What is the fastest route to become a U.S. citizen?

Military and marriage-related naturalization are usually the fastest, but even a typical green card route may take as little as five years.

What is the fastest way to get citizenship in US?

Marry a US citizen. That's the quickest and the fast way to get citizenship. It takes 10–12 months to get your marriage based green card.

Is there a fast track to U.S. citizenship?

In addition to waiving the residency requirement, the expeditious naturalization process also allows applicants to bypass the normal processing times for regular naturalization, such as the wait time (currently two months) between the naturalization interview and the ceremony.

How do I get immediate U.S. citizenship?

One can become a U.S. citizen through a variety of means—birth in the United States, birth abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, or through the naturalization process. For all these processes, a specific series of legal requirements must be met.

How can I speed up my U.S. citizenship process?

You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice.

How to Become a US Citizen Without Breaking the Law (But Maybe Bending It)

Can an immigration lawyer speed up the process?

Can an immigration lawyer speed up the process? Yes, they can! Experienced immigration attorneys can help you avoid common mistakes, submit all necessary documents correctly, and anticipate potential wait times based on your country of origin. Don't let bureaucratic backlog slow you down.

What is the processing time for citizenship in 2023?

Processing times for Form N-400 (officially called the “Application for Naturalization”) have decreased in 2023, averaging 6.4 months. For more up to date timelines, we analyzes monthly processing times at USCIS field offices across the country; you can find our timeline estimates for Form N-400 here.

How long does it really take to become a U.S. citizen?

On average, it takes 18 months to 24 months to complete the naturalization process and become a U.S. citizen.

How fast can you be a U.S. citizen?

Naturalization: 3-5 Years After Obtaining a Green Card

To naturalize, you must file Form N-400 with USCIS. Importantly, to apply for citizenship, you first have to have your green card for a certain period of time. Normally, you will have to have your green card for at least five years before applying for citizenship.

What is the average wait time for U.S. citizenship?

The processing time for naturalization (citizenship) averages 10 months (Boundless updates this information monthly based on our analysis of government data). During this time, as the government works to process the Application for Naturalization, applicants must complete several steps before becoming citizens.

What are the 5 requirements to become a U.S. citizen?

How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen?

The naturalization application fee is $725 (including the $85 biometric services fee) through March 31, 2024. Starting April 1, 2024, the application fee is $710 for those filing online and $760 for those filing on paper by mail. There will no longer be a separate biometrics fee.

Where is it easiest to get citizenship?

Hands down, Brazil wins out as the easiest place to get citizenship through family ties. If you have immediate family ties to a Brazilian citizen, that entitles you to Brazilian citizenship within one year. That means citizenship by marriage is possible, as well as by giving birth or adopting a child.

Can you become a U.S. citizen in 6 months?

Generally, you must be have 30 months of physical presence in the U.S. to be eligible for naturalized citizenship. However, this requirement is reduced to 18 months of physical presence if you are filing Form N-400 based on the provision marriage to a U.S. citizen.

Can you become a U.S. citizen without taking the test?

Certain applicants because of their age and time as a lawful permanent resident may have the naturalization interview in their native language. These applicants do not have to take the English tests for naturalization and may take the civics test in the language of their choice.

What is the 4 year 1 day rule for U.S. citizenship?

The Four Year and One Day Rule

Essentially, if you broke your continuous residence, the four-year and one-day rule shortens the waiting period by one year. It offers an opportunity to become eligible for naturalization sooner, provided that you meet all the other requirements for citizenship.

Can I travel while waiting for citizenship?

You may travel to another country, including your home country, provided no other legal impediment precludes you from doing so. However, if your trip lasts longer than 180 days, USCIS may determine that you have not continuously resided in the United States and therefore are ineligible for naturalization.

How long does it take to get a U.S. citizenship after green card?

From what I know, usually 6 years. You have to be a permanent resident (green card holder) for 5 years (3 years if you marry a citizen), and applying for citizenship usually takes about 6–12 months, depending how fast they process your documents, and how early can you schedule an interview for immigration.

What is the difference between citizenship and naturalization?

While both documents serve as proof of U.S. citizenship, the Certificate of Naturalization is issued to those who have become U.S. citizens through the naturalization process, while the Certificate of Citizenship is issued to those who acquired U.S. citizenship at birth or through other means.

How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen in 2023?

Application Fees for Citizenship Are $725

It typically costs $725 to apply for citizenship. That cost includes the $640 application fee for Form N-400 and the $85 fee for your biometrics appointment (at which you are fingerprinted, a photo is taken and your signature is given).

Will USCIS be faster in 2023?

As cycle times improve, processing times will follow, and applicants and petitioners will receive decisions on their cases more quickly. USCIS will increase capacity, improve technology, and expand staffing to achieve these new goals by the end of FY 2023.

Which USCIS office is the fastest?

The field office in Cleveland tops the index, with a typical (median) citizenship application processing time of 4 months, and almost nobody waiting longer than 12.3 months.

Can you sue immigration for taking too long?

You may sue the USCIS if it is taking longer than usual to process or decide your case. For more information on eligibility, process and necessary documentation for these types of cases, visit our page on Lawsuits against the U.S. Immigration Service (USCIS).

What to do if immigration is taking too long?

If the USCIS takes a long time to process your application and you need more help, you should talk to a lawyer. An immigration lawyer or other trustworthy immigration authorities can help you. They can help you determine why there are delays and look into possible answers or other options.

What happens when immigration approves your case?

After USCIS approves your petition, they will transfer your case to the Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC) for pre-processing. The first step in this processing is the creation of your case in our system. Once this is complete, we will send you a Welcome Letter by e-mail or physical mail.