The average processing time for citizenship naturalization applications is 8 months as of May 31, The entire naturalization process has several steps and takes an average of 15 months. This article explains all of the stages of the Citizenship by Naturalization application process and includes a detailed breakdown of how long each stage should take. The steps in the Citizenship filing process are roughly the same for everybody.
In case you don't have time to read the whole article, here's a summary of how long each step of the naturalization process takes on average :. These wait and processing times are averages and estimates. They do not include any possible delays. We'll discuss how delays can impact your application in more detail below. Your naturalization process may be shorter, depending on where you live. That's because some U. Getting your application right the first time is the best way to make sure that you can go from a lawful permanent resident to a Citizen as fast as possible.
And it's really easy to make mistakes! Not only do you have to meet the eligibility requirements to become a Citizen, but you also have to fill out your naturalization application perfectly. Did you know that leaving a single question that doesn't apply to you blank on your N can cause USCIS to reject your entire application? You can use it to prepare your Naturalization paperwork for free.
The first step of the Citizenship process takes months. It can be faster or slower, depending on where you live. The processing time for an N application is the time from when you send it to when you attend your oath ceremony. Sending your U. It's essential to make sure that your application is complete.
That means that all of your answers are correct, and your supporting documents are in the format and order the U. You need to get a certified English translation of any documents that are in a language other than English. Extra steps like this can make your application take longer, so make sure that you account for them when planning how long your Naturalization application should take.
Forgetting documents or making mistakes on your forms will slow the Naturalization process down. This letter called a Form Ic, Notice of Action confirms that they have your application.
You should receive Form Ic weeks after you file Form N Either notice will delay your application, so it's crucial to prepare the N and supporting documents correctly the first time.
Save any Ic notices that you receive. They contain your digit receipt number. You can use this number to check your case status. If you haven't received a Notice of Action within two months of filing, you should make a case inquiry.
If you don't, you may miss important notices. We'll review your forms for free, and provide you with detailed filing instructions. This notice will assign you a biometrics appointment date, time, and location. You should receive this notice weeks after you file Form N USCIS uses these to verify your identity. It's essential to bring all of the required documents to your biometrics appointment.
If you don't, you may have to come back for a second appointment, which will delay your application. USCIS may request a second biometrics appointment, even if you bring the correct documents the first time. For example, if the FBI rejects your fingerprints. If the FBI rejects your second set of biometrics, you'll need to get police clearance certificates.
You'll need one clearance certificate from every place where you've lived in the past five years. It can take a while to get police certificates, so you should start gathering them as soon as the FBI rejects your biometrics.
USCIS might also need other could also be other documents from this checklist. If you believe your application has been delayed due to a problem, an immigration attorney may be able to investigate to resolve the issue.
Once USCIS has begun processing your application, the agency may contact you to schedule a biometrics appointment. This will usually happen three to five weeks after filing, though it may depend on your specific case. For your biometrics appointment, you will go to your local USCIS Application Support Center to get your fingerprints taken, along with a signature and another photo.
Using this information, USCIS will run a criminal background check and request any necessary additional information. The next part of the naturalization process is usually the step that applicants find the most worrisome—the citizenship interview and test. Applicants will receive a notice in the mail regarding the time and date of the interview, approximately five to nine months or more after filing the application.
During the interview, the officer will review your application and may ask other relevant questions regarding your eligibility. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you will also need to take two tests.
To gain citizenship, you must demonstrate the ability to read, write and speak English, and you must show you understand basic information about U. Finally, in the interview, the USCIS officer may review issues that may have come up during your background check. The agency will either grant the application, continue the application if more evidence is necessary, or deny the application if the record does not demonstrate eligibility.
According to USCIS, you may file for your naturalization 90 calendar days before you complete your permanent residence requirement if your eligibility for naturalization is based upon being a permanent resident for at least five years; or a permanent resident for at least three years, if married to a U. Again, note that you need to have lived with your spouse in the United States for three full years before applying for naturalization under the three-year exception.
There are many other eligibility requirements that you must satisfy, besides those listed above, in order to qualify to become a naturalized United States citizen. See 8 U. As you can not only be denied your citizenship but also lose your permanent residency should problems arise in your case, it is always a good idea to consult with a lawyer before applying for naturalization.
Browse All Immigration Topics ». The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service.
Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Lawyer Directory. Call us at 1 For some people who hold a green card lawful permanent residence , it's possible to apply for naturalized U. If you are married to a U. This assumes the following: you are currently married to and living with a U. If you are an asylee, then you must wait four years after your approval of permanent residence because your year as an asylee counts; in fact, you will notice that your green card is already back-dated one year.
0コメント