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Having naturalization allows you to vote and enjoy the laws created for American citizens. You should know that after 5 years of being in the country, you can start the process of naturalization and American citizenship. For this reason, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has opened more slots this year for all those who wish to become American citizens and fulfill the long-awaited "American Dream".
The American naturalization process is quite extensive, however, here we will tell you all the details about the cost, requirements, how to apply, and how long it takes for your case to be processed.
Naturalization 2023: How to apply?
In order to process naturalization, a series of requirements must be met, as this will allow you to become a US citizen either by birth or after your birth.
Naturalization is done through the N-400, the name of the Naturalization Application. For this, you must create an online account to submit your Form N-400 online and follow the following steps:
- Pay the filing fee online
- Check the status of your case
- Receive case notifications and updates
- View personalized case completion date estimates
- Respond to requests for evidence
- Manage your contact information, including updating your address
If you submit your Form N-400 in paper format, USCIS will send a USCIS Account Acceptance Notice that will contain instructions on how to create an online account to check and manage your case. They will process your application even if you do not create an online account, but it encourages you to create and access your online account. USCIS will continue to send case notifications by mail.
Naturalization 2023: Where to apply?
The naturalization process can be applied in two ways on Form N-400 to USCIS: you can do it online or by mail (in paper format).
Naturalization 2023: How much does the application cost?
The filing fee is $640 dollars, however, an additional $85 dollars must be added to the fee for biometric services, all adding up to a total of $725 dollars.
If you submit Form N-400 online, you can pay your fee online. If you submit Form N-400 by mail (in paper format), you can pay the fee with a money order, personal check, cashier's check, or credit card along with Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. Also, if paying by check, it must be made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Naturalization 2023: Exceptional cases
It is worth mentioning that the naturalization process has some exceptions, such as:
- Applicants who are 75 years or older do not need to pay the biometrics fee. They only need to pay the filing fee of $640.
- No fee payment is required for military applicants filing under Section 328 or 329 of the INA.