…history. The basic fee is associated with filing Form N-400, and an additional fee is required for biometric services, which include conducting a background check as well as photographing and fingerprinting the applicant. For applicants under age 14 and over age 75, the biometrics fee is waived. Depending on the USCIS location, processing times for N-400 applications generally range from four to six months. After an applicant’s Form N-400 has been processed by USCIS, he or she will be interviewed and must pass a U.S. civics and English language test. Upon approval, the applicant will be given a ceremony date,…
…a Green Card holder applies for citizenship, the process is called naturalization. An eligible foreign national must: File Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, for USCIS approval. Form N-400 enables a permanent resident to prove their eligibility for citizenship. Have held U.S. permanent resident status for at least five years, or have served in the U.S. military. Participate in an interview with USCIS. Pass an English language and U.S. civics test. Submit fingerprints and demonstrate proof of a clean criminal record. The naturalization process can take over six months. Is Form I-485 Only for EB-5 Investors? EB-5 investors are not the…
…in the United States on a green card for at least five years, an EB-5 investor may submit Form N-400 to initiate the naturalization process with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). An applicant may file the petition from any state, but they must have resided in that state for at least three months before submitting the form. The next step is to set up an interview with USCIS and undertake the citizenship exam. Applicants must demonstrate at least a basic ability to use English and fundamental knowledge of U.S. history and government structure. These factors will influence USCIS’s…
…to file Form I-485. Use the Latest Version Look up and fill out the latest version of Form I-485, using the USCIS website. Also be sure to study the filing instructions closely. Should You File Online or by Mail? At the time of writing, it was not possible to file an I-485 electronically. However, it is possible to file other related forms online, such as the N-400, Application for Naturalization and I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. To do so, create an account on the USCIS webpage and sign up to receive updates using your alien registration number. The I-485 must…
…to seek U.S. citizenship through naturalization. EB-5 investors can apply after only three years, as their two years of conditional lawful permanent resident (CLPR) status count towards this requirement. To apply for naturalization, lawful permanent residents must file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and meet the following criteria: Not having spent more than half of the five-year period outside the U.S., or any stay longer than 180 days at a time. Holding a clean criminal record. Paying a filing fee of $640 plus the $85 biometric fee, if applicable. Undergoing an interview with USCIS officials. Successfully completing an English language…
…proves that the holder is authorized to legally work in the U.S. An EAD is normally valid for one year, so green card holders need to renew their EAD at least once during their two-year waiting period. At the end of five years, permanent resident green card holders file form N-400 (Application for Naturalization). Once the form has been reviewed and approved, the petitioner is officially a U.S. citizen. Green card holders with a conditional permanent resident status go through a different process, using different forms. Spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents file form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions…
…the initial conditional residence period, EB-5 Green Card holders become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. This can be achieved by submitting Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, which can be conveniently filed online. The Advantages of U.S. Citizenship U.S. citizenship offers many advantages beyond lawful permanent resident status. U.S. citizenship provides a safeguard against deportation. Lawful permanent residents can face deportation in cases involving criminal convictions or certain activities, while U.S. citizens are protected from such deportations. U.S. citizens have the privilege to petition for the immigration of additional family members, including aging parents or married adult children. Lawful…
…far outweigh any drawbacks. Three key benefits motivate many foreign nationals to participate in the EB5 investment industry. Obtaining an EB-5 Visa Can Lead to U.S. Citizenship Many foreign nationals who make their EB-5 investments are not only interested in securing permanent resident status—after holding their green cards for at least five years, EB-5 investors can file Form N-400 and apply to become citizens of the United States. U.S. citizenship will entitle investors to travel outside the country without restrictions, vote, and obtain U.S. passports. Investors from Any Country Can Participate The vast majority of immigration programs have restrictions on…
On September 24, 2021, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced an additional extension of its March 30, 2020 decision to extend flexibilities in USCIS request responses. The original announcement was an effort to allow certain requesters, petitioners, and other applicants flexibility in responding to USCIS requests. Parties involved in any of the following response types may be eligible for the extension: Notices of Intent to Terminate Regional Centers Notices of Intent to Deny Notices of Intent to Rescind Notices of Intent to Revoke Requests for Evidence Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14) Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8…
…to obtain U.S. citizenship. After holding permanent resident status for at least five years (this period includes two years of conditional permanent residency), the investor and their family can submit Form N-400 and apply to become citizens of the United States. U.S. citizenship will enable the family to vote in the United States, travel abroad without restrictions, and even hold dual citizenship if their country of origin allows it. These are just some of the many advantages of participating in the EB-5 program. Of course, foreign nationals who want to begin the path to permanent resident status will need guidance…
