how long does it take to become a u.s. citizen in 2020

An Overview of the Citizenship Process

So, you want to trade in your green card and become a U.S. citizen — congratulations! But, you're probably anxious about what the process entails. Don't worry; Brudner Law is here to help. The process of applying for citizenship is similar for everyone, and it typically includes six steps:

Applying for naturalization
Going to a biometrics appointment
Attending a citizenship interview and taking an exam
Wait for a decision by USCIS
Take the Oath of Allegiance
Get your benefits as a U.S. citizen

Related: Guide to Dual Citizenship

How Long Will it Take?

Typically, the total time it takes to become a U.S. citizen from the beginning is 12-18 months But, there are different things that affect that length of time, like:

How many applications USCIS receives
Which USCIS office you file with
Whether your Form N-400 was filed correctly.

Your application could take more or less time; follow our guide and consult our expert immigration attorneys to ensure your chance of success as quickly as possible!

Steps To Citizenship: What You Will Need

Step One: Application for Naturalization

The first step to U.S. citizenship is applying for naturalization with form N-400. It typically takes anywhere from 6-10 months for the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) to process and approve or deny this application.

The faster that you send your N-400 form and supporting documents, the sooner than USCIS will begin reviewing your application for naturalization.

It's important to complete the application correctly and thoroughly to avoid delays in the process. Make sure that you:

Answer each question entirely and accurately
Send in supporting documents in the correct format (if they are in another language, you must get them translated to English by a certified person).
Sign your application!

Step Two: Your Biometrics Appointment

After USCIS receives your Form N-400, you'll receive a notice to attend a biometrics appointment in about 5-8 weeks. They will give you a time, date, and location for this appointment (usually at your local USCIS office).

During the biometrics appointment, you will get fingerprinted, have your photo taken, and give the USCIS officials your signature; this is so that they can verify your identity. Your fingerprints also get used to conduct a background check and ensure that you are a person of good moral character.

For your appointment, make sure to bring:

Your appointment notice
Your passport or photo ID issued by your home country
Your driver's license, if applicable
Your military photo ID, if applicable
Your state-issued ID, if applicable
Any additional documentation noted in your appointment letter

Step Three: Your Citizenship Interview

After completing your biometrics appointment, the USCIS will send you a new notice for your next appointment: your interview and exam for naturalization. Like the prior letter, it will state the time, date, and location for your interview. You can expect this notice anywhere from 6-18 months after filing Form N-400.

Typically, your citizenship interview will take place about 14 months after filing Form N-400. You can reschedule your interview and exam date, but it can add months to the process.

The exam for citizenship consists of an English and Civics test. The first test examines your grasp of the language, and the second test is to show well you understand U.S. history and how the government works. This exam occurs during your interview.

What happens if you don't pass? You'll have to wait two to three months to retake it; it's best to prepare for both parts of the test so that you pass the first time!

Related: Immigration Interview Questions

Step Four: Waiting for Approval

If you provide all of the necessary documents, pass your exam, and do well during your interview, it's possible that your citizenship application could get approved on the same day. Otherwise, USCIS will let you know their decision on your application within four months.

Three things can happen when they notify you of your results:

They approve your citizenship application; you can move on to the next step.
They "continue" your application because:
- You didn't pass the citizenship exam. You will get another chance to take it, but if you fail a second time, USCIS will deny your citizenship application.
- You're missing documents. They will allow you 30 days to send in any necessary information.
They deny your application. You'll have 30 days to file an appeal. It's essential to complete your application accurately the first time to avoid this.

Step Five: Taking the Oath of Allegiance

Congratulations for making it this far; you're almost done! After taking the Oath of Allegiance , you'll be a full U.S. citizen and can say goodbye to your green card! If your citizenship application gets approved on the day of your interview, you may be able to take the oath the same day. Otherwise, you'll get scheduled for 2-6 weeks after passing the exam; after you take the oath, you'll be allowed to register to vote that same day.

Note: if you don't show up to this ceremony, USCIS will most likely deny your entire application.

Step Six: Getting Your U.S. Citizen Benefits

Here's what you've been working so hard for; becoming a U.S. citizen! You can now enjoy all of the benefits that come with it. Here's what you should do right after becoming a citizen:

Update your Social Security; this takes about ten days and will allow you to be eligible for SS and Medicare benefits.
Apply for your U.S. passport; this takes about two to six weeks, and it will let you easily travel to and from the U.S.
Register to vote; it takes about two to four weeks. Now you will have a say in what happens in your new country!

an immigration lawyer can help you gain citizenship

Citizenship Through Birthright

You could obtain citizenship through birthright if your parents were married U.S. citizens living in America. You'll also be able to get citizenship if one of your parents is a U.S. citizen. If this is your situation, then you'll need to meet two requirements:

First, parents should be residents in America for at least five years before you were born
Second, the child's birth date needs to be on or after November 14th, 1986

Even if the parents are unmarried, a person will still be able to get citizenship if:

The mother was a U.S. citizen and was in the country at the time of the child's birth
The father is a U.S. citizen when the child is born and has been in the U.S. at least five years prior
- He will also need to provide a statement disclosing his intention to provide for the child financially

Citizenship Through the Military

If you've served in the armed forces, you'll be able to apply for citizenship right away. There are two different categories for applying for citizenship using this method; you can apply during a period of hostility or in peacetime. Each has different eligibility rules.

Here are some requirements for applying for citizenship during a period of hostility:

You'll need to have completed your military service
Shorter or waived minimum residency requirement
Served for at least 180 days during a period of hostility

Applying for citizenship during peacetime comes with some different requirements such as:

You need to have served at least one year in the military
Have a green card
Complete an application during your service or within six months of the end of service

Cost to Become a U.S. Citizen

Filing your application for naturalization will cost you about $725. Depending on your circumstances, it's possible to have your fee reduced or even waived.

If you're 75 years or older, the naturalization fee will cost you $640 since you won't have to pay for biometrics. You can pay for your application through a check, money order, or credit card. But note that you can only use one payment method when submitting your application.

For those living abroad, make sure that you contact your U.S embassy for specific instructions to get your application and payment process.

How an Immigration Attorney Can Help

It can take anywhere from a year to a year and a half to finish the citizenship process, depending on various factors. If any of these steps seem confusing, or you're worried about things like the citizenship interview and exam, talking with a reputable immigration attorney can help put your mind at ease and help you have a successful application.

Do you need help applying for citizenship? Get in touch with the expert immigration attorneys at Brudner Law !

Related: When You Need an Immigration Attorney