U.S. CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION

Form N-400, Application for U.S. Citizenship, is the form used by permanent residents (Green Card holders) to become citizens of the United States. There are a number of requirements that need to be met before an immigrant can apply for U.S. Citizenship, but the benefits are plentiful.

Some benefits of citizenship include the ability to help your relatives immigrate easier, the right to vote, the right to hold a U.S. passport and the fact that you won’t need to apply for Green Card renewal anymore.

The following are the essential requirements for applying for citizenship, a process called naturalization:

• You must hold a green card for five years and continuously reside in the U.S. (meaning that you live there without leaving for trips of six months or longer),
• You must be physically present inside the U.S. for at least 30 months before applying
• You must have lived in the state where you will submit the application for at least three months
• You need to be reasonably proficient in the English language
• You need to be familiar with American history, government and society
• You need to be able to make an Oath of allegiance (There are some exceptions for those whose religion does not allow oathes).

You must correctly complete Form N-400 and attach all required documents. This includes documents that will help the USCIS decide whether you have good moral character, such as criminal records and tax records.

Filing USCIS Form N-400 for U.S. Citizenship using FileRight requires the following fees:

• FileRight Application Package fee: $195.
• Application fee: $640
• Biometrics fee: $85