Different Ways To Apply for US Citizenship

Every year, the United States government grants citizenship to thousands of immigrants from different countries across the world. But, unfortunately, thousands of applications are usually rejected for failing to reach certain citizenship requirements. 

Speaking to a reliable immigration lawyer can make a huge difference as far as your application to become a US citizen is concerned. When your immigration case is being handled by a qualified attorney like Serah Waweru and her team, you’ll rest assured that they’re doing everything they can to obtain a favorable outcome for you and your loved ones. 

There are so many pathways to US Citizenship most people don’t know about. The most common ones include: 

Citizenship Through Birth

You are eligible to become a US citizen if you were born in the United States, including the US territories of Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Northern Mariana. Also, you can become a US citizen if you were born to parents who are foreign diplomats or members of a sovereign Native American tribe. 

However, if none of the above scenarios apply, there are still other types of citizenship pathways you may want to consider. They include: 

Citizenship Through Acquisition

It is possible to acquire US citizenship even if you were born outside of the country. For this to work, at least one of your parents must be a US citizen at the time of your birth and also meet several other conditions. 

If you are a child of a US citizen, your children can also acquire US citizenship at birth. 

Here are different ways to become a US citizen through acquisition: 

If both parents were US citizens: You are eligible for US citizenship if both of your parents were US citizens at the time of your birth and they were married at the time of birth. Additionally, before your birth, at least one parent must have been living in the United States, any of the territories stated above, or both. 

If one parent was a US citizen: If one of your parents was a US citizen at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for citizenship. However, for this to work, you must also meet several other eligibility requirements, as explained below. 

• You must have been born on or after November 14, 1986;
• Your parents must have been married at the time of birth;
• The US citizen parent was physically present in the US or any of the territories mentioned above for a period of at least five years at some time or before the birth. 

Citizenship Through Derivation

You may be eligible for US citizenship if your parent is a US citizen through naturalization and you’re under 18 years of age and living at the US citizen parent at the time of naturalization. Also, you must be a permanent resident (US Green Card holder) to be eligible for citizenship under this category. 

If you qualify for citizenship under this category, you won’t need to participate in a naturalization ceremony or worry about citizenship test questions. 

Children under 18 can acquire US citizenship through naturalized parents if they: 

• Are permanent residents of the US;
• Have at least one parent who is a US citizen;
• Reside in the United States in the physical and legal custody of the US citizen parent. 

Citizenship Through Naturalization

Naturalization is one of the most common pathways to US citizenship. It gives foreign-born citizens a chance to acquire citizenship as long as they meet certain requirements. 

If you wish to become a US citizen through naturalization, you can do so if you fall into one of the following eligibility categories: 

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Have been a permanent resident for at least five years;
• Have been a permanent resident married to a US citizen spouse for at least three years;
• Have served in the US Armed Forces. 

What Does The US Citizenship and Immigration Services Do?

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, also known as the USCIS, is the government agency in charge of administering the country’s immigration and naturalization system. The agency falls under the United States Department of Homeland Security. 

Do I Need an Immigration Lawyer for Citizenship?

You can still obtain US citizenship without a lawyer, but having a lawyer significantly increases your chances of being approved for citizenship. From preparing your application to helping you understand the kind of citizenship test questions to expect during the interview, the list of benefits of hiring an immigration attorney is endless. 

Even if you’re not sure whether your particular case requires an attorney, The Law Office of Serah Waweru can help review your citizenship application paperwork. This process ensures you don’t miss anything or make mistakes that could delay your application. 

How Much Does a Citizenship Lawyer Cost?

US citizenship attorney fees vary depending on the type of case being handled and the pathway to citizenship. Some citizenship applications are usually straightforward, while others require a lawyer to streamline the process by providing legal advice and representation for the client and increasing their chances of obtaining citizenship. 

Can a Lawyer Speed Up the Citizenship Process?

Yes, a lawyer can help speed up the process of gathering everything you need to become a US citizen. However, the processing time for US citizenship usually depends on several factors, such as government backlogs, the nature of your case, etc.

Can Your Law Office Help Me Prepare for the Citizenship Test?

Yes, that’s very much part of what we do as an immigration law firm. Based on your application, we can help you understand the type of citizenship test questions to expect, increasing your chances of approval.  

What Does a Citizenship Attorney Do?

Like Serah Waweru and her team, a citizenship attorney can help you obtain US citizenship by evaluating your case and discussing your options with you. This lawyer can also help you file the correct paperwork, mail it to the correct address, comply with immigration laws, and follow up with the USCIS whenever necessary. 

Contact The Law Office of Serah Waweru

Whether you wish to become a US citizen through naturalization, derivation, birth, or acquisition, The Law Office of Serah Waweru is one phone call or message away!