There are several different ways to become a US citizen. You can check out our guide here for some important things to know.
More than 756, 800 applications for neutralization in the United States got the nod in the year 2018. These trends in the acquisition of citizenship have been steady despite President Trump’s initial indication of stricter approval procedures. Yet, millions of hopefuls globally still harbor the desire to acquire legal status in the land of dreams.
Are you wondering how to become an American citizen? You may acquire American citizenship in several different ways. If you’re still considering your options, this guide offers you insights on ways to become a U.S. citizen. Read on to understand how one becomes an American citizen.
Gaining Citizenship Through Marriage
The United States constitution recognizes marriage to an American citizen as one of the ways to become an American citizen. You can apply for a green card through submitting the form I -30 Petition for an Alien Relative. The form I-30 establishes a relationship between an immigrant spouse and an American citizen.
You need to provide a marriage certificate as supporting evidence of the marriage. You also need to ensure that your immigrant spouse completes the form I-485, which is the application to Register Permanent Residency or to adjust your status.
Citizenship Through Parents
If both of your parents are United States citizens and married, you automatically become a citizen. The condition applies even when you were not born in the United States. However, one of the parents must have lived in the United States before the birth of the child.
The child’s birth must also be after the November 14, 1986 deadline for the application to be valid. The conditions are a little lenient for parents who spent time outside the United States on either military, state, or other specific international organizational duties.
Naturalization Is Among the Ways to Become a U.S. Citizen
The highest percentage of non-citizens who gain citizenship in the United States utilize the naturalization provision in the constitution. Holding a green card for at least five years is key to becoming a citizen by naturalization.
Once you have a green card, it means that you have the legal status of a permanent resident in the United States. In some cases, your green card may expire before successfully applying for naturalization. Here’s how to go about applying for citizenship with an expired green card.
You need to be 18 years and above for you to be eligible for naturalization. Your ability to speak, write, and read English counts as an added advantage. The United States government demands that the applicants must prove to be of high moral standing and law-abiding.
Through Service
Service members who serve diligently in the United States Army are eligible for citizenship. Most of the requirements fall within those five years of green cardholders. Service to the nation during years of hostility since September 11, 2001, is an added advantage.
You need to fill the Form N-400, the Form N-426, which is a certification from the military.
Your Dream to Becoming an American Citizen Is Still on Course
The United States has introduced more stringent measures over time to manage the surging demand for citizenship. Most of these regulations revolve around the issuance of green cards. If you are a holder of a green card that’s older than ten years, you may face obstacles in your application for citizenship.
If you’re applying for citizenship with an expired green card, don’t flinch. There’s still a way to circumvent the process. You can utilize this article to learn ways to become a U.S. citizen.
Explore our other articles for more interesting information.
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