If you’ve always dreamed of living and working in the U.S., it’s not hard to do. All you have to do is meet certain qualifications, follow some specific rules, and fill out all of the proper forms. If you want to make the process easier on yourself, you should start by learning these 4 terms:
1. Naturalization and immigration
You’ll often hear these two terms used together, because they go hand-in-hand. Naturalization is the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. Immigration is what you’re doing — legally coming to the U.S. to start a new life.
Naturalization and immigration isn’t always the easiest process to go through. Luckily, the internet has made things easier by putting many of the forms and other resources right online. That way, all of the help you need is only a click away!
2. Form I90
Going through the immigration and naturalization process means filling out a bunch of forms, but very few are more important than Form I90. This is the form you will have to fill out if you ever lose your green card, or if the information on it (like your name) ever changes. Until you fill out Form I90 and get a replacement green card, you won’t be able to prove that you’re here legally!
3. Citizenship application
This is the form you need to fill out if you want to become a full-fledged U.S. citizen — complete with all of the rights that people that were born here have. In order to fill out a citizenship application, you need to meet certain qualifications. First, you have to get a green card. Then, once you’ve had it for five years (or three if you’re married to a U.S. citizen), you can apply for permanent citizenship.
Luckily, you can get a citizenship application right on the web. That way, it’s even easier to become an American!
4. Renew your passport
Once you’ve become an American citizen, you’ll be free to travel anywhere you want — both inside the U.S. and out. But in order to travel abroad, you’ll need to get a passport. Then, once every 10 years, you’ll need to renew your passport. That’s the only way you can prove that you’re a U.S. citizen — and that you’re allowed to come back!
Since it can take a while to renew your passport, you’ll need to do it well in advance of your travel plans. The average passport renewal can take up to 6 weeks, so plan ahead!
The American Immigration Center, Inc. can help you make sense of confusing terms and piles of paperwork. If you want to live in America, they can help you do it!
