In the following note we tell you what are all the requirements that must be met to obtain naturalization, what is the cost of this procedure and what is the difference with citizenship, which is usually a common way of calling this process. One of the most extensive but most satisfactory processes for those who manage to achieve it, is the naturalization in the USA. Many immigrants who arrived legally in the country of ‘dreams’ want to remain legal in the USA and seek naturalization in order to fulfill this objective.
Naturalization in the USA: requirements
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Demonstrate that you have lived permanently in the USA for at least five years.
- Show that you have been physically in the United States for at least 30 months out of five years.
- Show that you have lived for three months in a state or USCIS district that has jurisdiction.
- If you are a student financially dependent on your parents, you can apply where the school is located.
- Demonstrate adherence to the principles of the Political Constitution of the United States.
- Be able to read, write and speak basic English.
- Have knowledge of the history and principles of the United States.
- Lastly, submit the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States.
How much does Naturalization cost in the USA?
The filing fee is $640, but an additional $85 must be added for biometric services, all of which will add up to a total of $725 dollars.
If you file Form N-400 online, you can pay your fee online. If you file your Form N-400 by mail (paper), you can pay the fee by money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card along with Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions . Also, if you pay by check, you must make it payable to the US Department of Homeland Security.
Where to file for Naturalization?
The naturalization process can be presented in up to 2 ways on Form N-400 before USCIS: this can be online or by postal mail (in printed format).
Naturalization 2023: how to present it?
In order to process naturalization, a series of requirements must be met, as this will allow you to become a US citizen by birth or after birth.
Naturalization is done through the N-400, the name of the Naturalization Application. For this, you must create an online account to be able to file your Form N-400 online and follow the following steps:
- Pay the filing fee online
- Check the status of your case
- Receive notifications and case updates
- View custom estimates of case completion dates
- Respond to requests for evidence
- Manage your contact information, including updating your address
If you file your Form N-400 in paper format, USCIS will send a USCIS Account Acceptance Notice that will contain instructions on how to create an online account to verify and administer your case. It will process your application even if you do not create an online account, but encourages you to create and access your online account. USCIS will continue to send you notices about your case by mail.
Differences between naturalization and citizenship
The main difference between naturalization and citizenship is that the former is a process that confers citizenship, while the latter is granted to a person at birth.
You can only be a naturalized citizen if you meet certain requirements, such as being 18 or older, having lived in the United States for five years (or three years if married to a US citizen), and being able to pass a civics test.