When it comes to becoming a U.S. citizen, there are more myths floating around than you might think. Some people believe you can just marry an American and get handed a passport, while others assume it’s all about filling out paperwork and waiting for a few months. The reality? It’s a bit more complicated than that.
I’ve had plenty of conversations where I’ve heard all sorts of misconceptions about how people actually become citizens. From the idea that you can buy your way in to thinking it’s a super quick process, it’s clear that the process isn’t widely understood. In truth, the journey to U.S. citizenship is filled with forms, requirements, interviews, and tests, and it can take years to complete.
So, if you’re tired of hearing the same old stories about American citizenship or if you’ve ever wondered how the process really works, here are 14 facts that break down exactly how people become U.S. citizens.
1. Marrying a U.S. Citizen Doesn’t Mean Instant Citizenship
It’s a common misconception that getting married to a U.S. citizen gives you immediate citizenship. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. What it does do is allow you to apply for a green card, which is just the first step. After that, you have to live as a permanent resident for three years before applying for naturalization.
And yes, you’ll still have to meet other requirements, like proof of a real marriage. A language test and exam are still required, too. So, marriage is just a piece of the puzzle, not a shortcut.
2. There’s a Citizenship Test, and It’s No Joke
You might’ve heard that there’s a test involved, but did you know it covers U.S. history, government, and basic English? It’s not something you can breeze through without preparation. You’ll need to know things like who wrote the Declaration of Independence and how many U.S. Senators there are.
And yes, some of the questions can stump even lifelong citizens, so it’s worth studying up before your interview.
3. You Must Be a Green Card Holder First
Becoming a U.S. citizen starts with being a lawful permanent resident. That means having a green card for at least five years (or three if you’re married to a U.S. citizen) before you can even think about applying for citizenship.
This part of the process often trips people up, it’s not as easy as just applying directly for citizenship. The green card is a non-negotiable step.
4. Not Everyone Goes Through Naturalization
Naturalization is just one way to become a citizen. Some people are citizens at birth if they’re born in the U.S., and others acquire citizenship through their parents, even if they were born outside the country.
This “derivative citizenship” doesn’t require the usual application process, but specific criteria must be met.
5. You Need to Speak Basic English
To become a U.S. citizen, most applicants need to show they can speak, read, and write in basic English. It’s part of the citizenship test, where you’ll be expected to read aloud, write a sentence, and answer questions in English.
There are some exceptions for older adults who’ve lived in the U.S. for many years, but generally, speaking English is a key requirement.
6. The Application Isn’t Cheap
Applying for citizenship will cost you. The current fee is $725, and that includes the cost for biometrics (fingerprinting). For some, this fee is a financial burden, but there are fee waivers and reductions available for those who qualify.
It’s worth noting that this is just one of the many expenses that can pop up during the naturalization process.
7. A Clean Record Helps
When it comes to applying for citizenship, a criminal record can seriously hurt your chances. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews your moral character, and serious offenses can disqualify you altogether.
Even smaller offenses, like DUIs, can complicate things. So, keeping your record clean is essential to moving forward in the process.
8. Dual Citizenship is Allowed
Many people assume that becoming a U.S. citizen means giving up your original citizenship. In most cases, that’s not true. The U.S. allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold citizenship in more than one country, although your original country may have different rules about this.
It’s a big win for those who want to keep ties to their home country while embracing their new American identity.
9. You Must Be 18 or Older
Want to apply for citizenship? You’ll need to be at least 18. Minors can acquire citizenship through their parents under certain circumstances, but they can’t apply for naturalization on their own until they hit adulthood.
This is one of those rules that tends to be straightforward, but it’s worth noting for families going through the process together.
10. The Naturalization Ceremony Is the Final Step
After you’ve passed the test and interview, you’ll attend a naturalization ceremony where you take the Oath of Allegiance. This is the moment you officially become a U.S. citizen, and it’s usually a pretty big deal.
These ceremonies are often emotional, and for many, it’s the culmination of years of hard work and patience.
11. Refugees and Asylees Have a Path
If you’ve come to the U.S. as a refugee or asylee, there’s a path to citizenship for you too. After one year in the U.S., you can apply for a green card. Once you’ve had that for five years, you can apply for naturalization, just like other lawful permanent residents.
This process helps people fleeing danger start a new life in America.
12. Taxes Are Non-Negotiable
Once you’re a U.S. citizen, you have to file taxes, no ifs, ands, or buts. Federal income taxes and, depending on where you live, state taxes, are part of the deal.
Not paying taxes can get you in trouble, and it could even jeopardize your application if it comes up during the process.
13. Military Service Can Fast-Track Citizenship
If you’ve served honorably in the U.S. military, you might be eligible for an expedited path to citizenship. Some non-citizens who serve in the military during wartime can even become citizens without meeting the usual residency requirements.
It’s a way of recognizing the service and sacrifice of those who protect the country.
14. Citizenship Can Be Revoked
Yes, citizenship can be taken away through a process called denaturalization. If someone lied on their application, committed fraud, or concealed important information, their citizenship can be revoked, and they can even be deported.
It’s rare, but it does happen when serious offenses are involved.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
