Should You Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

Many immigrants who have gone through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to become Lawful Permanent Residents often stop there without pursuing naturalisation, as there is no legal requirement to obtain U.S. citizenship in order to remain in the United States permanently. But if you are a Permanent Resident, you may choose to go further. Should you apply for U.S. citizenship?

Why Do You Want to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

Before you rush off to the USCIS web site and download Form N-400, Application for Naturalisation, stop and think about your motivations for doing so. Are you tired of paying hundreds of dollars every ten years to renew your Permanent Resident Card? Naturalisation takes away a lot of the financial burden of immigration in the long run, as your new status will mean no more immigration forms, interviews or fees to pay.

Or you may be tempted to apply for U.S. citizenship in order to have the opportunity to better your current job prospects by applying for federal employment (which is usually barred to non-citizens). Consider your motivations for wanting to apply for U.S. citizenship before you take such an important step.

Will You Lose Benefits from Your Home Country?

Applying for naturalisation is not always the next "logical" step for Permanent Residents to take, which is why you should not rush into things, but take your time before reaching a decision that will be in your best interests. Research the rights and responsibilities that come once you are granted U.S. citizenship and then look further at how this will impact you in other aspects of your life.

Some foreign-born citizens will lose their nationality and benefits in their home country if they acquire U.S. citizenship. That is why it is important to be mindful of such matters rather than push headlong towards naturalisation.

Are You Ready?

Many Permanent Residents eventually apply for, and are successful at obtaining, U.S. citizenship. This is a multi-step process that involves submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalisation, permanently relinquishing your Permanent Resident Card for good, and taking a number of tests. But before you take this next step, you should ensure that you are ready.

Are you ready to take your English and Civics tests? How confident are you of passing each test? It pays to be thoroughly prepared so that you will not meet with disappointment when you are called for interview.

If you are a Permanent Resident, applying for U.S. citizenship does not have to be the next "logical" step. For some, it is their aim to someday become a U.S. citizen, in which case they will need the full support of their family, but if you are content to maintain your status as a Permanent Resident, or if you risk losing benefits in your home country if you apply for U.S. citizenship, you should not feel pressured to apply for U.S. citizenship.