process that allows you to attain citizenship in three years if you have a card? In this blog post we will delve into the path towards achieving U.S. Citizenship within three years and discuss the requirements and steps involved.
The Three Year Exception
In general individuals applying for U.S. Citizenship through naturalization must hold a card for least five years. Nevertheless there exists an exception to this rule that permits applicants who meet criteria to apply after three years. This exception applies specifically to spouses of U.S. Citizens.
Eligibility Criteria
To take advantage of the three year exception rule individuals must fulfill the following eligibility criteria;
You must be currently married to a U.S citizen who has been a citizen, for three years.
To be eligible, for U.S. Citizenship you need to meet requirements. These include being a resident for at least three years living in a marital union with your U.S. Citizen spouse throughout the three year period and being physically present in the United States for a minimum of 18 months during that time. Additionally it is important to demonstrate " character," which means having a clean legal record and no convictions for certain crimes.
Once you have confirmed that you meet these criteria you can begin the process of applying for U.S. Citizenship. Here are the main steps involved;
1. Gather the documents; Collect all the required paperwork, such as your card, marriage certificate, tax returns and any other evidence that supports your eligibility.
2. Complete Form N 400; This is the application form for naturalization. Form N 400. Make sure to fill out all the sections with information.
3. Pay the application fee; As of my update in January 2022 filing Form N 400 requires a fee of $725 which covers both the application and biometrics expenses. It's important to check with the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for any changes or updates regarding fees.
Please note that this information is subject, to change and it is advisable to consult sources or seek advice when proceeding with your U.S. Citizenship application.
Make sure to attend your biometrics appointment; USCIS will schedule an appointment where they will collect your fingerprints take a photograph of you and obtain your signature.
Don't forget about the naturalization interview; Once your application is processed you'll be invited for an interview, with an officer. During this meeting they will test your knowledge of U.S. Government and history as evaluate your English speaking and comprehension skills.
When approved take the Oath of Allegiance; After receiving approval on your application you'll be given a date to participate in the Oath of Allegiance ceremony. This ceremony is a milestone in becoming a U.S. Citizen.
In conclusion
Achieving U.S. Citizenship within three years with a card is an accomplishment available to spouses of U.S. Citizens who meet specific eligibility requirements. If you find yourself in this situation it's crucial to understand the criteria gather all documents and diligently follow the application process.
Remember that immigration laws and procedures can change over time; therefore staying updated with the information and requirements is essential. Additionally seeking guidance, from an immigration attorney can provide support throughout the naturalization process and increase your chances of success.
If you fulfill the requirements outlined in the three year rule you can begin your journey, towards becoming a citizen of the United States. By doing you'll gain access to all the rights and benefits that accompany citizenship. Your aspirations of living the dream are closer, than ever. This accelerated pathway can assist you in reaching them sooner than anticipated.