3 Considerations before Seeking Citizenship
Many people filing for the EB-5 visa program may be working through this immigration program in the hope of someday gaining US citizenship. Although permanent residency allows for a variety of different benefits and allows a person to stay in the United States legally, there are some important rights that only American citizens can enjoy.
If you are beginning the EB-5 visa program to eventually gain US citizenship, we may be able to help you work through the residency program first. To learn more about the EB-5 program and what you need to know to file, contact the EB-5 visa lawyers of White & Associates by calling 818-730-3540 today.
#1: There is a minimum residency period for foreign-born citizens.
If a person moves to the United States with the aim to someday become a citizen, they need to stay in the country for several years before they can file for citizenship. For single residents, the government allows citizenship after at least 5 years of continual residency. If a foreign resident is married to an American citizen, they may cut down this requirement to 3 years of continual residency.
#2: Citizenship requires a naturalization test.
When a resident is finally allowed to file for citizenship, they are not automatically granted citizenship. Instead, the resident will need to go through the process of becoming a citizen. This includes a federal naturalization test, which covers several topics of American civics. This test includes information about how the government works, what’s in the Constitution, and other important facts about American society.
#3: Military service can speed up citizenship.
If a resident wants to drastically cut down their waiting time to become a citizen, they may want to consider military service. During a time of peace, the path to citizenship for a resident is cut down to 1 year of service. If that individual is deployed into an active zone of hostilities, this time may be further reduced. A naturalization test is still a final requirement, but the waiting period for citizenship can be almost entirely eliminated.
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Citizenship opens up the full range of political rights that residents may not hold. If you are considering taking up the path to US citizenship, the EB-5 program may be a great place to start. To learn more about this employment-based immigration program, contact the EB-5 visa attorneys of White & Associates at 818-730-3540 today.
