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The Citizenship Process
If you are not a US citizen by birth, you can apply to become a citizen through a process known as naturalization. The amount of time it takes to complete the naturalization process depends on where and when you choose to file your application. The North Carolina immigration attorneys at Goulder Immigration Law Firm can guide you through the citizenship process to assure your application is not delayed.
1. The first step in the citizenship process is to properly complete and submit your U.S. Citizenship application, including all required supporting evidence. If your immigration status and background raise any substantive issues you must be careful to fully and properly address any such circumstances. An experienced immigration attorney helps ensure that the application, supporting documents and any special circumstances are properly presented at the appropriate USCIS Service Center and Field Office.
2. Applicants receive biometrics appointments to be fingerprinted at the specified location, date, and time.
3. Every applicant will be interviewed by DHS/USCIS Adjudicating Officer at the appropriate DHS/USCIS Field Office. Applicant should be properly prepared for their interview.
4. Applicants are required to take the English and Civics Tests at their interview. If your application is approved by the Adjudicating Officer and the Naturalization Supervisor, you will receive an oath ceremony letter enabling you to be granted U.S. citizenship at the oath ceremony.
5. The oath ceremony at which you receive the naturalization certificate will take place from 1 to 180 days after a successful interview.
The length of time it takes to fully adjudicate the application varies according to specific circumstances of the applicant, and USCIS processing times at various Service Centers and Field Offices. The process may take from a few months to a year or more. A knowledgeable and experienced North Carolina immigration law firm can assist North Carolina residents and residents from any state and prevent the process from becoming delayed even further by assisting their clients through the entire naturalization process.
Making a mistake on the application can result in delays or denial. Not being prepared for the interview can result in delay or denial. Naturalization attorneys understand the anxiety regarding applications for U.S. Citizenship. It is not only a symbolic status, but also an important one in gaining certain freedoms.
