A U.S. visa is a document issued by the U.S. Department of State that allows a foreign citizen to travel to the United States for a specific purpose. There are many different types of U.S. visas, each with its own requirements.
The processing time for a U.S. visa varies depending on the type of visa and the country where you are applying. In general, it takes about 21 workdays to process a visa application. However, the processing time can be longer for certain types of visas, such as student visas.
On this articles we’ll explain all various U.S. citizenship types and methods
U.S. Citizenship through Naturalization
Becoming a citizen through naturalization is a process in which a non-U.S. citizen voluntarily becomes an American citizen. U.S. citizens:
Owe their allegiance to the United States
To become a U.S. citizen, you must:
Have a Permanent Resident (Green) Card? You can apply through this link Permanent Resident (Green) Card
- for at least five years, or for at least three years if you’re filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen.
- You must renew your Permanent Resident Card before applying for citizenship if:Your card will expire within six months of applying, or
- Your card has already expired
- You can apply for naturalization before you receive your new Green Card. But, you’ll need to submit a photocopy of the receipt for your Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, when you receive it.
- Meet certain eligibility requirements. To see if you’re eligible, click on the link that is most similar to your situation. Some requirements may include being:
- At least 18 years old when you apply
- Able to read, write, and speak basic English
- Of good moral character
- Go through the 10-step naturalization process which includes:
- Determining your eligibility to become an American citizen
- Completing Form N-400, the application for naturalization, and creating a free account to submit your form online
- Taking the U.S. Naturalization Test and having a personal interview
Certificates of Citizenship and Naturalization
A U.S. Certificate of Citizenship is granted to a person who acquires or derives citizenship from his or her birth to U.S. parents. A naturalization certificate, on the other hand, is granted to a person who becomes a citizen through the naturalization process.
To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, a person must fill out all necessary forms, including the N-400. The applicant must already be a green card holder to fill out this form, and must meet certain eligibility requirements, including length of residence, continuous residence and ability to speak and read English. Applicants are required to appear for an interview, and then must pass a civics test and in some situations an English test.
If the applicant is approved, they will take part in a naturalization ceremony where they are required to take the Oath of Allegiance to America. After this, a certificate of naturalization will be granted that proves citizenship. Check the link for eligibility status Certificate of Citizenship
Dual Citizenship or Nationality.
Dual citizenship (or dual nationality) means a person may be a citizen of the United States and another country at the same time. U.S. law does not require a person to choose one citizenship or another.
If you’re a citizen of another country, contact that country’s embassy or consulate for information about its:
- Laws and policies, including those about dual nationality
- Mandatory military service
If you have dual citizenship and plan to travel to or from the United States, you must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States.
A licensed attorney skilled in citizenship matters can assist you with questions about your situation. A local bar association can often provide a good referral.
Establish Citizenship Without a Birth Certificate
If you were born in the U.S. and there is no birth certificate on file, you will need several different documents to prove your citizenship:
- A letter from the vital records office in your birth state with your name and what years they searched for your birth certificate.
- A Letter of No Record from the vital records office. You will also need secondary evidence of U.S. citizenship to prove your birth in the United States.
If you were born outside the United States and your U.S. parent(s) did not register your birth at the U.S. Embassy or consulate, you may apply for a U.S. passport, but you will need:
- Your foreign birth record showing your parents’ names
- Evidence of your parent(s) U.S. citizenship
- Your parents’ marriage certificate
If you were born outside the U.S. and your U.S. parent(s) registered your birth with a U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will be able to help you get a copy of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240).
U.S. Citizenship for People Born Abroad or in U.S. Territories
You are a U.S. citizen if:
- You have a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state.
- You were born in a U.S. territory and have a birth certificate issued by that territory. If you don’t have a birth certificate from your birth territory, you may be able to verify your citizenship status using other documents.
- You were born outside of the U.S. to at least one U.S. citizen parent, and your parent(s) recorded your birth with the U.S. Embassy or consulate in that country.
- If your birth was recorded before your 18th birthday, the Embassy or consulate issued your parents a document that is proof of your U.S. citizenship. This document is known as a Consular Report of Birth Abroad . Learn how to request copies, amendments, or corrections to a Consular Report of Birth Abroad from the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
- If the Embassy or consulate did not issue a CRBA and you are 18 years of age or older, learn how to get a Certificate of Citizenship. This document proves your U.S. citizenship and can be obtained from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
[NB. some of the links are direct redirect to U.S website, otherwise you can visit the the site https://www.usa.gov/ ]. You can as well read our other articles on https://traveluniosm.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-understanding-immigration-rules/
