The Fastest Ways to Become a U.S Citizen.
Becoming a U.S citizen is a goal for many people who wish to live and work in the United States permanently. While the process of becoming a citizen can be lengthy and complex, there are some ways to speed up the process. In this article, we will explore the fastest ways to become a U.S citizen.
- Military Service
One of the fastest ways to become a U.S citizen is by serving in the military. The military offers expedited naturalization to non-citizens who serve in the U.S Armed Forces. This process is called Military Naturalization. To be eligible for Military Naturalization, you must have served honorably in the U.S military for at least one year. You must also be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) and meet other eligibility requirements. The advantage of this process is that it can be completed in as little as six months.
- Marriage to a U.S Citizen
Another fast way to become a U.S citizen is by marrying a U.S citizen. If you are a foreign national who marries a U.S citizen, you can apply for a Green Card (permanent residence) and eventually become a U.S citizen. The process of obtaining a Green Card through marriage can take around one year. Once you have been a Green Card holder for three years and have lived with your U.S citizen spouse during that time, you can apply for naturalization. The process of naturalization can take around six months to a year.
- Investment in the U.S Economy
If you have a significant amount of money to invest in the U.S economy, you may be eligible for an EB-5 visa. An EB-5 visa is a visa that allows foreign nationals to invest a minimum of $500,000 in a U.S business and create at least 10 full-time jobs. If you meet the eligibility requirements and your investment is approved, you will be granted a Green Card. After holding a Green Card for five years, you can apply for naturalization.
- Extraordinary Ability
If you have extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics, you may be eligible for an EB-1 visa. An EB-1 visa is a visa that is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in their field of expertise. To be eligible for an EB-1 visa, you must meet specific eligibility requirements and have extensive documentation to prove your extraordinary ability. If your EB-1 visa is approved, you will be granted a Green Card. After holding a Green Card for five years, you can apply for naturalization.
- Refugee or Asylum Status
If you have been granted refugee or asylum status in the United States, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization after living in the United States for four years as a Green Card holder. To be eligible for naturalization, you must meet other requirements such as good moral character, passing a civics and English test, and demonstrating an attachment to the U.S Constitution.
In conclusion, becoming a U.S citizen is a goal for many people who wish to live and work in the United States permanently. While the process of becoming a citizen can be lengthy and complex, there are some ways to speed up the process. The fastest ways to become a U.S citizen include military service, marriage to a U.S citizen, investment in the U.S economy, extraordinary ability, and refugee or asylum status. It is important to consult with an immigration attorney to determine the best option for you and to ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements.