COMMON ISSUES TO AVOID DURING THE US CITIZENSHIP PROCESS

Introduction 

Most of the green card holders see the process of naturalization application as the grand prize at the end of a marathon. At the end of it all is a priceless prize – US citizenship, a blue passport that shines, and all its benefits for being a US citizen. 

Of course, there is a requirement to file for naturalization in a hurry. But care must be taken first before proceeding. As a green card holder, one has to ensure that they are eligible for naturalization and, most importantly, there is no issue within their immigration as well as their criminal record which could lead to denial or worse, deportation. Moreover, the right forms must be accurately filled out and are accompanied by appropriate supporting documents. 

Getting underway to US citizenship is no joke, and knowing about the eligibility requirement is the very first significant step. You would need to be a permanent resident for five years or three years if you are married to an American citizen to be eligible for naturalization. 

You should also be at least 18 years of age, possess little knowledge of English and US civics, and exhibit good moral character. It is worth remembering that lacking one of these requirements can make it hard for the naturalization process. Therefore, any prospective citizen must scrutinize closely for eligibility so that they meet all the requisites before proceeding. 

In this post, we shall highlight the common issues to avoid when going through the US citizenship process. 

Common issues to avoid when applying for US citizenship 

• Confusing the eligibility requirements. 

Most likely the most critical part of applying for US citizenship is ensuring that you are eligible under the residency requirements. Most people confuse the physical and continuous presence requirements, and this will have their application rejected right away. Continuous residence is the necessity that you reside in the US for a period without a lengthy interruption. However, physical presence is a question of how long you actually been present. You are required to be physically present for at least 30 months of the 5 years preceding when you apply, and there are very limited exceptions to these rules. It is extremely crucial to maintain your travel dates and be extremely well-informed regarding these requirements so that you don’t destroy your chance.  

• Missing the good moral character requirements. 

The second most crucial thing that applicants miss is proof of good moral character. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is extremely serious about it, and failure in this requirement will make you ineligible for US citizenship. Good moral character is not only in conformity with the law but encompasses your general conduct up to the point of your application.  

Conduct such as having a history of crime, fraud, or failure to pay taxes could be questionable. It is not just a matter of steering clear of these kinds of problems; you must also be ready to prove your good moral character with documents such as tax returns or letters of recommendation to back up your petition. 

• Getting forms wrong. 

Filling in the N-400 form incorrectly can hold you back considerably, so get it right. Common errors include inaccurate personal details, mixed-up work history, or omitting all your trips outside the US. Others also do not fill out parts of the form, which leads to delay or even rejection. Avoid these by carefully reading each question, answering fully and accurately, and checking your application prior to sending it. Keep in mind, though, that it is not just a case of filling out the form, but of providing a clear and accurate reflection of your eligibility to become a citizen. 

• Omitting necessary documents. 

Keep in mind that the submission of necessary documents is just as important as filling out the application form. The majority of the petitioners do remember to submit proof of residence, marriage certificates, or name change documents. This will prompt the USCIS to ask for more information or, even worse, deny your petition. You will need to make sure you have a checklist of all of the documents that you need and that each document is up-to-date and accurately describes your current status. Keep in mind also that the USCIS will specify particular translations or certifications of documents, so it is a good idea to follow those requirements exactly. 

• Failing to make financial plans. 

When applying for US citizenship, it is actually required that you know the fee, and you familiarizing yourself with the fee plan will avoid your application being rejected. The USCIS does have a fee table, so do check twice the fee before you submit your application to avoid any monetary problem. There are qualified applicants for a fee waiver that can assist in reducing the cost burden and enable you to focus on other stages of the naturalization process. 

• Other errors to avoid. 

After submission, it is simple to have some errors, such as forgetting to update your personal information. This can cause lost communication or misrepresentation charges. The USCIS has made it simple enough to update your information, so it is best just to make sure to get your information up to date in the first place. Simple enough but an important step to ongoing eligibility for US citizenship. 

Missing deadlines on requests for extra information is also something to watch out for. Once you have applied, you might be asked for extra information or documents and these might have tight deadlines. If you miss responding, your application will be rejected. So it is totally imperative to respond very quickly and in whole to any USCIS inquiry, copy whatever you are submitting, and remind yourself so you get each deadline. Being pro-active this way can really prevent delays or denial. 

On getting professional help on your US citizenship application, it is very important to choose skilled professionals. There are a lot of unauthorized immigration consultants and notaries out there who might offer cheaper services but don’t have the right legal knowledge or credentials. These unqualified people can end up causing more problems than they solve, leading to expensive mistakes or legal troubles. To protect yourself, check the credentials of anyone you are thinking about hiring. Check proper state bar association accreditation or Board of Immigration Appeals certification. Having the proper legal aid is a sound investment in your US citizenship future. 

Get help! 

If you believe that you are soon going to start the process of naturalization, then it is always advisable to take advice from someone who thoroughly knows the system of the US immigration process. In consultation, you can have your case evaluated for any and every issue that might be occurring, mainly the major ones of which you yourself might not be aware. 

You will also be able to ask any questions you may have regarding the process and find out how much it would be to allow an immigration lawyer to handle your case, which should give you peace of mind. 

At Gehi and Associates, we will get you on the road to getting your naturalization certificate and that lovely blue American passport that only US citizens can enjoy. When you are ready, just schedule a consultation with us today!