Applying for Dual Citizenship

Processing immigrant visas, going through a green card application and acquiring citizenship papers are complicated tasks. In fact, the time that will lapse from initially filing an immigration petition and getting a Certificate of Citizenship can be disheartening and frustrating.

However, despite the complexities of the US citizenship application process, almost any immigrant would exhaust options to qualify for citizenship. This can be attributed to the fact that there are many rights and responsibilities reserved for a United States citizen in addition to actual permanent residency.

A foreign national who has become a citizen of the United States gets the right to vote in elections and process a petition under family-based immigration. Essentially, when compared to a green card holder petitioning through a permanent resident card, US citizens could help a family member immigrate and get a green card with more minor complications.

Anyone applying for citizenship should contact a trusted Greenville immigration lawyer to know more about the qualifications for becoming a citizen and relevant processing times.

An Overview of Dual Citizenship

In general, dual citizenship refers to being a citizen of two countries at the same time. Dual citizens can receive the benefits and privileges offered by each country where they are a citizen. If you were not born in the United States but have plans of becoming a US citizen, there are many requirements for gaining dual citizenship. However, most of these will be based on the circumstances of the foreigner and the immigration rules of their home country.

As a dual citizen, you are bound by the laws of both countries, and you may owe taxes to both the US government and the country where you earned the income. Additionally, US immigration policy generally recognizes that dual citizens might be legally obligated to fulfill military obligations abroad, and many can do so without jeopardizing their immigration status. This, however, will still depend on the actual situation.

Starting an Application for Naturalization

If you want to become a citizen of the United States, you must first know who is eligible to apply for citizenship under relevant US immigration laws. On top of at least five years of lawful permanent resident status, aspiring United States citizens must be at least 18 years old, show good moral character, and take an Oath of Allegiance and state belief in the principles of the US Constitution. A reliable Greenville immigration attorney can help double-check your citizenship requirements and paperwork. They can clarify the immigration process and help you avoid errors in immigration forms that are necessary to become citizens of the United States.

To obtain citizenship, a foreigner who meets the minimum length of lawful permanent residence should submit necessary forms to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS Office). A citizenship application can be lengthy and complicated, and a considerable time will pass from the time you file a naturalization application to the actual swearing-in ceremony.

Looking Into the Naturalization Process

Obtaining citizenship is not easy, and immigrants aspiring to become citizens in the United States must seek legal assistance from trusted immigration lawyers. If you want to acquire citizenship, begin as early as possible. It is essential to remember that citizenship applications in certain field offices take a lot longer than average USCIS processing times. These are influenced by the volume of applications in the place where you reside.

While your Form N-400 is being processed, it is best to start preparing for the succeeding steps in your naturalization application. Hands-on and credible Greenville immigration lawyers can supervise as you prepare supporting documents for your biometrics appointment. They can also help you prepare for your citizenship interview and US citizens test. Always keep in mind that the immigration interview and citizenship test are key in the entire citizenship process.

Seeking Legal Help from a Local Attorney

Like any other petition for a change in immigration status, becoming a citizen of the United States is not easy. While your dream of getting a Certificate of Naturalization and taking the Oath of Allegiance is not impossible, it would likely take a year to a year and a half before one can naturalize. Reliable immigration attorneys can help every step of the way.

Qualifying for citizenship is not easy, but it can be done. For questions related to visas and your immigrant visa application, consular processing, adjustment of status, conditional green cards, removal of conditions, or legal permanent resident status, give our North Carolina immigration law firm a call. Contact us at Diener Law to consult with an experienced Greenville immigration attorney.