Steps To Becoming a US Citizen in Charlotte

Living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident, or Green Card holder, offers many rights and opportunities. Still, for many, the journey does not feel complete without full citizenship. If your goal is to become a U.S. citizen, you do not have to navigate the path alone.

A knowledgeable attorney at Sussman Law Firm can help you understand your eligibility and walk you through the naturalization process step by step. While the road to citizenship can be long and complex, our compassionate Charlotte legal team is here to support and advocate for you every step of the way.

Determining Eligibility

The process of going from a lawful permanent resident to a citizen is called naturalization. Naturalization is available for those over the age of 18 who have a Green Card, so the first step is to become a lawful permanent resident. This can be achieved in numerous ways, including family-based immigration, a spousal visa, or self-petitioning through the Violence Against Women Act.

After obtaining lawful permanent resident status, the next step is to wait. Naturalization is available for those who have had their Green Card for at least five years, although this could be three years for those who are married to a US citizen.

Potential applicants must maintain a continuous presence in the US during this time. This means that they must not have been out of the country for a total of 30 months or more or have taken a trip out of the country for longer than a year.

Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak basic English, although there are exceptions for disabilities and age. They must also have some knowledge of US history and the government. Additionally, applicants must be of good moral character. This is a vague requirement, but in general, a criminal conviction could render someone ineligible.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published a worksheet that helps determine if an individual is eligible for naturalization. However, this worksheet only gives a basic overview of eligibility, and everyone’s situation is unique. Applicants in Charlotte could obtain further advice about the path to gaining US citizenship from a knowledgeable immigration lawyer.

Application, Interview, Test, and Oath

Once eligibility has been determined, the next step is to complete an  N-400 form. The application requires evidence of lawful permanent residence and continuous presence. Proof of marital status and moral character may also be necessary. After receiving the application, the USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment. Here, the agency collects the applicant’s fingerprints and facial scans to conduct security and background checks.

Once the application and biometrics are processed, the USCIS will schedule an interview to clarify the applicant’s citizenship eligibility. The USCIS will also issue a civics and language exam to test the applicant’s knowledge of US history, understanding of the government, and English reading, writing, and speaking skills.

If the applicant passes the background checks, interview, and exam, and the USCIS approves the application, the final step to citizenship is the naturalization ceremony. This involves taking an Oath of Allegiance to the US and viewing presentations about the rights and duties of new citizens.

The process of becoming a citizen of the US could take between six months and a year, and an experienced immigration lawyer in Charlotte could provide support during this time. They could help ensure the application is complete and accurate to avoid delays or rejections.

Call a Charlotte Immigration Attorney To Guide Your US Citizenship Application Process

If you believe you are eligible for naturalization, talk to an immigration lawyer at Sussman Law Firm. Our team could guide you through the steps to becoming a US citizen in Charlotte.

From preparing the application to the ceremony, our attorney could be by your side for support. Call our team at Sussman Law Firm to take the first step to citizenship.