Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions an immigrant can make. Naturalized U.S. citizens share equally in the rights and privileges of U.S. citizenship. U.S. citizenship offers immigrants the ability to:
- Vote in federal elections;
- Travel with a U.S. passport.
- Run for elective office where citizenship is required.
- Participate on a jury.
- Become eligible for federal and certain law enforcement jobs.
- Obtain certain state and federal benefits not available to non citizens.
- Obtain citizenship for minor children born abroad.
- Expand and expedite their ability to bring family members to the United States.
You May Qualify for US citizenship if:
- You have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years and meet all other eligibility requirements,
- You have been a permanent resident for 3 years or more and meet all eligibility requirements to file as a spouse of a U.S. citizen.
- You have qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces and meet all other eligibility requirements.
- Your child may qualify for naturalization if you are a U.S. citizen, the child was born outside the U.S., the child is currently residing outside the U.S., and all other eligibility requirements are met.
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US Citizenship Through Parents
There are two general ways to obtain citizenship through U.S. citizen parents, one at birth and one after birth but before the age of 18.
The term “parents” includes: the genetic father, the genetic mother, and the non-genetic gestational mother, if she is the legal parent at the time of birth under the law of the relevant jurisdiction.
The US Citizenship Test
To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must pass the naturalization test. At your naturalization interview, you will be required to answer questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver.
If You Don’t Pass
You will be given two opportunities to take the English and civics tests and to answer all questions relating to your naturalization application in English. If you fail any of the tests at your initial interview, you will be retested on the portion of the test that you failed (English or civics) between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview.
Regardless of your individual circumstances, working with an experienced Charlotte US Citizenship attorney is an important choice you can make to help improve your visa status. Call 704-486-5303 to speak with a Charlotte US Citizenship attorney today for a Free US Citizenship law consultation.