Are you interested in becoming a US citizen, you must familiarize yourself with the requirements for citizenship. It can be a time consuming process, filled with paperwork and probing questions about your private life. It is in your best interest to learn as much as possible before making your final decision.
When at least one parent is a citizen at the time of birth, then the child is born a United States citizen. If a parent becomes a citizen later in the child’s life, as long as the child is less than 18 years of age, then they are also eligible. However some residency questions may need to be addressed. Ideally, children residing outside of the US should be in the legal care of a US citizen parent for application consideration.
Additionally, the US citizen parents should fill out and file the required paperwork. If this parent has died, a US citizen grandparent or legal guardian may apply for the child, but only within 5 years of the parent’s death. Adopted children may be naturalized through the Immigration and Nationality Act, visit the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website for more information.
Adults that are interested in citizenship will need to go through the naturalization process. For the most part, you have to already have a permanent resident card for at least five years. They also expect that you reside in the country for a minimum or 30 months out of the five years. Make sure you have knowledge of US history and government (known as civics), and the ability to read, write, and speak English.
Once your application is turned in and you’ve been fingerprinted at a USCIS facility, you can schedule your interview with an officer. The interview will involve questions about your background as it relates to your application, then you will be tested. Your English speaking skills will be judged throughout the interview, but you are also required to correctly read one of three sentences and correctly write one sentence from a provided list. Then you have to accurately answer a majority of 10 questions on the civics test.
For those with specific issues, there are exceptions that can be made. Search for more detailed information if you are an applicant who is employed overseas, is over the age of 50 years old, has a physical or development disability, or are married to a current US citizen
If you don’t pass, you can arrange for another interview to happen 60 to 90 days later. There are plenty of study materials on the internet specifically made for helping you pass the civics test. Make sure you are prepared to meet the requirements for citizenship.
See more about United States Citizenship Exam at www.Test-Guide.com. Stop by Scott Manseo’s website to find information on free test preparation for GRE, Citizenship, SAT exams and more.
August 16, 2010 by Scott Manseo