5 Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Citizenship and Naturalization Process in NY
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a dream come true for many, and New York is one of the most popular destinations for immigrants seeking citizenship. Every year, a large number of immigrants go through the complicated process of naturalization to become US citizens. So many applications get delayed or even rejected due to some avoidable errors. While the entire process can be exhausting and time-consuming, you can make it less stressful by avoiding the common mistakes seen in the citizenship and naturalization process in New York.
Who Is Eligible?
To get started, you need to understand your eligibility for citizenship and the naturalization process in NY. To be eligible, you must either be a legal permanent resident who has possessed a green card for five years or more, or you must be married to a US citizen and have been living together for three years or more. It is important that you do the necessary research before starting your application. Failure to obtain the right information might impede your progress. This article will explain the common mistakes you need to avoid so as to ensure a smooth application process.
1. Lack of Proper Information on Fee Requirements
A lot of immigrants start their citizenship application or naturalization process and do the necessary things, but they still end up getting their application rejected because they do not understand the fee structure. Before starting your application, you have to ensure that you are financially capable of funding the whole process.
Ensure you keep yourself updated on the fee schedule by the USCIS and make sure you have excess in case there are additional fees that may be requested during the application. Don’t ignore the fee waiver eligibility as well.
2. Good Moral Character Criterion Oversight
Some immigrants ignore the good moral character criterion set by the USCIS and go on to apply. Unfortunately, the application would end up being rejected because the USCIS takes this criterion with all seriousness. If you have been defaulting on tax payments or you have a record of criminal or fraudulent activities, there is a high chance of your application getting rejected.
It’s not enough to avoid these behaviors, you must also be ready to provide evidence that proves your good moral character, like letters of recommendation or tax records to bolster your application.
3. Incomplete or Inaccurate Application
The first step in the citizenship and naturalization process is submitting the N-400 form. This is where a lot of immigrants start making errors that can hinder or jeopardize their chances of obtaining the citizenship they seek. Some of the common errors include discrepancies in personal information, employment history, and insufficient details about travel outside the US.
You must take enough time to read the application carefully, provide accurate and sufficient information, and cross-check your application before submission to avoid these pitfalls. It is your chance to prove your eligibility for citizenship, so it should be taken with all seriousness.
4. Not Taking the English Language Proficiency Test
One of the core steps of citizenship application or naturalization process is taking the English language proficiency test. Your English reading, speaking, and writing abilities will be tested by the USCIS, and problems arise for so many applicants here. To avoid this, start bolstering your language skills long before your application, by engaging in regular practice, taking online language classes, getting familiar with English books and newspapers, and communicating with English speakers. Don’t be too confident of your English skills as extra practice won’t hurt.
5. Missing Deadlines
While it is crucial to take enough time to carefully fill out your application form, you need to be time-conscious as well. During your application for the citizenship or naturalization process, the USCIS may request additional information or documentation. These requests usually have specified deadlines, and failure to meet them can ruin your chances of going further with your application. This is why it is important to make necessary findings about the required documents before you start your application. You should also keep copies of submitted documents and set reminders to ensure you don’t miss any of the deadlines.
Experience Seamless Citizenship and Naturalization Process in New York
While the journey to citizenship and naturalization is exciting and filled with possibilities, minor or major mistakes can cause your application to be denied and even lead to frustration. However, at Zavala Law Firm, our expert citizenship and naturalization lawyers can help you navigate the process seamlessly and ensure a more fruitful outcome. Book a consultation with us today to begin your journey to becoming a certified U.S. citizen.