Becoming a U.S. citizen is a long journey to embark on. In general, you can qualify for naturalization if you’re 18 years old and above, have been a permanent resident for five years or more (or at least three years married to a U.S. citizen), and are able to meet all eligibility requirements.
How long does it take for a foreigner to become a U.S. citizen? On average, it can take six months to a year for your citizenship application to be processed. The entire naturalization process can take up to 15 months on average.
Here’s the thing, though. This whole process can take longer if you commit mistakes during the immigration process.
And the real clincher here is that many of these typical immigration mistakes can be avoided with proper planning and foresight.
To help you avoid these mistakes and inadvertently delay your immigration process, let’s first go through the typical mistakes immigrants make.
Key takeaways:
• The U.S. citizenship process typically takes 6–15 months, depending on accuracy and preparation.
• Rushing the application can lead to mistakes, missing documents, and delays.
• During the interview, answer only what’s asked, stay concise, and bring all required documents.
Get a St. Louis lawyer to help you understand the immigration system even better.
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Some benefits that immigrants enjoy after becoming U.S. citizens include fewer travel restrictions, eligibility for state jobs, ease of access to US government jobs, fewer risks of deportation, and health privileges.
Want to become a US citizen? Then, you should avoid the following pitfalls that immigrants commit when filing their immigration applications.
Knowing that immigration is a lengthy process, many people rush to get things started so that they can get their cases out the door.
As a result, they send out incomplete documents that further lengthen the application process. They also rush through the questions in the forms, leading them to answer incorrectly or miss out on some of them.
Another common mistake we notice people make is not having a driver’s license with their proper address. This can lead to addressing inconsistencies that can significantly impact their case. If you commit this mistake, you might even be suspected of being untruthful just because you’re in a hurry to get things done.
Some people also ask their friends to fill out the forms on their behalf. Again, this can be a breeding ground for mistakes, especially if your friends are not knowledgeable in immigration law.
And finally, you might be filing their application too early. Believe it or not, doing so can also get your application denied!
So, don’t rush through the application. Ask for the assistance of a licensed immigration attorney so you can go through a smooth, rush-free naturalization process.
As an immigrant, it’s your burden to demonstrate that you are entitled to the benefits you’re seeking. The USCIS Office shouldn’t have to do the work for you.
So when your evidence is too thin, you’re setting yourself up for failure. It might cause problems during the interview, delays in your case, or outright denial. That’s why you have to make sure you gather all the evidence requested by USCIS field offices.
Aside from the evidence requested in the forms, you also have to show proof that you’ve followed all the rules and laws concerning your non-immigrant visa status.
If you’re about to tie the knot, you also have to submit supporting documents showing you’re legally eligible to marry. If applicable, you have to submit your marital history, including records of your divorces and widowed status.
And if you are married, you have to submit marital evidence. You can get a list of these requirements for free when you go to www.hackinglawpractice.com/marital-evidence.
You also have to submit accurate financial information. These include bank statements and tax returns that demonstrate your self-sufficiency and how you’re paying your taxes and following the rules.
If you’re married, your financial info will also provide pictures of your life together and the co-mingling of your finances with your spouse.
If you are applying for a green card, your interview may revolve around marriage-based questions. It may also involve U.S. citizenship questions.
During your naturalization interview, you’re going to sit across from a USCIS officer. They’re going to put you under oath, making you promise that everything you tell them is the truth. After that, they’re going to go through your application. If your case is straightforward, they’re simply going to go over the immigration forms and ask you questions about them.
One way to prepare for an interview is to get someone else to ask you the questions. After all, there’s a big difference between reading the questions on paper and having someone ask them aloud. Listening to the questions allows you to simulate the actual interview experience.
Remember, you don’t have to memorize the questions. You simply have to prepare and anticipate the questions that might be asked of you so that you don’t end up getting surprised during your interview.
Study your case. You must know the facts of your case and the benefits you’re seeking. You’ll be surprised at how many people seem not to know their case like the back of their hands.
And, of course, make sure to organize all your documents. Have the original and bring copies for your officer.
Better use the lengthy USCIS processing times to prepare for your interview.
The less you say, the better. After all, more talking leads to more questions. If you can answer a question with a yes or no, do just that and refrain from making unsolicited explanations.
Be specific with your answers. Don’t try to anticipate where the officer is headed. Remember, the interviewing officer knows what information to get. They will lead the interview, so be as concise as possible.
Having the right mindset matters, too. Remember that you’re there for a reason: you want to get your immigration benefit. You’ve complied with every rule and paid every fee. You have every right to be there, so be confident.
And during moments of silence, don’t feel the urge to fill the silence with nervous chatter. Let the silence be your chance to reset and pause. Treat it as your friend.
Not noting what they’ve told USCIS officers in the past is a big no-no. It can be used against you during your interview.
They might highlight things you said during your prior visa applications. They might zero in on the inconsistencies of what you’re saying then and now.
That is why at our law firm, we don’t just talk about the application you’re applying for now. We also dig deep into your past applications. We want to ensure that what you’re saying now is consistent with your prior applications. Or at least have an excellent reason why things have changed during your naturalization process.
You need to know your immigrant history. How did you come to the United States? How have your statuses changed? When did you get your green card or permanent resident card? What are the dates for every change of your status? Did you commit any offense, and if so, how were you able to clear it?
You should be able to explain it clearly to your officer with proper documents supporting your claims.
There are many factors why your naturalization application might get disapproved on the spot.
It can just be a matter of paperwork. It might be on the part of the officer—they might be busy or new, or they need to run the case past their supervisor.
Either way, you’ll know you need help when you receive a request for evidence or a notice of intent to deny.
A request for evidence means that something is missing from your case, like a document or information that USCIS needs before making a final decision.
A notice of intent to deny is more serious. This means the USCIS is leaning towards denying you the immigration benefit you’re seeking.
Essentially, this is your one last chance, and you need attorney services to help you swim through the tide.
Only a licensed attorney specializing in citizenship and immigration services can give you the best fighting chance to become a lawful permanent resident, even when you receive a notice of intent to deny.
In fact, it is best to have a licensed immigration lawyer with you from the time you prepare your application until you take your oath as a U.S. citizen.
This way, you have a knowledgeable person guiding you every step of the way, even helping you dodge delays that you could have avoided.
The immigration process can be overwhelming. Deal with it smoothly by getting all the help you need.
The United States citizenship process typically takes 15 months on average. But that’s just the processing of your citizenship application.
Before that, you first need to be a permanent resident or a green card holder for at least five years. If you’re filing as a spouse of a U.S. citizen, a minimum of three years of residency will do.
You also need to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being at least 18 years old at the time of your application, being able to read, write, and speak basic English, and having good moral character.
Naturalization applications typically go through a 10-step process. Here’s an overview of what you’ll go through when you apply for U.S. citizenship:
• Determine your eligibility to become a United States citizen
• File Form N-400 and submit it online
• Attend biometrics appointment
• Take an English test, a Civics test, and a U.S. naturalization test, and go through the citizenship interview
• Join the naturalization oath ceremony, recite the oath of allegiance, and get your Certificate of Naturalization
You also need to file income tax returns, as the U.S. government considers it a factor to determine if you’re eligible for citizenship. Seek legal assistance from an immigration lawyer if you have dual citizenship, want to become a U.S. citizen, or are facing issues with your lawful permanent residence.
To obtain citizenship in the United States through the naturalization process, you should meet these requirements:
• Continuous Residence: You must've had a green card continuously for five years before your application date, or three if you have an American spouse.
• Physical Presence: You should have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months within the five years before your application, or eighteen for those with American spouses.
• State Residency: Whether married to an American or not, you must have lived for at least three months in the state where you will apply for citizenship.
• English and Civics Knowledge: You must know U.S. history and government and how to speak English.
• Military Service: You're eligible for citizenship if you served at least a year in the U.S. armed forces.
Consult immigration lawyers specializing in citizenship and naturalization services to help you with the application process before applying.
Does the citizenship application process look intimidating and complex?
Don’t worry! We’ve got you!
We have licensed immigration attorneys who can help you better understand the US citizenship process and guide you through the entire process of completing your US citizenship application.
Many immigrants ask, “How long does the U.S. citizenship process take?”. The answer can vary based on factors like location, application type, and USCIS processing times.
We’ll help you prepare for your interview and citizenship test, fill out your forms correctly, and do other things necessary for you to become a U.S. citizen.
If you have other questions or concerns about our citizenship and immigration services, please contact us at Hacking Immigration Law, LLC, or e-mail us at [email protected].
