Expert Insights: How Long It Takes to Become a US Citizen and the Associated Expenses?

The U.S.A. is a place equipped with countless opportunities for immigrants. A lot of immigrants dream of becoming a U.S. citizen but it’s not a piece of cake. You have to follow complete procedures and guidelines. However, the way to acquire U.S. citizenship requirements can be daunting and complex but don’t worry, we are here to guide you on how long it takes to become a U.S. citizen and how much it costs.

Also, we discuss the main reasons why U.S citizenship applications do not get approved and mention the strategies how to avoid approval hurdles. Keep reading till the end!

How Long It Takes to Become a U.S. Citizen?

Normally the process to become a U.S. citizen is called naturalization. How much naturalization takes time depends on various factors so we cannot say that it can be done based on only one factor. Normally, it takes 8 to 12 months from the time of the application to the acceptance of the application. Remember one thing this period is not fixed as it can be changed according to different circumstances.

This process consists of several stages from applying to passing the citizenship test and the time it takes based on how much time each step takes during the whole procedure. If each step takes time, it might be happening due to long processing times and backlog. Also, it might be possible that delay occurs due to incomplete information and documents.

If you want it to take less time to approve your citizenship test, ensure that you have been provided with essential information and documentation timely without delay. It is also recommended to consider the current processing times and stay updated yourself with any changes made by the authorities. By doing so, you will not get confused.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a U.S. Citizen?

It comes with certain fees that may add up based on individual circumstances. Currently, the application fee to become a U.S citizen is $725 which includes only two costs like application fee and the biometrics fee. Not only these costs may also add up based on various circumstances.

For example, when you want to obtain various documents like a birth certificate or marriage certificate, additional costs may also increase. Also, you have to pay legal fees in case if you want to acquire the service of any legal attorney who thoroughly guides you throughout the process. When you travel from one place to another, definitely you have to pay for travel expenses.

So, it’s good to plan accordingly earlier to avoid any future financial inconvenience and consult with immigration consult so that you plan your expenses accordingly.

Reasons When Applications Don’t Get Approved

Undoubtedly, if you follow the application process by considering all the essential information and documentation, it might be possible your application doesn’t get approved or rejected due to some reasons. Understanding these reasons earlier to avoid any future inconvenience:

1.    Unable to Pass the Test:

Failing the U.S. citizenship test resulted in denial. This test includes various related topics like U.S. history, government policies, and regulations followed by the U.S. government. If you want to avoid denial, you should prepare yourselves for the test earlier.

2.    Low English Language Proficiency:

One of the important requirements for the U.S. citizenship test is that you must be skilled in English language proficiency. In case, you are low in understanding and demonstrating English language proficiency, there are chances that you would get rejected. So, prepare yourself earlier for this too.

3.    Criminal History:

Immigrants with criminal histories are supposed to be rejected by immigration consultants, especially for the U.S. citizenship test. You just have to provide authentic and clear information about your criminal history if any and it might be possible if you seek legal advice, in return, you get shortlisted after complying with the complete procedure.

4.    Unable to Meet Residency Requirements:

It is essential to have a continuous period of residence for certain periods in the U.S. to fulfill the citizenship test requirement. If you fail to do so, you will get rejected. So, ensure that you follow the residency requirements earlier.

How to Avoid Mistakes

There is no 100% formula that you get your applications accepted but at least you can mitigate the denial risk by taking some of the following steps to avoid common pitfalls:

1.    Acquire Legal Guidance:

When you seek legal guidance from professional consultants, they not only help you but also increase your chances of success by thoroughly guiding you throughout the process. Also, there are chances that you won’t repeat the mistakes after seeking proper guidance.

2.    Be Honest & Accurate:

Never try to provide false and wrong information as it creates serious consequences. You have to provide authentic, accurate, and truthful information so that your application will not get rejected. Before submission, you need to review and double-check your application earlier.

3.    Prepare Yourselves Adequately:

Before going for a test and interview, you need to prepare yourselves adequately to avoid any rejection or delays. You can prepare yourself adequately by studying the test and practice guides to familiarize yourself earlier with the test and interview.

4.    Stay Informed:

With time, immigration laws and processes change so you need to stay informed yourselves earlier with updated legal rules and processes. It can help you understand the latest requirements and avoid from any unexpected issues.

Final Words!

Multiple immigrants want to acquire U.S. citizenship but they get stuck when they don’t have the idea how long it takes to become a US citizen and how much it costs. Also, if they prepare themselves diligently by following the proper guidelines, their applications don’t get approved just because of committing common mistakes, so we addressed these mistakes with the solutions above. Now, there’s no need to worry about U.S. citizenship approval as you have to follow the complete procedure and avoid any underlying mistakes. Best of luck!

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