Gaining Citizenship After Getting Your Green Card

American citizenship grants you many rights and privileges, which makes moving to the U.S. an appeling option for many immigrants. If you have a green card, also known as a permanent resident card, and you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for U.S. citizenship through a process called naturalization. There are many steps in the naturalization process, but with the right guidance, it’s an achievable goal.

Reasons To Become A Citizen

For as long as the U.S. has existed, people from all over the world flocked here, and is still known as “the Land of Opportunity.” Many lawful permanent residents decide to take the next step and become U.S. citizens, which entitles them to benefits that include:

  • The right to vote and run for public office
  • Obtaining a U.S. passport
  • Ability to sponsor loved ones for permanent residency

Eligibility For Permanent Residents

Green card holders who are ready for the naturalization process have to prepare for extensive vetting requirements as well as a naturalization exam. Before starting the process, it’s important to make sure that all eligibility requirements have been met. To be eligible, individuals must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Meet continuous residence requirements and be physically present in the U.S.
  • Have at least basic English language skills.
  • Be of good moral character.
  • Have basic knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and civics.
  • Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance and adhere to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

Naturalization Process

Once eligibility is determined, it is now possible to begin the naturalization process. The process can seem daunting at first, but with time, patience, and the willingness to learn, it can be achievable. The basic steps are as follows:

Submit the Application: Form N-400, Application for Naturalization must be completed to begin the naturalization process for U.S. citizenship. It can then be submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for review. There is a fee to apply and requires supporting documentation like your green card, or proof of military service.

Record Biometrics with the USCIS: After the application is submitted, you will be required to make an appointment with the USCIS, where they will make your fingerprints and a photograph of you, to perform a background check.

USCIS Interview: A USCIS agent will schedule an interview with you to review your application and ask follow-up questions. They may ask you questions about your background and personal history as well as test your knowledge of U.S. history and government. You may also be required to take an English test and civics test at this time. Even if you are nervous and do not pass at first, the pass rate is quite high, so a little preparation will go a long way.

Take the Oath: The USCIS will make a decision on your application and notify you of the outcome. If your application is approved, you will be scheduled for a naturalization ceremony to recite the Oath of Allegiance. Finally, your green card will be replaced with a Certificate of Naturalization.

Gaining citizenship is an exciting opportunity and can provide many benefits. Although the basic steps have been outlined, no individual’s situation is the same. Some people may require additional documentation, exemptions, or legal guidance on the appropriate steps to take. An experienced and empathetic legal attorney will help you navigate the complexities of the naturalization process. For a free consultation, contact RelisLaw by filling out the online form or calling 866-918-2117.

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RelisLaw

We help people from around the world to live and work freely in the U.S., to achieve their dreams, unite families, or escape persecution. No matter what immigration service you need, RelisLaw will provide caring and dependable counsel to you and aggressive advocacy to vigorously fight for you using every available legal avenue. As a global firm, we work with people in countries around the world. We meet clients across the U.S., as well as in New York, Toronto, and Montréal. We also meet with clients globally, located in any country, via Skype and other platforms.
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E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Requirements: A Definitive Guide for Business Owners and Managers - RelisLaw

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: Comprehensive Guide for Business Owners

U.S. Investment Opportunity: The E-2 Visa

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The **E-2 Treaty Investor Visa** is a non-immigrant classification for foreign nationals investing a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. business. At RelisLaw, we specialize in maximizing the approval chances for **E-2 Visa Business Entrepreneurs and Managers**.

The E-2 visa allows investors and their **immediate family** (spouse and unmarried children under 21) to live and work in the United States. Initial approval can grant residency for up to **5 years** and is indefinitely renewable as long as the business meets the requirements. This visa is explicitly designed to spur **foreign investment and economic development** in the U.S.

RelisLaw provides the **solid, detailed guidance** you can rely on to build your strongest E-2 Application and successfully secure your future in the USA!

Since 2016, our clients worldwide have chosen RelisLaw, not only for our **meticulous work and consistent Approvals** but also for the continuous support we provide to help them achieve their dreams of working in the U.S.

Be prepared to discuss your **business plan, investment sources, and management role** in detail during your application process. Upon E-2 visa approval, you will receive authorization to start working in your approved U.S. business right away!

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Eligibility Summary

E-2 Requirement Category Core Eligibility Criteria Definition of Investment
**Applicant & Business** – Must be a **citizen of a U.S. treaty country**.

– Must have already **invested or be actively investing a significant amount** of capital in a legitimate U.S. enterprise.

– The applicant must be coming to the U.S. solely to **develop and direct the enterprise** by having ownership (at least 50%) or a key managerial/executive role.
– The investment must be **Substantial** relative to the total cost of the business (start-up or purchase).

– Funds must be large enough to demonstrate the investor’s strong **financial commitment** to the business’s success.

– The business must be **Not Marginal** (i.e., not solely created to provide a minimal living income for the investor and family, but must expand employment opportunities in the U.S.).
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