How long does it take to legally become a citizen?

How long does it take to legally become a citizen?

Currently, it takes about six months to a year to get U.S. citizenship from the time you apply. The process starts when you first get your green card, but there’s no accurate way to tell how long each application will take.

Does it take 7 years to become a U.S. citizen?

Step 1: Application for Naturalization The first step to becoming a U.S. citizen is to file an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) and pay the filing fee (unless you are exempt — see above for details). You must still wait the full three or five years, however, to become a U.S. citizen.

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen with a green card?

five years
Who Qualifies 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”).

How long does it take to get citizenship after applying 2020?

The average processing time for citizenship (naturalization) applications is 8 months as of May 31, 2020. However, that’s just how long it takes USCIS to process Form N-400. The entire naturalization process has several steps and takes an average of 15 months.

How can I become a US citizen in 2020?

Be of the minimum required age (typically, at least 18) Continuously and physically live in the United States as a green card holder for a certain number of years. Establish residency in the state or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district where they intend to apply. Have “good moral character”

What happens if you marry a US citizen and then divorce?

What Happens When You Divorce a U.S. Citizen Prior to Becoming a U.S. Citizen? The lives of most divorcees change once a marriage ends and the divorce is finalized. If, at that time, you are still married, you would become a full permanent resident.

Why is my citizenship application taking so long?

As of early 2020, the most likely reason for this delay is the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in the closure of USCIS offices and cancellation of swearing-in ceremonies for the immediate future. USCIS or the federal courts are backed up in fitting people into their scheduled ceremonies.

What is the fastest way to get US citizenship?

The fastest way to get a US green card is through sponsorship from an immediate relative. Unlike other permanent resident visa categories, the IR visa is not subject to quotas or lengthy waiting periods. You are eligible for this visa if you are a spouse, child under 21, or parent of a current US citizen.

How long do you have to live in the US before becoming a citizen?

You must also continuously reside in the United States, be physically present in the country for 30 months and spend 3 months in your residence before you apply for citizenship. You may also be eligible for citizenship if you are married and living with a United States citizen.

What is the final step to becoming a citizen?

The final step in becoming a U.S. citizen is taking the Oath of Allegiance. This is generally taken in a courtroom with a number of other people. In the oath the person promises to obey the laws of the Constitution and to defend the United States.

How much does it cost to become an US citizen?

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. Nov 8 2019

What is the processing time for US citizenship?

Wait times are sometimes shorter, or sometimes longer. How long you wait depends largely on your situation and your location. On average, each application takes between 5 to 8 months for the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) to process.