Due to a large backlog of immigration applications, review times at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are delayed for most applications and services. USCIS received a higher volume of applications than normal in 2020 and 2021, and offices remain understaffed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How long does it take for citizenship to be approved?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A U.S. CITIZEN? After filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and related forms, your N-400 processing time can take anywhere from 8 to 12 months. This is an approximation. It may be shorter for some and longer for others.
How can I speed up my citizenship process?
To request expedited processing of your naturalization application, you can either go through the USCIS Contact Center (800-375-5283) or write a letter to your local USCIS field office. Be ready to prove the reason you need expedited processing with documentation backing up your statements.
Can citizenship be denied after passing interview?
If you received a notice stating that your N-400 was denied after the interview, this means that the USCIS officer has found you ineligible for naturalization. The USCIS policy manual on naturalization lists nine grounds that the USCIS officer may deny your application.
How can I check my citizenship status?
How to Check U.S. Citizenship Application Status Online
- Find the Receipt Number for your U.S. citizenship application. (See “Receipt Numbers” below.)
- Visit the USCIS “Case Status Online” tracker.
- Enter your Receipt Number.
- Click “Check Status.”
How much does it cost to become a US citizen in 2021?
The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.
How long do you need to live in the US to become a citizen?
In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Can immigration lawyer speed up process?
While an immigration attorney cannot per say “speed up” your case, the immigration attorney is knowledgeable in immigration law and will know the best strategy and options for your case. Undeniably, this avoids any unreasonable delay by anyone lacking specialized knowledge in this area of law.
How many cases does USCIS process a day?
According to documents obtain by The Washington Post, USCIS is creating the “Organization of Professional Responsibility” to enhance oversight of the way its employees handle the more than 26,000 cases the agency decides each day.
Is there a backlog at USCIS?
All USCIS field offices were open by October 2020 but were offering services at only about 50% capacity at that time. As a result, backlogs and processing times grew substantially throughout 2020. … According to USCIS statistics, approximately seven million applications and petitions were pending as of March 31, 2021.
Can you travel while waiting for citizenship?
Travel is permissible during the time in which you are applying for U.S. naturalization. … That’s because, as a green card holder, you are already a permanent resident, which allows you to travel abroad while your application is pending.
Is it hard to become a US citizen?
Becoming a U.S. citizen shouldn’t be so hard, but it is due to the long processing time, financial and personal costs, and the fact that most immigrants do not have a direct relative that is a citizen of the United States. The requirements of USCIS are also very complex and may not be understandable to outsiders.
How many years can a green card holder apply for citizenship?
All green card holders, as long as they meet key conditions, can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (known as the “five-year rule”) — but those with a U.S. spouse and a green card through marriage can apply after only three years (known as the “three-year rule”).
Can I buy U.S. citizenship?
To be eligible for this investment option, applicants must meet the following criteria: Make an investment of US$900,000. Create full-time employment for at least 10 qualified U.S. workers, where indirect employment is permitted. Active management of the enterprise is not required.
How long does it take to become a US citizen in 2021?
The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14.5 months, as of June, 2021. But that’s just the application processing wait time (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below).
How can I get my citizenship for free?
The application for U.S. citizenship, known as Form N-400, is among the immigration forms for which an applicant can request a fee waiver. The fee waiver application consists of Form I-912, which you will need to submit to USCIS together with your application and documents supporting your need for the waiver.
What are 3 reasons new citizens are happy to be American citizens?
Top 6 Benefits of Citizenship
- Protection from deportation. Becoming a U.S. citizen protects you and your children from deportation. …
- Citizenship for your children. …
- Family reunification. …
- Eligibility for government jobs. …
- Freedom to travel. …
- Ability to vote.
Can I renew my green card if my citizenship is denied?
Certainly, there are many people who have applied for citizenship, not received their citizenship, and have maintained their green card. … You might need to renew your green card because it might have expired, but typically, you are going to be allowed to stay in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
Can you be denied citizenship?
Citizenship Denials and Delays. Even though the N-400 naturalization form is one of the least complicated aspects of immigration, a sizeable 10% of applicants find that they’ve been denied citizenship each year. If you’ve received a citizenship application denial or a delay, it can be easy to panic.
Does Uscis check Internet history?
This does not permit USCIS to search your social media account or internet history, but the agency is now collecting and storing records of your social media use available in the public domain.
How do you gain citizenship?
Go through the 10-step naturalization process which includes:
- Determining your eligibility to become an American citizen.
- Completing form N-400, the application for naturalization, and creating a free account to submit your form online.
- Taking the U.S. Naturalization Test and having a personal interview.
What is good citizenship for?
Conduct a classroom discussion on aspects of good citizenship, such as: obeying rules and laws, helping others, voting in elections, telling an adult if someone is a danger to themselves or others, and being responsible for your own actions and how they affect others. 2. No one is born a good citizen.