The American Citizenship Application Fee

The U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that is in charge of the whole immigration process in the United States.

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Foreign nationals applying for a visa or green card have to file certain petitions/applications either at the American Consulate abroad or with the USCIS if he/she is in the US. These applications/petitions can be found at the uscis website. In addition to this website, there are many private organizations who have these forms on their website and charge a fee for assisting their users in preparing and filing the applications/petitions. The USCIS is the authority that manages these applications/petitions and makes a decision on these..

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Eligible green card holders aspiring to become US citizens have to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. When the USCIS proposed a fee hike for immigration applications/petitions, there was deep concern that there would be a fall in the number of citizenship applications filed. In addition to this, when the USCIS proposed to revise the English and Civics test, many feared that immigrants might be discouraged about upcoming revisions to the U.S. civics test and thought the tests would be made tougher.

Some believed the fee hike for the Naturalization application would prevent many from applying for citizenship. Though the fee was revised for many other petitions/applications, the USCIS did not change the submission fee for the citizenship application.

The submission fee for the citizenship form is 5 and an additional fee is required for biometrics. Applicants must send the fee with his/her application else the application will be returned.. Applicants have to pay the fee with a check or money order drawn on a US bank payable to the Department of Homeland Security. While writing, do not use the initials DHS or USDHS. Also note that USCIS does not accept cash.

Applicants residing in Guam should address the fee payable to the "Treasurer, Guam,"and residents of the US Virgin Islands should make the fee payable to the "Commissioner of Finance of the Virgin Islands."

The Fees for biometric services is separate from the 5 application fee. In a few occasions, the USCIS may also take your photograph and signature as part of the biometric services. Another important point is that,the submission fee is not refundable even if you voluntarily withdraw your application or even if your case is rejected.

Persons applying for naturalization based on their service in the Armed Forces of the United States need not pay the filing fee. Additionally, applicants 75 years or older, or filing on the basis of one's service in the Armed Forces of the US, or if filing from outside the US, need not pay for biometrics.

Applications not including the submission fee will be returned thus delaying the citizenship process, that normally itself is a lengthier process. So applicants should make sure their application package has the application, the required supporting documents and the submission fee. Also care should be taken to ensure it is mailed to the correct USCIS address. Being careless in these would result in unnecessary delay.

Applicants who cannot afford to pay the submission fee can ask for a "fee waiver" from USCIS. If USCIS grants such request, they will accept the US citizenship application with the applicant not having to pay the fee. If the request is rejected, the USCIS will return the application and he/she has to reapply and pay the fee.

The American Citizenship Application Fee

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Citizenship Application Tips

The first step you are going to take to become an American citizen is filing the US citizenship application.

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Use the Correct Form

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The form that you need to file to become citizen is Form N 400. This form can be found at a variety of places including the USCIS website. Read the guide that comes with the form to make sure you are filling it out correctly.

Take the Test

There is an eligibility test, either online or in the guide that comes with the form. Take the test to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements to become a US citizen.

Documentation

It is very important that prior to starting the application you make sure you have all the required documents. You will need documents that prove you are eligible. These documents include:

* Employment information
* Permanent resident or Alien Registration Card
* Social Security card
* Birth certificate
* Passport

It is best to have these items with you before filling out the application so that you are focused while you answer the questions instead of worrying about where those items are.

Filing the Form

It is important that you understand an incorrect answer on your application will delay your naturalization process. Form N 400 comes with a set of instructions. Read those instructions carefully and follow them. Should you have a question of not understand something call the USCIS or look online into various immigration forums for guidance.

Tell the truth. Do Not give a false answer regardless of how "innocent" it may seem. Should you give an inaccurate answer and the USCIS find out your application will be rejected and you will be removed from the United States. If you come to a question that you do not know the answer to it is best that you just leave the question blank.

Don't rush through your answers. Take your time; there isn't a fixed time that you have to complete the application once you start it. Once you have completed the form review it. Check to see if you have made an error anywhere and if so, correct it. Should you find multiple errors, print out a new form and start all over.

Copies

Keep multiple copies of all your documents, including your application. Send your application via certified mail and get a return receipt. The USCIS is famous for losing paperwork, so it is best that you have multiple copies and proof of your filing.

Eligibility

File for citizenship as soon as you are eligible. The fees for immigration and citizenship are always going up. The average fee for filing for each process costing more than 00 not including the cost of fingerprinting and paperwork it is a good idea to file as soon as you eligible.

Filing for citizenship is an important step. The process is long, detailed, filled with immigration and needs to be done correctly. It is important that you take your time. If you need further information you can always visit the USCIS online.

Citizenship Application Tips

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