In theory, visa holders have the ability to legally stay within the United States indefinitely, but it is not as secure of a status as U.S. citizenship. Below you will find some insight as to what the process of citizenship entails, as well as some of the benefits it carries.
New Laws in 2020
There are three new laws passed in 2020 to note before applying for citizenship that green card holders must consider.
You must report on your tax returns that you are an immigrant
Men aged 18-25 must register with the U.S. Selective Service
Refrain from extended overseas travel, as it can be considered abandonment.
The failure to meet any of these requirements not only takes you out of citizenship eligibility but can also result in deportation.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost to become a citizen of the United States covers both the application and biometric services fees. The cost to process the application is $640 while the cost of biometric services is $85 for a total of $725. This cost is nonrefundable no matter whether the U.S. government approves or rejects your application.
How Long Does it Take?
The process of becoming a U.S. citizen from sending the application to taking the citizenship test and interview can take anywhere from 7-12 months. This depends on factors such as how accurate the documents you fill out are, whether you are from a historically “high fraud” area, and whether or not you avoid receiving requests for additional information.
This is why it is extremely important to have an experienced immigration attorney on your side. We are able to help maximize the application process to make sure there are zero mistakes, to keep you safe from the risk of rejection.
Contact our Greer Citizenship Team Today
Sifting through complicated applications and documents can be stressful and disheartening. With our experienced team of immigration attorneys in Greer, we aim to help you achieve your goals with ease and efficiency.
If you are a green card holder and wish to apply for citizenship, do not hesitate to contact us today through our website or give us a call at (864) 697-2870 to schedule a consultation!