Becoming a citizen, also known as naturalization, can be complex and time-consuming. One of the most critical things for an applicant to realize is that the application process is very rigid, but luckily, one of our dedicated citizenship naturalization lawyers could help.
Applicants must meticulously follow each step. Failure to do so can result in the application being rejected or denied, which can require appealing a decision, resubmitting information, or even restarting the entire application process. The Cicero naturalization process is relatively typical. We could help people avoid the pitfalls that trip up applicants.
The first step of naturalization in Cicero is determining whether or not an applicant is eligible. To be eligible, an applicant must be an adult with permanent residency. For adults, the residency requirement differs depending on a person’s status. Those who are married to U.S. citizens have a three-year permanent residency period. Those who are permanent residents for other reasons have a five-year permanent residency period.
Children acquire U.S. citizenship through a different process, which involves having at least one citizen parent, either through birth or naturalization, and being a lawful permanent resident before the age of 18. The requirements apply to adopted children and children by birth.
Adults have two other requirements. They need to be proficient in English and able to pass a test about U.S. history and government, often referred to as a civics test.
All adult applicants submit the same Application for Naturalization—Form N-400. The form is comprehensive and lengthy, requiring 14 pages of identifying information. You can submit the N-400 form by mail or electronically.
Whichever way a Cicero applicant chooses to submit the form, it is essential to fill out the form and answer all questions honestly and accurately to continue the naturalization process. A lawyer could then review it, reducing the chances of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rejecting the application.
Many applicants worry about their USCIS interview. However, they should first focus on the biometrics appointment that comes beforehand. Biometrics refers to biological measures, including fingerprints, photographs, and signature gathering.
This appointment collects that information and may use it to verify that you are the person you claim to be. The biometrics appointment also includes getting permission to verify identity and run background checks, which will verify the information in the application. Any discrepancies may require the Cicero applicant to submit additional information or restart the process.
For many applicants in Cicero, the most intimidating part of the naturalization process is the USCIS interview. The interview allows the USCIS to reject or accept an application. Plus, many immigrants have experience with other USCIS interviews — they are part of the visa process for many types of visas. That is particularly true for fiance visas.
One of the most nerve-wracking parts of the application process in Cicero involves waiting for the decision on naturalization. The USCIS considers the application and then either approves or denies it.
If the USCIS denies an application, the applicant can reapply. However, if the applicant cannot identify why he or she was rejected, doing so can waste time. That is when an applicant should consult an attorney to help them with the application process.
Accepting the application does not confer citizenship — it just gives the green light for an applicant to become a citizen. After that, the applicant attends a formal ceremony, where he or she takes an oath of allegiance. After taking the oath, these new citizens receive their Certificates of Naturalization. That is the last official step in becoming a citizen in Cicero.
Applicants can go through the naturalization process on their own. However, doing so can lead to them missing essential elements, requiring them to make corrections, or even restarting the whole process. A lawyer could help you avoid mistakes, streamline the process, and become a naturalized citizen in the most straightforward way possible.
While designed to be straightforward, the Cicero naturalization process can be confusing. An attorney’s job is to simplify the complex and help with the application process. Call today to schedule a consultation.