The process of filing an immigration petition and becoming a US citizen is a very long and tedious one. The period of time that will lapse from processing immigrant visas, eventually going through the green card application process, and finally getting a certificate of citizenship can make aspiring US citizens hopeless. This, however, should not be the case.

US immigration laws are quite stringent, particularly due to the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship papers. However, this does not mean that acquiring citizenship is impossible.

Why an immigrant would exhaust options to qualify for citizenship

In addition to actual permanent residency, a US citizen gets the right to vote in elections and can travel to and reside abroad with fewer restrictions. It is also more probable to successfully process a petition for an alien relative through family-based immigration. Essentially, when compared to a green card holder petitioning through a permanent resident card, a United States citizen can help a family member immigrate and get a green card within a shorter period of time.

To benefit from all of these, one should first become a citizen of the United States. Below are reasons why a foreign national applying for citizenship should contact a Durham immigration attorney. It covers:

– Qualifications for becoming a citizen

– Lengthy processing times

– Application for naturalization

– Lessening the Risk of Removal Proceedings

Citizenship Requirements

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

Lengthy Processing Time

While one can indeed obtain citizenship through an application for naturalization, such could take a while. A foreigner who meets the minimum length of lawful permanent residence may gain citizenship by submitting necessary forms to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A citizenship application can be lengthy and complicated, and a considerable period of time will pass from the time a naturalization application was filed to the actual swearing-in ceremony. A reliable local attorney can help check if processing wait times are still within the reasonable range for an application for citizenship.

Other Steps in the Naturalization Process

While your Form N-400 is being processed, start preparing for the succeeding steps in your naturalization application. Hands-on Durham immigration attorneys 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. Remember that the immigration interview and citizenship test can make or break the entire citizenship process.

The USCIS receives numerous applications from immigrants obtaining citizenship. Seek legal assistance from trusted immigration lawyers. A naturalization application must, in no way, be rushed or taken simply by a foreigner aspiring to become a citizen in the United States. Some mistakes can lead to deportation to your home country and increase the risk of being permanently not allowed to reside in the US.

If you want to acquire citizenship, begin as early as possible. Take note that citizenship applications in certain USCIS field offices take a lot longer than average processing times. Such is influenced by the volume of applications in the place where you reside.

Get legal help from an immigration attorney from a law firm who can help with your case. 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, you must make sure you go through all the steps stated in US immigration law. The citizenship process is quite long. It would likely take a year to a year and a half before one can naturalize. Reliable Durham 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 and adjustment of status, conditional green cards, and legal permanent resident status, or removal of conditions, give us a call. Contact our Durham immigration attorneys at Diener Law.