US Citizenship Process

Holders of US Green Cards receive many of the same benefits experienced by US citizens; a permanent resident in possession of a US Green Card or a Permanent Resident Card as it is officially known may stay in the United States, in most cases, indefinitely with no time restrictions upon their stay. They may also seek and undertake employment for whomever and in whatever field they choose. However, a range of additional benefits are bestowed upon applicants who successfully apply for US citizenship.

Benefits

 

Another key benefit, often overlooked when pursuing an American Green Card is that permanent resident status can, in some circumstance be revoked. Permanent American residents must be aware that spending extended periods of time outside the United States can be viewed as abandoning the grant of US residency with the result of the Green Card for the USA being revoked. The only way to guarantee the permanent right to remain in the United States is to undergo the process of US naturalization. In addition, it is important to note that in instances where a person residing in the United States is convicted of a crime, even if the crime is not of a serious nature, United States Green Card holders may be deported, once more a grant of United States Citizenship would remove this possibility.

Whilst US residents in both categories may sponsor relatives to immigrate to the USA on a permanent basis, the options afforded to Citizens are broader. Permanent Residents may assist in spouse immigration and dependent immigration, helping their spouse and/or dependent children to migrate to America. However, for American citizens this privilege is extended to include both parents and siblings and no waiting list is necessary in such situations.

Finally, USA citizens receive a selection of other benefits which are not afforded to holders of US Green Cards. Many Government agency jobs, particularly in the fields of defence and energy require citizenship. In addition, only Citizens may run for political office.

Eligibility Criteria

In America, immigration is often undertaken with a view to eventually naturalizing as a USA citizen. In order for a candidate to become eligible, the most fundamental requirement is that they are at least 18 years of age. However, applicants must fulfil the following requirements, in order to qualify.

Residency Requirements

- Applicants must have lived continuously in the United States for a period of five years subsequent to their being granted a US Permanent Residence Card. In circumstances where the candidate is married to a Citizen, this will be reduced to three years.

- Half of the residency period, whether three or five years must have been spent physically residing in the USA. In addition, at least three months must have been spent living within the jurisdiction where the application for US citizenship is being submitted.

English Language Requirements

- Applicants must have at least a basic grasp of the English language and must have demonstrable knowledge of the government and history of the USA.

- Applicants must be able to show good character and adhere to the principles upon which the US Constitution is based.

Exceptions

The qualifications outlined above are essential for all applications; however, people in some groups will not be permitted to embark upon the naturalisation process regardless of fulfilling them. People who hold or have held ideological beliefs viewed as threatening to the United States will not qualify to Naturalise as a Citizen. In addition, people convicted of some serious crimes who cannot demonstrate good moral character will also be excluded. Finally, those who have been employed by and deserted the US army will be disqualified.