{"id":241083,"date":"2022-04-29T09:26:05","date_gmt":"2022-04-29T14:26:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/?p=241083"},"modified":"2022-04-27T12:30:51","modified_gmt":"2022-04-27T17:30:51","slug":"how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship: The Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deciding to apply for U.S. citizenship can be difficult. Ultimately, it is a crucial decision for immigrants. Once you become a U.S. citizen, the rights and freedoms of the U.S. Constitution protect you. Additionally, you will share a special connection with other Americans. Keep reading and learn more about how to apply for U.S. citizenship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Difference Between Naturalization and Ac<\/b><b>quisition<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People usually become U.S. citizens by going through the naturalization process. This is when a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting specific requirements set by Congress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acquisition is citizenship obtained through U.S. citizen parents either at birth or after birth. The child has to be younger than 18. Individuals can obtain U.S. citizenship through acquisition in two ways. The first way is if they were born outside of the United States to U.S. citizen parents. The second is that they can receive citizenship if born inside the United States. This is known as derivative citizenship. Ultimately, if U.S. citizenship through acquisition applies to your situation, contact an immigration lawyer in Texas to help you with the next steps.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Determine Eligibility When You Apply for U.S. Citizenship<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To apply for U.S. citizenship, the first step is determining if you are eligible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligibility requirements include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be 18 years old or older at the time of filing Form N-400 (Naturalization Application)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be a lawful permanent resident (have a Green Card).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Demonstrate continuous permanent residence in the United States for at least five years. (In some cases, this may be three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen.)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Show that you have been physically present in the United States for 30 months. (In some cases, this may be 18 months if you are married to a U.S. citizen.)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Show that you have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where you claim residence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are unsure if these requirements apply to you, please speak to an immigration lawyer. They will help you figure out your next steps and how to apply for citizenship in the United States.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can find a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/document\/guides\/M-480.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">list of what the U.S. government requires<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on the USCIS website. Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements so that your application will be approved.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Prepare and Submit form N-400<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you meet all the eligibility requirements, it is time to prepare and submit the application.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step is to complete <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/n-400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">form N-400<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This form is for immigrants to apply for U.S. citizenship, and you can find it on the USCIS website. Further, make sure you answer all the questions truthfully and to the best of your ability. The more accurate your answers are, the smoother your application process will be. If you need help filling out the form, you can consult with an immigration lawyer. Additionally, you will need to submit passport-style photos, proof of residency and citizenship, and the filing fee.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After submitting your form N-400, USCIS will send you a receipt notice. This notice will list the date of your biometrics appointment and your interview date.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Attend biometrics appointment and interview<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The USCIS usually needs fingerprints and other biometric information during the application process. Once the government officials have processed your form and fee, you will receive a notice with your biometrics appointment date.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A USCIS officer will take your fingerprints, photograph, and signature at your biometrics appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the USCIS officer gives you the biometrics appointment date, the next step is to schedule the interview. USCIS will send you a notice in the mail with your interview date. You should prepare for your interview by gathering all required documents listed on your statement. This includes reviewing the study materials provided by USCIS. Additionally, bring your appointment notice with you to the interview.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is essential to attend your interview. If you have to reschedule, it could add months to the process. Therefore, try your best to attend so that the process goes smoothly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The USCIS will ask you questions to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/citizenship\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">test your English skills and knowledge about U.S. history and civics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on the day of your interview.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>What to Expect at the Interview<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will meet with a USCIS officer and answer questions about your application.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unless exempt, take the English and civics test (check eligibility to submit form N-648).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will receive a notice of interview results following the interview.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, USCIS cannot decide on the interview day. They might need to review your file and conduct more interviews.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, you will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States if you pass the interview. You are now a U.S. citizen! Welcome to America!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What to Do if Your Application is Denied When You Apply For U.S. Citizenship<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are not granted citizenship after your interview, USCIS will give you a written notice explaining why. The information will also inform you of what you can do to fix the problems cited and schedule another interview.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if you feel like the decision was not correct, you have the right to appeal it. You must file a written request for a hearing with the USCIS office within 30 days of receiving the denial notice. You will then be able to present your case to an immigration judge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the USCIS denies your application, don&#8217;t give up. Contact an immigration lawyer in Texas to help with your case.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer in Texas<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applying for U.S. citizenship can be a complex process. If you have questions about how to apply for U.S. citizenship or need help with your application, contact an immigration lawyer in Texas today. Further, an experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate the process and avoid common mistakes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Dooley Noted Law, we can help you understand the process and requirements for naturalization and guide you through every step of the application process. We would be honored to help you with your case. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/immigration-lawyer-in-texas\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact us today<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to schedule a consultation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you want to become a citizen of the U.S., we can help. We are walking you through the complete guide on how to apply for U.S. citizenship. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":240922,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship: The Complete Guide - Dooley Noted<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you want to become a citizen of the U.S., we can help. We are walking you through the complete guide on how to apply for U.S. citizenship.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship: The Complete Guide - Dooley Noted\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you want to become a citizen of the U.S., we can help. We are walking you through the complete guide on how to apply for U.S. citizenship.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Dooley Noted\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-04-29T14:26:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-04-27T17:30:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/applying-for-us-citizenship.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Staff Writer\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Staff Writer\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/\",\"name\":\"How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship: The Complete Guide - Dooley Noted\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/applying-for-us-citizenship.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-04-29T14:26:05+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-04-27T17:30:51+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/#\/schema\/person\/5735a8ce19fd509a6d737ceecd06f59b\"},\"description\":\"If you want to become a citizen of the U.S., we can help. We are walking you through the complete guide on how to apply for U.S. citizenship.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/applying-for-us-citizenship.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/applying-for-us-citizenship.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":800,\"caption\":\"how to apply for U.S. citizenship\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship: The Complete Guide\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/\",\"name\":\"Dooley Noted\",\"description\":\"Law Office of Michael Dooley\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/#\/schema\/person\/5735a8ce19fd509a6d737ceecd06f59b\",\"name\":\"Staff Writer\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fd943a3a990252a04ceb3e3174b0b468?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fd943a3a990252a04ceb3e3174b0b468?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Staff Writer\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/author\/admindooleynoted-com\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship: The Complete Guide - Dooley Noted","description":"If you want to become a citizen of the U.S., we can help. We are walking you through the complete guide on how to apply for U.S. citizenship.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship: The Complete Guide - Dooley Noted","og_description":"If you want to become a citizen of the U.S., we can help. We are walking you through the complete guide on how to apply for U.S. citizenship.","og_url":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/","og_site_name":"Dooley Noted","article_published_time":"2022-04-29T14:26:05+00:00","article_modified_time":"2022-04-27T17:30:51+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":800,"url":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/applying-for-us-citizenship.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Staff Writer","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Staff Writer"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/","url":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/","name":"How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship: The Complete Guide - Dooley Noted","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/applying-for-us-citizenship.jpg","datePublished":"2022-04-29T14:26:05+00:00","dateModified":"2022-04-27T17:30:51+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/#\/schema\/person\/5735a8ce19fd509a6d737ceecd06f59b"},"description":"If you want to become a citizen of the U.S., we can help. We are walking you through the complete guide on how to apply for U.S. citizenship.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/applying-for-us-citizenship.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/applying-for-us-citizenship.jpg","width":1200,"height":800,"caption":"how to apply for U.S. citizenship"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/how-to-apply-for-u-s-citizenship-the-complete-guide\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship: The Complete Guide"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/","name":"Dooley Noted","description":"Law Office of Michael Dooley","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/#\/schema\/person\/5735a8ce19fd509a6d737ceecd06f59b","name":"Staff Writer","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fd943a3a990252a04ceb3e3174b0b468?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fd943a3a990252a04ceb3e3174b0b468?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Staff Writer"},"url":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/author\/admindooleynoted-com\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/241083"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=241083"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/241083\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":241089,"href":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/241083\/revisions\/241089"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/240922"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=241083"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=241083"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dooleynoted.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=241083"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}