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For most, the path is straightforward: under U.S. law, most born on American soil or to an American parent is a U.S. citizen. Most others must gain citizenship through naturalization, a long and complex process fraught with long waits and bureaucratic pitfalls. This infographic explains the steps most commonly taken by those who have gained citizenship. Keep in mind that for most steps along the way, there are exceptions and conditions specic to a prospects home country or the prospect himself. Overall though, the name of the legal immigration game is waiting--sometimes decades--which is why many opt, or nd themselves forced, to enter the U.S. illegally and remain in the country without documents.
START HERE
Were you born on U.S. soil?
NO YES
YES
Congratulations! You are a U.S. citizen! (or are ready to become one!)
Are you a minor?
NO YES
YES
YES
Were you living as a permanent resident in the U.S. on February 27, 2001?
NO
YES
You can apply for a familysponsored immigrant visa. These are subject to quotas and face long backlogs:
Wait ~7-18 years for an F1 visa. Are you the sibling of a U.S. citizen?
NO
YES
Are you a permanent resident of the U.S. (ie., do you have a green card)?
NO
YES
YES
Wait ~10-23 years for an F4 visa. Wait ~3-5 years for an F2A visa. Wait ~8-15 years for an F2B visa. Wait ~10-19 years for an F3 visa. Wait ~3-5 years for an F2A visa.
OK
YES
Do you have a criminal record that would prevent you from obtaining a visa to enter the U.S. legally?
YES NO
YES
YES
With rare exceptions there are no ways for you to enter the U.S. legally. Sorry!
YES
Once you get your visa, you can start taking steps to get a green card, or permanent residency. Wait a few more years.
OK
You belong to the fast track for a green card. You can get one now through your U.S. citizen parent or spouse.
OK
Can you land a U.S. job which requires special skill so that no U.S. workers can ll it?
NO
You qualify for an EB1 or EB2 visa. Quotas on these permits are never met, so approval is quick. You qualify for an EB5 (investor) visa. Quotas on these permits are never met, so approval is quick. Wait ~6-9 years for an EB3 (skilled worker) visa.
YES
Can you pass a citizenship test and pay the $595 naturalization fee?
YES
Can you open a U.S. business that employs at least ten workers?
NO
YES
OK
Have you been living with a U.S. citizen spouse for the past 3+ years?
NO
YES
A Lifetime.
Wait times:
Even if you have American relatives or work in the U.S., it might still take that long for you to get your citizenship. Gaining naturalized U.S. citizenship often involves 4 steps, each with its own wait:
Minimum Most Common Maximum
YES
Have you served in the armed forces since 9/11 or during any other conict?
NO
YES
Have you served in the U.S. armed forces with a temporary visa?
NO
YES
Have you served in the armed forces during peacetime for at least one year?
NO
YES
YES
Wait or serve until you have spent the OK required time to apply for naturalization.
Your only option is to enter the yearly lottery of 50,000 diversity visas. Good luck!
You may qualify for a refugee or asylum visa. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or the U.S. State Department can help.
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