VisaProAdviserVisas, migration and life abroad
Citizenship through residence: the US N-400 interview and civics test, UK, Italian, French and Peruvian naturalization, and why temporary protection doesn't count.
37 articles tagged citizenship
Can automatic voter registration at the DMV block US citizenship approval? What USCIS says, which N-400 questions matter, and what to prepare before the interview.
Who will find it harder to get permanent residency and a French passport, what language levels are required, and how income and real residence are checked.
How to get Spain's digital nomad residence permit in 7 weeks, why the card is valid for 3 years, and how it differs from Greece, Latvia, and Croatia.
A Portuguese passport opens access to the EU, 185 countries without a visa, and independence from residence grounds. Naturalization timelines: 10 years for Russians, 7 for EU citizens.
How the UK's new migration reform changes timelines to British citizenship. Global Talent and Skilled Worker benefits for expedited status.
A second passport for $90,000 with no relocation or language requirements. Who the Sao Tome and Principe citizenship program suits and what it really offers.
Citizenship is acquired either at birth or later through naturalization. At birth, it can come from the place of birth (jus soli, as in the US and Canada) or from a parent (jus sanguinis, the rule in most of Europe). Naturalization usually rests on years of lawful, continuous residence, plus language ability, knowledge of the country and a clean record.
In the US, permanent residents file Form N-400 with USCIS, generally after five years with a green card, or three years if married to and living with a US citizen. The process includes biometrics, an interview with English and civics tests and, once approved, an oath ceremony, while applicants follow progress through the USCIS case status tool using their receipt number. Long trips abroad can break continuous residence and restart the count.
Not every stay counts toward naturalization: many European countries do not count time under temporary protection, and some discount years spent on student or other temporary permits. In the UK, applicants usually need settled status first and must pass the Life in the UK test.