Becoming a United States citizen is a long and complex process. It is a privilege that comes with many rights and responsibilities. The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is known as naturalization. It is the process by which a foreign national can become a U.S. citizen. To become a U.S. citizen, an individual must meet certain requirements, including having a valid green card, being at least 18 years old, and having a good moral character.
In addition to meeting the requirements, the individual must also pass a U.S. citizenship test. The test covers topics such as U.S. history, government, and the English language. The individual must also demonstrate an understanding of the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution. But how much does it cost to become a US citizen?
Ways and Cost
There are several ways to become a U.S. citizen. Each method has its own requirements and costs associated with it. Here is a list of the most common methods and their associated costs:
- Naturalization: Naturalization is the most common way to become a U.S. citizen. The cost for naturalization is $725. This includes the application fee, biometrics fee, and the naturalization test fee. In addition to the fees, the individual must also meet certain requirements, such as having a valid green card, being at least 18 years old, and having a good moral character.
- Citizenship Through Parents: An individual may be eligible for U.S. citizenship if one or both of their parents are U.S. citizens. The cost for this method is $600. This includes the application fee, biometrics fee, and the naturalization test fee. In addition to the fees, the individual must also meet certain requirements, such as being under the age of 18 and having at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen.
- Citizenship Through Marriage: An individual may be eligible for U.S. citizenship if they are married to a U.S. citizen. The cost for this method is $1,225. This includes the application fee, biometrics fee, and the naturalization test fee. In addition to the fees, the individual must also meet certain requirements, such as being married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years and having a valid green card.
- Citizenship Through Military Service: An individual may be eligible for U.S. citizenship if they are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. The cost for this method is $0. This includes the application fee, biometrics fee, and the naturalization test fee. In addition to the fees, the individual must also meet certain requirements, such as being a member of the U.S. Armed Forces for at least three years and having a valid green card.
Specific Examples
Let’s look at a few specific examples of how much it costs to become a U.S. citizen.
- John is a foreign national who has been living in the U.S. for five years. He has a valid green card and wants to become a U.S. citizen. The cost for John to become a U.S. citizen is $725. This includes the application fee, biometrics fee, and the naturalization test fee.
- Jane is a foreign national who has been living in the U.S. for two years. She is married to a U.S. citizen and wants to become a U.S. citizen. The cost for Jane to become a U.S. citizen is $1,225. This includes the application fee, biometrics fee, and the naturalization test fee.
- Bob is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and has been serving for five years. He wants to become a U.S. citizen. The cost for Bob to become a U.S. citizen is $0. This includes the application fee, biometrics fee, and the naturalization test fee.
Did You Know?
Did you know that there are certain exceptions to the naturalization process? For example, if an individual is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, they may be eligible for expedited naturalization. This means that they may be able to become a U.S. citizen without having to take the naturalization test.
Tips
Here are some tips for those who are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen:
- Make sure you meet all the requirements for naturalization.
- Be prepared for the naturalization test. Make sure you study and understand the topics covered in the test.
- Be prepared to pay the associated fees. Make sure you have the necessary funds to cover the cost of naturalization.
- Be patient. The naturalization process can take several months to complete.
TLDR: How Much Does It Cost to Become a Us Citizen?
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a long and complex process. It is a privilege that comes with many rights and responsibilities. The cost of becoming a U.S. citizen varies depending on the method used. Naturalization is the most common way to become a U.S. citizen and the cost is $725. Other methods, such as citizenship through parents, marriage, or military service, may also be available. It is important to understand the requirements and costs associated with each method before beginning the naturalization process.