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“As a lawful permanent resident in the United States, the next step for you is to apply for US citizenship. The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) offers the naturalization process for permanent residents who want to transition to US citizens. “
As a lawful permanent resident in the United States, the next step for you is to apply for US citizenship. The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) offers the naturalization process for permanent residents who want to transition to US citizens.
The naturalization process requires you to submit the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, clear a two-part naturalization examination, and finally attend the Oath Ceremony to become a US citizen. You must clear this process without making any errors as repeating the process becomes very expensive and time-consuming.
What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for US Citizenship?
Failure to Meet Eligibility Requirements:
It is common for many permanent residents to apply for naturalization without fully understanding the eligibility requirements for the process. It is the applicant’s responsibility to understand what is required of them in terms of eligibility.
Therefore, if you are confused, then consult an immigration attorney who can help you navigate through the process. It is the best way to avoid unnecessary expenses and make sure that your file is complete and you qualify for citizenship.
Failing to Double-Check the Application Before Submission:
It is very important to double-check, even triple check your naturalization application before you submit it to the USCIS. Therefore, always review your application and ensure that all the information provided is correct and consistent with the information provided in previous immigration forms.
If you have any previous criminal convictions or failure to follow court orders, then it is best to contact an immigration attorney to resolve these issues.
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Failing to Submit Proof of Relationship if Applying for Citizenship Based on Marriage:
Many people have the misconception that you do not need to provide a lot of information about your relationship with your US citizen spouse when you are at the stage of applying for citizenship.
However, it is not true. You will be required to provide documentation to prove that your marriage is bona fide. These documents may include joint ownership of assets and liabilities, proof that you have been living together, commingling of funds, etc.
Failure to Respond to Requests for Evidence:
The USCIS may request additional documents to continue the processing of your naturalization application. If you fail to respond to such requests on time, then it may lead to denial of your application.
Also if you fail to provide adequate evidence, then it will also lead to denial of your application. It is advised to consult an immigration attorney to ensure that you can gather sufficient evidence required by the USCIS.
Failing to Submit the Right Fee:
The filing fee for a naturalization application is $725 including the collection of biometric information. Failure to provide the filing fee can result in denial of your application. It is always best to double-check the correct filing fee on the USCIS website.