A Quick Guide on Acquiring USA Citizenship for Indians

Moving to the US for work has become an everyday affair among Indian citizens. While a work visa might expire in five years, individuals often try to get US citizenship for life. There can be various ways of becoming a US citizen. Now the question is, how to get US citizenship for Indians? Individuals can generate US citizenship through specific steps if not born in the US or to American parents.

Are you wondering how to get citizenship in the USA for Indians? Keep reading this article to find out all about it.

There has been confusion regarding the difference between a green card and citizenship. Individuals can get a green card in the US for becoming permanent residents. On the other hand, citizenship is given to those who legally belongs to a country. In order to apply for US citizenship, an Indian applicant must meet the following criteria.

• Applicants must be minimum of 18 years of age. 

• Unmarried applicants must have a Permanent Resident (Green) Card for five years. If married to a US citizen, about three years of residence is mandatory. 

• They must establish residency in a specific state or Immigration Services (USCIS) district where they intend to apply. 

• Applicants should produce proof revealing a “good moral character”. 

• They need to be proficient in basic spoken and written English.

• According to law, male applicants should register for military services and be willing to perform civil services when required. 

• Finally, they will have to swear allegiance to the US.

If you wonder how to get citizenship in the USA for Indians, the process is simple. First, you need to ensure that you are not a US citizen already and meet the eligibility criteria. After that, you can follow the steps mentioned below for a naturalisation application. 

Step 1: Start your naturalisation application by procuring your Form N-400. For this, you will have to sign up with the official portal of US Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Step 2: Read all the instructions in detail and fill the form with accurate data. Collect all the required documents, including two passport-style photos. 

Step 3: Submit this form online and pay the fees online. Print its receipt notice. 

Step 4: If applicable, go to your biometrics appointment for completing this application process. Then, wait for the interview.

Step 5: Once all the preliminary activities are complete, the USIC will appoint an interview with you for completing this naturalisation process. You need to report to the USIC office with the appointment notice. 

Step 6: Wait for the USIC's decision regarding your Form N-400. Once it is granted, you will have to take an oath of allegiance to the US and understand your right and duties as a citizen.

Before starting the USA citizenship process for Indians, they must possess and present certain documents to enhance their approval chances. The papers are listed below.

• Proof of Green Card Holder status (Permanent Resident)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Divorce decrees (if applicable)
• Marriage annulment certificate (if applicable)
• Death certificate of your previous spouse (if applicable)
• Proof of identity (applicants applying from abroad need to provide two passport-style photos)
• Documents regarding any medical disability (if applicable)
• Application fees
• Fee reduction or waiver application (if applicable)
• Request for representation in the interview (only applicants who wish to bring their attorney for the interview)

Currently, the US government charges a naturalisation fee of $725. It includes a processing fee of $640 and a fee of $85 for biometrics services. These are both non-refundable, irrespective of the approval or rejection of the citizenship application.

An applicant might try to gain US citizenship for his or her family. These members can include their spouse, married and unmarried and children, parents and siblings. Apart from that, a fiancé residing outside of the US with children under 21 can also get US citizenship. On the other hand, a child can gain derivative citizenship before turning 18. However, the parents will have to prove registered birth in the US.

1. Fraudulent green card

Having a legal green card is mandatory eligibility for US citizenship. The immigration services of the US will look into the history of the applicant and verify the authenticity of the green card. If they discover fraud and discrepancy in the green card, the citizenship application will be rejected. Hence, you should maintain a proper residency.

2. Discrepancies in an application

Any false answers and forgery of the documents can cause a rejection of the citizenship application. An applicant, therefore, needs to be careful while filling out a form. Moreover, he/she also needs to submit authentic documents to avoid this rejection based on discrepancies.

3. Criminal record

Immigration experts usually investigate every applicant’s past to verify the absence of any criminal record. If they encounter any arrests, citations or other law violations, they might reject a citizenship application. Thus, applicants should try to avoid unlawful activities by complying with the law.

4. English proficiency

The applicants should be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English to become a citizen. Additionally, a civic test occurs to them during the interview, and it is expected for them to pass the test. Hence, the applicants must have a basic knowledge of the English language.

5. Tax or child support

Applicants must maintain proper payments. They must not have any outstanding tax obligations. Moreover, they also need to make timely payments for child support if applicable. Any unpaid bills will be considered a significant hindrance to approving the citizenship application.