Naturalization

¿Quién puede solicitar la ciudadanía estadounidense?

para solicitar la naturalización en EE. UU.

Tarifas y exenciones de naturalización (2024)

Tiempo de procesamiento de la naturalización

Beneficios de la ciudadanía estadounidense

U.S. Naturalization, Explained

Naturalization is the process by which a non-U.S. citizen gains U.S. citizenship, offering benefits like voting rights and federal job opportunities. This guide provides a detailed overview of eligibility, steps, fees, and benefits for those seeking to become U.S. citizens

Table of Contents

What is Naturalization?

Naturalization is the legal process by which a foreign national, typically a lawful permanent resident (also known as a green card holder), becomes a U.S. citizen. This process marks a significant step toward full integration into American society and comes with a host of advantages. Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization not only provides individuals with the right to vote in federal, state, and local elections, but it also opens the door to government employment opportunities and more comprehensive protection under U.S. laws, both domestically and internationally.

Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization

To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, applicants must meet several key naturalization requirements:

Age: Must be at least 18 years old.

Permanent Residency: Hold lawful permanent residency (Green Card) for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).

Continuous Residence: Live in the U.S. for the required period.

Physical Presence: Be physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required residency period.

Good Moral Character: Show evidence of good moral character.

English Proficiency and Civics Knowledge: Demonstrate an understanding of English and knowledge of U.S. history/government.

For further details, visit the official USCIS page on citizenship eligibility.

Who Can Apply for US Neutralization?

Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for a successful application. Naturalization eligibility generally depends on several key factors, including how long you’ve had your green card, how long you’ve physically lived in the United States, and your military service history.

Key Eligibility Factors:

Length of Green Card Ownership
Physical Presence in the U.S.
Military Service (including peacetime and wartime)

Detailed Eligibility Requirements:

General Green Card Holders:
If you are a green card holder without special circumstances, you can apply for U.S. citizenship 5 years after obtaining your green card. You must have physically lived in the U.S. for at least 30 months (2.5 years) during those 5 years.
Spouses of U.S. Citizens:
If you’ve been married to a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years and lived together for that entire time, you can apply for citizenship 3 years after obtaining your green card. You need to have physically lived in the U.S. for at least 18 months (1.5 years) during that period.
Widows and Widowers of U.S. Citizens:
If your U.S. citizen spouse passed away while serving honorably in the military and you were living together at the time, you can apply for citizenship at any time. No minimum time holding a green card or physical presence in the U.S. is required.
Military Service:
- Peacetime Service: If you’ve served in the U.S. military for at least 1 year, you can apply while on active duty or within 6 months of honorably separating. No minimum time holding a green card or physical presence is required.
- If you’ve served less than 1 year during peacetime, you can apply 5 years after obtaining your green card, with at least 30 months of physical presence.
- If you have served any period during wartime, you can apply for citizenship at any time, regardless of your green card status or physical presence.

Eligibility Exceptions

Applicants 50 years of age or older:
If you are 50 or older and have lived in the U.S. as a green card holder for at least 20 years, you are exempt from the English test, but you must still take the civics test.
Applicants 55 years of age or older:
Individuals who are 55 or older and have resided in the U.S. as green card holders for at least 15 years may also skip the English test, although they must still complete the civics test.
Applicants 65 years of age or older:
If you are 65 or older and have had your green card for 20 years, you are exempt from the English test and only need to study 20 of the 100 civics questions. You will be asked 10 questions, and answering 6 correctly will be enough to pass.
Applicants with medical disabilities:
Those with medical disabilities that have lasted, or are expected to last, at least 12 months may qualify for exemptions from both the English test and the civics test, provided they submit an approved exemption.

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Steps to apply for US Naturalization

US naturalization process is a vital journey for many immigrants in the United States who aspire to become U.S. citizens. The naturalization process involves several steps including:

1. Determine Eligibility

Before beginning the naturalization process, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.

Key criteria include:

Being at least 18 years old.
Having lawful permanent resident status (Green Card) for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
Demonstrating continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
Proving good moral character.
Passing English and civics tests (with some exceptions).

2. Complete Form N-400

The next step in the naturalization process is to fill out Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. This form requires detailed information about your residency, employment, and background.

3. Gather Supporting Documents

After completing Form N-400, collect the necessary supporting documents, which may include:

A copy of your Green Card.
Two passport-style photographs.
Documents related to your marital history, if applicable.
Evidence of your residence and employment.

4. Submit Your Application

Mail your completed Form N-400 and supporting documents to the appropriate USCIS office. Pay the required application fee, which can be waived for eligible applicants.

5. Receive a Receipt Notice

Once USCIS receives your application, you will receive a receipt notice (Form I-797C). This notice confirms that your application is being processed.

6. Attend Biometrics Appointment

USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment for you to provide fingerprints, photographs, and a signature. This step is essential for conducting background checks.

7. Complete the Interview

After your biometrics appointment, you will be invited for an interview with a USCIS officer. During this interview, you will answer questions about your application and take the civics and English tests.

8. Receive a Decision

After the interview, you will receive a decision on your application. Possible outcomes include:

Granted: You will move forward to the next step in the naturalization process.
Continued: USCIS requires additional information or another interview.
Denied: Your application has been denied, but you may appeal the decision.

9. Take the Oath of Allegiance

If your application is granted, you will receive an appointment for the Oath Ceremony. Taking the Oath of Allegiance is the final step in the naturalization process, granting you U.S. citizenship.

10. Receive Your Certificate of Naturalization

After taking the oath, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization, which serves as proof of your citizenship.

By following these steps, you can navigate the naturalization process smoothly and work toward becoming a proud U.S. citizen. For more detailed information, visit the USCIS Naturalization page.

Need Help with Your Naturalization Application? Our immigration experts are here to guide you through the process. Get in touch!

Naturalization Fee 2024

Are you ready to take the next step towards becoming a U.S. citizen? It's important to know the costs involved in the naturalization process. As of now, the cost of Naturalization:

General Filing Fees

Paper Filing: $760
Submit your application via traditional mail.
Online Filing: $710
File your application online and save on your fee!

Reduced Fees Based on Income

If your documented annual household income is not more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify for a reduced fee.

Paper Filing with Income Documentation: $380
Ensure you include supporting documentation with your application.

Military Applicants

If you meet the requirements of INA sections 328 or 329 regarding military service, there wont be any fee as military applicants are exempt from the filing fee.

Naturalization Fee Waiver

Certain applicants may be eligible for a Fee Waiver. To learn more about the requirements and to apply, refer to the Form I-912 Instructions here. If you meet the criteria for a fee waiver, you can submit your application without any cost.

Naturalization Processing Time 2024

If you’re planning to apply for U.S. citizenship, understanding the naturalization processing time is essential for your planning. In 2024, the processing times can vary based on several factors, including your location and the volume of applications received by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Average Processing Time: The current average processing time for Form N-400, the application for naturalization, is typically between 8 to 12 months. However, this can vary significantly depending on your local USCIS office.

Tracking Your Application

You can track the status of your naturalization application online through the USCIS website. After you submit your application, you will receive a receipt number that you can use to monitor its progress.

Stay Informed!

Processing times can change, so it’s crucial to stay informed about any updates from USCIS. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on naturalization processing times, visit the USCIS Processing Times page.

Benefits of Naturalization

The benefits of naturalization are numerous and outlined by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), offering significant advantages to foreign nationals who become U.S. citizens. These include:

1. Voting Rights

Naturalized U.S. citizens can vote in federal, state, and local elections. This is one of the most important civic duties and privileges, allowing individuals to help shape government policies and leadership.

2. Eligibility for Federal Jobs

Many government jobs, especially those that require a security clearance, are only open to U.S. citizens. Naturalization provides access to these employment opportunities.

3. Family Sponsorship for Immigration

Naturalized citizens can sponsor family members for immigration to the U.S., including their spouse, children, parents, and siblings. U.S. citizens typically have a shorter waiting period compared to permanent residents when petitioning for family members.

4. U.S. Passport and Global Protection

U.S. citizens receive a U.S. passport, which facilitates easier travel to many countries. In addition, U.S. citizens have the right to seek assistance from U.S. embassies and consulates when traveling or living abroad, ensuring international protection under U.S. law.

5. Protection from Deportation

Once naturalized, a U.S. citizen cannot be deported or lose their citizenship for any criminal offense or violation of immigration law, unlike lawful permanent residents (green card holders), who may be subject to deportation under certain circumstances.

6. Federal Assistance and Benefits

Naturalized U.S. citizens can access government benefits, such as Social Security, Medicare, and certain federal financial aid programs, which may not be available to green card holders.

7. Right to Serve in Public Office

U.S. citizens, including naturalized citizens, are eligible to run for public office, except for the presidency and vice presidency, which are restricted to natural-born citizens.

8. Full Protection of U.S. Laws

Naturalized citizens enjoy full protection under U.S. laws, both domestically and internationally. They gain access to all the civil rights granted to U.S. citizens, such as freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, and equal protection under the law.

9. Dual Citizenship

In many cases, naturalized U.S. citizens can maintain dual citizenship, depending on the policies of their country of origin, allowing them to retain their original nationality while benefiting from U.S. citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q1. What is naturalization?

Naturalization is the legal process by which a non-citizen acquires citizenship of a country. In the U.S., it involves meeting certain requirements like residency, language proficiency, and passing a citizenship test.

Q2. How to get a copy of a naturalization certificate online?

To get a copy of your naturalization certificate online, file Form N-565 (Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document) via the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. You will need to create an online account, upload documents, and pay the required fee.

Q3. What is a certificate of naturalization?

A Certificate of Naturalization is a document issued to an individual who has successfully completed the naturalization process and is now a citizen of the United States.

Q4. How long does naturalization take?

The naturalization process generally takes 8-14 months from the time you file your Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) to the time of your oath ceremony. Timelines can vary based on case complexity and USCIS backlogs.

Q5.How long does it take to get a replacement naturalization certificate?

It usually takes 5-10 months to receive a replacement naturalization certificate after submitting Form N-565 to USCIS. Processing times may vary depending on USCIS workloads.

Q6. What to do after naturalization?

After naturalization, update your Social Security records, apply for a U.S. passport, register to vote, and notify relevant government agencies of your new status.

Q7. What is the difference between naturalization and citizenship?

Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national becomes a citizen, whereas citizenship refers to the legal status one holds as a member of a nation, either by birth or naturalization.

Q8. How to get a copy of a naturalization certificate?

To get a copy of your naturalization certificate, you must submit Form N-565 to USCIS either online or by mail. Be prepared to pay the required fee and provide supporting documentation.