What exactly is the procedure for becoming a legal citizen? How much does it cost? How long does it take?

Question

Where?: In the USA

Valerie- FYI, I'm a Native American. I don't need to 'get legal'. (I was born here, my family has been here 30,000+ years)) I am asking this question because I just wanted to know, not because I need to do it. thank you

Answer 1

A naturalized citizen is someone being born an alien, but has lawfully become a citizen of the United States under the constitution and laws. To be eligible for naturalization or citizenship one must be a legal permanent resident first or a green card holder for five years. Greencard holders can legally reside and work in the US. Foreigners on various kinds of visa such as business or student etc can also legally stay and work in the country. There are a number of ways to become an LPR or a green card holder and such applications takes three to five years to get approval depending on the case. LPRs may remain in the same status in the US or they get "naturalized". Once an individual met the five year residency requirement he/she may start the citizenship application process.

*Submitting a completed Application for Naturalization, Form N-400. Get two photographs taken.Send your application, required documents, and fee to the appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Service Center ($330.00)

*You will receive an appointment letter from the USCIS advising you of your fingerprinting location. ($70.00 biometric fee)

*Once you get fingerprinted and mail in any additional documents the USCIS may request, wait for the USCIS to schedule your interview.

*You will receive an appointment letter from the USCIS for your interview. Go to your local office at the specified time, bringing identification and any additional documents the USCIS may request. Answer questions about your application and background. Take the English and civics tests. Receive a decision. You will receive a ceremony date from the USCIS.

*Check in at the ceremony and return your Permanent Resident Card. After answering questions about what you have done since your interview, you will take the Naturalization oath and receive your Certificate of U.S. citizenship.

For some people it takes a year from application to oath-taking. And that is the long and tedious procedure to become a citizen and its worth it!

Answer 2

If your are a legal immigrant, especially, in the US (don't know much about other countries) you have to be a permanent resident alien living in the US for 5 years to be able to apply for citizenship. There is a general knowledge test, it's easy really, you have to pass. But applying for both, you go to the same place you apply for a green card. There is no test involved to apply for a green card. If you are here through a visa, you are not allow to apply for either. But one way to be a resisdent is, to have some one sponsor you, and they have to go through all the legal processes getting you in the country. One easy way of doing in this is to be legally marrried to a US citizen, then your newly wed husband can do all the legal paper work to have you in the US. this latter, one is more common where a US citizen actually marries a foreign woman.

Answer 3

What a complex question - best you see an Immigration Lawyer - if you can't afford one, there are tons of them that will give you a FREE1-hr consultation - or - better still - go to your area Legal Clinic - in most cases they will assist you for free (depending on your income)!Other then that - you can marry a citizen and that takes a lot of the pressure off. Don't think having a child in the country you want to be legalized will do it - it won't ... Good Luck in your search for answers and lets us know how you make out....

Answer 4

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 lays down the process of going from immigrant to citizen.

Answer 5

The procedure for citizenship is different in different countries.
Also you could become citizen through different routes.
You can be a citizen by birth too. That is the quickest way. You are a citizen even before you know it.

Answer 6

Depends on wether you are in a foreign country and apply for entry into another country or wether your a resident here and applying to just upgrade to citizen status or wether your waiting on someone who's a legal citizen to petition you.different prices,and time depending on the case.

Answer 7

I cannot tell you the exact procedure but I do knw that there are a ton of forms you have to submit to Homeland Security and each form has a processing fee, anywhere from 150.00 to 300.00 per form. It takes a long time. Goodluck!

Answer 8

for an illegal, wait for the next amnesty.

Answer 9

where?