How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen?

Becoming a United States citizen is a lengthy process, and the amount of time it takes varies depending on circumstances. In North Carolina, the process usually takes between six months and five years. The process begins by filing an immigration form known as the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. You must provide personal information on the form, as well as documentation that proves your eligibility to become a citizen, such as proof of residence, financial status and criminal history. After your application is submitted, you may be invited for an interview in which a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer will ask you questions about your background and your reasons for wanting to become a citizen. After the interview, a background check will be conducted. If the federal government finds no issues with your application, then the process will move forward and you may be asked to take an English and/or Civics test. Upon passing the tests, you will be invited to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. This is the final step in becoming a United States citizen. Depending on the backlog of applications and other factors, the entire process may take anywhere from six months to five years. Once your application is approved, you will be officially recognized as a naturalized citizen and will be able to enjoy the rights and privileges that come with being a United States citizen.

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En Carolina del Norte, el tiempo necesario para convertirse en ciudadano de los Estados Unidos depende del proceso de obtención de la ciudadanía seguido. Si una persona obtiene la ciudadanía a través de la nacionalidad de los padres, el tiempo de procesamiento para obtener la solicitud de naturalización es de aproximadamente 4 meses. Si la persona está obteniendo la ciudadanía a través de la obtención de una tarjeta verde, el tiempo de procesamiento aproximado para obtener la solicitud de naturalización es de aproximadamente 10 a 12 meses. Si una persona es elegible para realizar el examen de ciudadanía, generalmente reciben la nacionalidad alrededor del mismo día de la prueba. Finalmente, si una persona elige iniciar el proceso de inmigración a través de una petición familiar, el tiempo de procesamiento para obtener la solicitud de naturalización es de aproximadamente 24 meses. En general, para las personas que están intentando convertirse en ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, el tiempo de procesamiento puede variar desde 4 meses hasta 24 meses.

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