North Carolina U Visa VAWA Attorney


An individual of a different nationality who is going through the immigration process must be knowledgeable about the procedures that he or she will go through. From processing immigrant visas to getting a green card and applying for citizenship, a lot of immigration forms and supporting documents will be involved. After getting an immigrant visa and becoming a lawful permanent resident, the next step is obtaining citizenship in the United States. This will be the focus of this article, which will generally cover:

– Starting a US green card application

– Becoming a lawful permanent resident

– Applying for citizenship status

– The US Citizenship test

Obtaining a green card

Applying for a Green CardGreen cards, which are proof of one’s residency status, are issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This government agency is in charge of processing the application for permanent resident status.

Under relevant US immigration laws, becoming a green card holder comes with several benefits and rights, and responsibilities. There are several ways to go through the green card process. One may be able to get a green card through marriage, or an advanced degree professional may apply through the national interest waiver. An alien investor setting up a commercial enterprise may try immigrating through an investor visa. A reliable Greenville immigration attorney can provide legal help as you fill out relevant USCIS forms related paperwork.

Becoming a legal permanent resident of the United States

Applying for permanent residency can be stressful, given lengthy USCIS processing times. As such, legal assistance from an expert on immigration services is often necessary during this long and tedious process. As stated in relevant immigration law, a permanent resident card signifies that a foreign national has lawful permanent resident status. Keep in mind that the ‘conditions’ of a conditional green card must be petitioned to be removed. Additionally, because a legal permanent resident card has a validity of ten years, it must be renewed by the cardholder at the USCIS office six months before expiration.

What to prepare to become a citizen of the United States

Proceeding with a citizenship application is not easy, but it is something that a lot of people persevere with. An individual who became a citizen gets actual permanent residency and the right to vote in elections. After becoming a citizen of the United States, you can petition for a family member under family-based immigration. Here, the processing of immigrant visas of certain relatives or family members who reside in your home country is generally easier.

A foreigner applying for citizenship in the United States must first meet several citizenship requirements which are:

  • Must have a minimum of five years of lawful permanent residence. 
  • Must also be at least 18 years old, is of good moral character
  • Willingness to take an Oath of Allegiance to obtain citizenship. 

Greenville immigration attorneys can explain other requirements that you should be aware of.

Aside from submitting forms and supporting documents to the USCIS, a foreign national who is eligible for citizenship must also prepare for other things. Aspiring citizens of the United States should be aware of how crucial the immigration interview is. Get immigration assistance from the best lawyers to make sure you are ready for this. On top of making sure that your citizenship papers are complete, you must likewise prepare very carefully for your citizenship test.

A crucial step in your citizenship application

Regardless of your current immigration status, it cannot be denied that United States citizenship is difficult to obtain. Immigrants, however, who apply to gain citizenship must prepare well for the citizen’s test.

An aspiring US citizen going through the naturalization process must pass a two-part test that is composed of two parts. The first component, an English test, will assess the foreign national’s ability to read, write, and speak the language. The second component is a civics test which will evaluate the knowledge of the applicant on U.S. history and government.

All applicants are required to take both components of the exam, except for a very few who may be exempted because of age, medical condition, or time as a green cardholder. The test often takes place the same day as the interview, and an applicant has two chances to take the test.

Becoming citizens of the US is a lot more complicated than it seems. Remember that gaining citizenship is never guaranteed, and denial is always a possibility.

For questions on lawful permanent residence, consular processing, adjustment of status, or removal of conditions, or assistance in submitting your green card application, give us a call. Contact our Greenville immigration lawyer at Diener Law.

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