Answer
Hi,
The current residency requirement for aliens to obtain citizenship is to apply for citizenship after five years of residence. This depends on a number of factors too. If a person is married to a U.S citizen and living in the States for three years that person can qualify to apply for naturalization right away. If a person is an asylee, he or she waits for four years after permanent residence was approved before application. For refugees, they wait for five years since the date they entered the U.S.
The steps to citizenship for immigrants are;
• Finding if you are eligible to apply. Here one needs to obtain a green card. Other requirements at this stage are good moral characters, passing the English test and having knowledge of history and government of the U.S
• Step two is to overcome challenges in the eligibility process. In case you failed in step one, contact an immigration attorney that can conduct a full analysis and change your status of eligibility.
• Filing the USCIS Form N-400- This is a paper work procedure with the immigration services authority. The filing of the form costs $640 when applying for naturalization with additional charges for biometrics.
• Attending biometric s Appointment-This is vital because finger prints will be obtained .This step is important to obtain clearance from FBI database.
• Citizenship Interview-This is conducted at an USCIS office after receiving the appointment date. In the interview, the N-400 form will be reviewed and a test on English knowledge and history of America will be conducted by the officer.
• Oath Ceremony-After approval from the USCIS officer a person is summoned to attend a public ceremony with other individuals to take the oath. A certificate of naturalization is offered at this step that shows the person is a citizen of the United States of America.
Good Luck!
