Are all immigrants eligible to apply for citizenship?

The legal status of persons immigrating to the US differ depending on the category through which they entered the US. If it is for a temporary stay, you can use the non- immigrant visa and you can come through an immigrant visa if it is for a permanent stay.

Immigrants have two options – citizenship or permanent residence (Green Card ). Though you can live and work legally in the United States under both these statuses, some advantages are conferred only to citizens. If you want to apply for citizenship you should be a green card holder. Apart from this, there are additional requirements you need to conform if you want to apply for citizenship.

There are many ways to get a green card. One if through marriage. Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative should be filed by a US citizen or US lawful permanent resident to establish the relation to his/her relatives who want to immigrate to the US. If you are a US citizen and your spouse in in the US, you spouse can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to adjust status with the USCIS at the same time as you file Form I-130. Additionally, you can get a green card through the Diversity Visa lottery program or one through employment. If you choose to get one under the employment category, a qualified US employer has to sponsor you. Also, persons under the Refugee or Asylee status can apply for a green card.

US citizens have the right to hold federal jobs and the right to vote. Us citizens are free to travel wherever and however longer they wish. They are also protected even when they are traveling. The State Department will ensure you travel home safely and will help you with every facility through the US consulate abroad. Being a US citizen, your spouse, children and other children you adopt can become US citizens. They will have to file certain applications bit the process will be less difficult.

If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for citizenship by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. You will have to mail the completed citizenship application along with your photographs, fees and supporting documents to the USCIS. Once done, you will receive an appointment letter from the USCIS for fingerprinting. After fingerprinting, you will have to wait for a letter of appointment from the USCIS for your interview. The USCIS will send a letter (Notice of Action) mentioning the date, time and location of the appointment. You will have to take the Civics and English Language tests which is another requirement in the citizenship process and it is done to test your knowledge of English Language and history of the US government. If you pass, you will be called to take the Oath and finally, receive your Citizenship Certificate. If you do not attend the Oath Ceremony, you have to return the Form N-445,'Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony' to the designated local USCIS office. You should also include a letter explaining why you were not able to make it to the scheduled ceremony. The USCIS will then reschedule your Oath Ceremony date and will mail you a new Form N-445 (Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony) which will have the ceremony details.