Citizenship for senior holding Green Cards

(How to become Citizen of USA for Permanent Resident Seniors) 

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Avdhesh kumarMathur  BSc,(Gold Medalist) ,B.E.(Civil) M.I.R.C

1. Basic Requirement U.S. Citizenship

U.S. citizenship provides many rights, but also involves many responsibilities. Thus, the decision to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization is important. In most cases, a person who wants to naturalize must first be a permanent resident. By becoming a U.S. citizen, you gain many rights that permanent residents or others do not have, including the right to vote. To be eligible for naturalization, you must first meet certain requirements set by U.S. law. What are the basic requirements to apply for naturalization? The process of applying for U.S. citizenship is known as naturalization. In order to be eligible for naturalization, you must first meet certain requirements required by U.S. immigration law. Some of rules vary from state to stategenerally they apply to all states.

·         Apply for naturalization

For more information, see USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance. 

The Naturalization Test

Most naturalization applicants are required to take a test on:

·         English

·         Civics (U.S. history and government)

We provide resources to help you prepare. For more information, visit our Naturalization Test page. Get study materials from the Citizenship Resource Center.

2. How to Apply

 1. YouComplete your application form  N-400  online, in plain English

     2. Step-by-step guidance leads you through each question

    3. Get detailed filing instructions, customized just for you

START YOUR CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION

Citizenship Application Form N400 is used for obtaining US Citizenship (naturalization). A completed error-free form N400 should be filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with photos and supporting documents as outlined in the Citizenship Application filing instructions.

Applying for U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. citizen has many advantages including the right to vote and the ability to sponsor relatives to come to the United States. The Citizenship Application (Form N-400) is completed by Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) over age 18 who meet the eligibility requirements to apply for US citizenship. Please see instructions fill fgorm N-40 on website USCIS Form N-400 OMB No. 1615-0052  and  www.uscis.gov fnd also for more information on this topic and to review the instructions for Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, and Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322. I

If either of your parents is a United States citizen, complete Part 6. Information About Your Parents as part of this application. If neither of your parents is a United States citizen, skip Part 6. and complete Part 7. Biographical Informatio

3.Eligibility Requirements

If you meet certain requirements, you may become a U.S. citizen .

N-400 Eligibility Requirements

In order to apply for U.S. citizenship, you must meet the following requirements:

·         Have had a valid Green Card at least five years.  Also you have not been absent from USA for more than one year during last five years.

·         Have maintained continuous residence in the United States for at least five years (or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and have been present in USA for 30 months out of last 60 m0nths in USA

·         Have been physically present in the United States for at least two and a half years (or one and half years if you are married to a U.S. citizen)

·         Have lived in the state where the Form N-400 is submitted for at least three months

·         Be able to read, write and speak English

·         Have a general knowledge of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government

Be a person of good moral character and willing to abide by the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

4.  Naturalisation

Generally, to be eligible for naturalization you must:

 • Be a permanent resident for a certain amount of time (usually 5 years or 3 years, depending on how you obtained status); and •

 Be a person of good moral character; and •

 Have a basic knowledge of U.S. government (this, too, can be excepted due to permanent physical or mental impairment); and

• Have a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States; and • Be able to read, write, and speak basic English. There are exceptions to this rule if- Has a permanent physical or mental impairment that makes the individual unable to fulfill these requirements.

To apply for naturalization, file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. For more information on the naturalization process, please see our manual, M-476, A Guide to Naturalization.  An applicant does not necessarily need to be in the United States when filling Form N-400. 476/

Naturalization Testing One of the requirements for naturalization is to take the naturalization test to demonstrate that you are able to read, write, and speak basic English and that you have a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics). General Instructions USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS website. In order to view, print, or fill out our forms, you should use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If you do not have Internet access, you may call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that we mail a form to you. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call 1-800-767-1833

Signature. Each application must be properly completed, signed, and filed. For all signatures on this application, USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a handwritten signature. A legal guardian may sign for a mentally incompetent

Important instructions in application form as per web site USCIS Form N-400 OMB No. 1615-0052

Part 9. Time Outside the United States Item Number 1. Provide the total number of days (24 hours or longer) you spent outside the United States during the last 5 years. Item Number 2. Provide the total number of trips (24 hours or longer) you have taken outside the United States during the last 5 years. Item Number 3. Provide information for every trip (24 hours or longer) you have taken outside the United States during the last 5 years. Start with your most recent trip and work backwards. P

5. Where do I file my application

Where To File? See our website at www.uscis.gov/N-400 or call our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the most

6 What are fees and how can I deposit it

. Filling Fee. Each application must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee and biometric services fee (if applicable). (See the What Is the Filing Fee section of these Instructions.) What Is the Filing Fee? The filing fee for Form N-400 is $595. A biometric services fee of $85 is also required for applicants under 75 years of age when filing Form N-400 regardless of where you live and whether you are filing from within the United States or abroad. NOTE: No filing fee is required for military applicants filing under section 328 or 329 of the INA. Biometric Services Fee Exceptions You do not have to pay a biometric services fee if: 1. You are 75 years of age or older; or 2. You are filing under the military provisions, Section 328 or 329 of the INA. USCIS cannot accept a biometric services fee if you are not required to pay a biometric services fee. Rejected Applications USCIS will reject your Form N-400 if you submit the incorrect fee or an incorrect payment method. USCIS also will reject your Form N-400 if you include payment for more than what you are required to pay. In the event USCIS rejects your application, we will return any filing fees with your application. Use the following guidelines when you are paying for your applicatio--n. You must: 1. Pay for each application using a single payment method (check, money order, or credit card) and not a combination of methods; and 2. Use the same payment method for all applications that are mailed together. NOTE: You must submit all fees in the exact amounts. The filing fee and biometric services fee are not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this application. DO NOT MAIL CASH. Payments By Check or Money Order Use the following guidelines when you prepare your checks or money orders for the Form N-400 filing fee and biometric services fee: 1. The checks or money orders must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States and must be payable in U.S. currency; and 2. Make the checks or money orders payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security. NOTE: Spell out U.S. Department of Homeland Security; do not use the initials “USDHS” or “DHS.” 3. If you live outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate for instructions on the method of payment.

7 Biometrics Services Appointment.

 USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), before making a decision on your application. After USCIS receives your applicUSCIS Forms and Information To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.govwhere you can obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have Internet access, you may order USCIS forms by calling the Forms Request Line at1-800-870-3676. You may also obtain forms and information by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call 1-800-767-1833. Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can schedule an appointment online at www.uscis.gov. Select “Schedule an appointment online” and follow the screen prompts to set up your appointment. Once you finish scheduling an appointment, the system will generate an appointment notice for yation and ensures it is complete, we will inform you in writing if you need to attend a biometric services appointment.

8. Documents needed for Naturalization

 USCIS Forms and Information To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov where you can obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have Internet access, you may order USCIS forms by calling the Forms Request Line at 1-800-870-3676. You may also obtain forms and information by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call 1-800-767-1833. Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can schedule an appointment online at www.uscis.gov. Select “Schedule an appointment online” and follow the screen prompts to set up your appointment. Once you finish scheduling an appointment, the system will generate an appointment notice for y

Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document

 Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.

9. Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the Required Evidence section of these Instructions.

Required Evidence Below is a list of documents to submit with your Form N-400.

1.       Photographs. Provide two identical color photographs of yourself taken recently. The photos must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched. Passportstyle photos must be 2” x 2”. The photos must be in color with full face, frontal view on a white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1” to 1 3/8” from top of hair to bottom of chin, and eye height is between 1 1/8” to 1 3/8” from bottom of photo. Your head must be bare, unless contrary to your religious beliefs. Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and A-Number (if any) on the back of the photo

2.   . 2. Photocopy of Permanent Resident Card. Provide a photocopy of the front and back of your Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card). USCIS must be able to read the information on the photocopy. If you have lost your Form I-551, attach a photocopy of any other entry document or a photocopy of a receipt showing that you have filed Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

3.    3. Photocopy of your Current Legal Marital Status Document. Provide a photocopy of your current marriage certificate, divorce, annulment decree, or death certificate of former spouse.

4.    4. Documents for Military Personnel or Spouses of Military Personnel: A. Form N-426 (

5.    4. Evidence of Your Current Legal Marital Status. Bring the original of all marriage certificates consideration

6.    6. Name Change(s). If you have changed your name at any time, bring the document(s) that legally changed your name(s), such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, name change petition, or other official record if you ever changed your name.

7.    7. Other Documents. Depending on the circumstances, you should bring certain documents to your interviewd States for a period that lasted 6 months or more. You can request copies of Federal tax documents at your local IRS office or www.irs.gov. You may also bring an original IRS tax transcript listing tax information for the past 5 years (3 years if filing on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen). howing entry and exit stamps

Below is a list of documents to bring with you to your Form N-400 interview.

1. Permanent Resident Card.

 2. State-Issued Identification. Bring a valid State-issued identification, such as a driver’s license.

 3. Passports and Travel Documents. Bring valid and expired passports, as well as any travel documents issued by USCIS

. 4. Evidence of Your Current Legal Marital Status. Bring the original of all marriage certificates, divorce or annulment decrees, death certificates, and other official records to confirm your marital history and your current legal marital status.

 5. Evidence of the Termination of Your Spouse’s Prior Marriage(s). Bring the original of your current spouse’s divorce certificate. If your spouse is widowed, bring the original of his or her former spouse’s death certificate. If neither of these are available, bring any other evidence that indicates the termination of your spouse’s marriage for consideration.

 6. Name Change(s). If you have changed your name at any time, bring the document(s) that legally changed your name(s), such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, name change petition, or other official record if you ever changed your name.

7. Other Documents. Depending on the circumstances, you should bring certain documents to your interview. You may also submit copies of these documents with your application.  And take originals at me ofinterview..

 10. Interview

1.     Before naturalization the applicant is called for Interview.You shall receive a notice of call for action regarding date, place and time of interview. If you cannot go get it rescheduled otherwise attend it. You should take your identification card, Green card, Passport, State identification card/Driving License and reentry certificate if any along with other documents specially asked from you.

Answer questions about your 1.  Application form and your background.,2. Evidence supporting you case 3.  Your place and length of residence 4.Your attachment to constitution.   5. Your willingness to oath of allegiance to United State. Only tell the truth.

In case you get confused take permission to explain your case. Do not be afraid or nervous as they ask questions to pass you and not fail you. You have to give a test for English or seekits exemption giving reasons.

You have to give answers to ten questions regarding Civics of Us. You can get booklet of question and answers or see them on internet. You can practice these question and answers beforehand. You have to give six correct answers. This is easy.

You shall receive form 652 on which you will get your result of Interview. They shall grant/ refuse/ call you for second interview or demand some more documents/ Continue  i.e.  decision is on hold If granted this means you  have been naturalized and proceed as below See also website http://www.immihelp.com/citizenship/naturalization-interview.html

11. After naturalization when do I become Citizen?

 Oath of Allegiance Do not complete this part. The USCIS Officer will ask you to complete this part at your interview. If USCIS approves your application, you must take this Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen. In limited cases, you can take a modified oath. The oath requirement cannot be waived unless you are unable to understand its meaning because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment. For more information, see A Guide to Naturalization (M-476). Your signature on this application only indicates that you have no objections to taking the Oath of Allegiance. It does not mean that you have taken the oath or that you are naturalized.

 If USCIS approves your Form N-400 for naturalization, you must attend an oath ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States  afteryour interview  and approval of Naturalization.

12. Conclusion

Before submitting form you must check list in form and see application is signed and dated where ever it is required. I f there is any doubt see the full instructions for filling the form or call the relevant office on phone for clarification  Caution ? These have been compiledfrom internet and experience of my friends who have Obtained Citizenship recently . If anything is different ,the law of land will prevail. The Citizenship and thereafter will form subject of another article

Avdhesh Kumar Mathur BSc. B.E.(Civil), M.I.R.C

Senior member of ICC Milpitas and Cupeertino