So how long does it take to become a US citizen in 2019? Watch this video and I'll break it
down for you. Hello everybody, my name is Jacob Sapochnick and I'm an immigration attorney
based in San Diego, California. I wanted to thank you for subscribing to our channel,
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So, make sure you follow us there as well. So, let's talk about citizenship and how long
does it take to become a US citizen in 2019. A question I get often on our YouTube channel,
Facebook, email, everywhere. So as you know, from the moment you file the application once
you prepare the documents, you complete the form N-400 and you actually mailed it to the
correct place, it takes about, I would say, about six to seven months before you actually
get called for your interview and hopefully you pass the test. But what happens in between?
What does that process look like? So first thing, you have to finish the application.
We have a video about N-400, many videos about how to fill the form, the process, and we
will link those videos here as well. So once you find that application, I would say within
a month or so, in 40 days, you'll be called for your biometrics to take pictures and fingerprints.
And from that moment, they'll be checking your background, and then you'll be basically
entering a waiting period for your forms to be processed. Now if you have a green card,
you can continue to use your green card, work, and travel. So, people always ask me, can
you leave the country while the application for N-400 is pending? Yes, you can. While
this N-400 is pending, you're able to travel out of the country, you're able to work, you're
able to live here as a regular green card holder. So about six to seven months, as of
now, recording this video in September, that's the waiting time right now to get you to interview.
Once you get to the N-400 interview, you do your civics test, your English test, you pass
the moral part of it as well, making sure that there's nothing that will prevent you
from becoming a citizen. From that moment onward, once you pass the test, you typically
should be scheduled for your oath ceremony 30 days after that interview, in most states.
So as a whole, we're looking at six to seven months, as of today. Now things can change
every day. But we are updating that because that is something that people are often asking
me, how long does it take. So, what can happen between the test and the oath ceremony? You
could get a DUI, you could get into trouble with the law, you could commit any particular
fraud. Just because you passed that N-400 interview does not mean you're gonna become
a citizen on the oath. If things change between the oath between the test and the oath, you
need to declare that on a form on the day of the oath ceremony. You’ll fill another
form. And if all goes well, you will surrender your green card, pass the oath ceremony and
get your naturalization certificate on that day. And that's it. You're going to become
a US citizen on that day. So, we're looking at about six, seven months from filing until
you become a US citizen. And again, passing the test does not mean you became a US citizen.
Most people confuse that. Passing the test is just… it's a major important part, but
sometimes, you’ll pass the test and still, background checks need to take place. Many
things need to happen after that. But typically, all happens and you pass that test 30 days
from that day, you will be scheduled for an oath ceremony in the city where you reside.
So hopefully, this answers the question, how long does it take to become a US citizen in
2019? I would say about six, seven months. If you’re thinking of becoming a US citizen
in 2019 send us an email. Give us a try. We'll help you make your American dream a reality.
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