US Citizenship_Seattle.pdf - International Rescue Committee

INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE IMMIGRATION SERVICES
How do I become a U.S. Citizen

How Do I Become a U.S. Citizen
The International Rescue Committee (IRC)
responds to the world’s worst humanitarian
crises and helps people to survive and rebuild
their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 22
U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope,
the IRC leads the way from harm to home.
The IRC in Seattle aims to provide effective
resettlement services to refugees and asylees.
Our goal is to help refugees adjust to life in
the United States and begin to lead self-reliant
sufficient and productive lives in their new country.
Our immigration services are accredited by the
U.S. Department of Justice Board of Immigration
Appeals, and our staff is fully qualified to
provide high-quality assistance at low cost.
Please call our Immigration Specialist to
schedule a consultation:
Chuck Perov
Immigration Specialist
Tel: +1 206 623 2105, ext. 111
The IRC will provide an interpreter (if available)
with prior arrangement.
The IRC in Seattle
100 South King Street, Suite 570
Seattle, WA 98104
Tel: +1 206 623 2105
Fax: +1 206 623 2289
Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
• Children under 18 years old who have lawful permanent
resident status (“Green Cards”) automatically become U.S.
citizens when one or both parents become citizens. They do
however, need to apply for certificates of citizenship or obtain
a valid U.S. passport as proof of U.S. citizenship.
• U.S. Citizens can file petitions on behalf of certain family
members to join them in the United States.
• U.S. Citizens have access to public benefits (TANF, SSI,
public housing, etc.).
• U.S. Citizens can travel with a U.S. passport and reside
outside the U.S. without time limitations.
• U.S. Citizens are able to vote in local, state and national
elections.
• U.S. Citizens enjoy the full range of rights and protections
afforded by the Constitution and the U.S. legal system.
• U.S. Citizens access employment opportunities, including
state and federal government job openings.
Applying for Citizenship
Individuals can apply for citizenship if:
• They are at least 18 years old;
• They possess a valid Green Card;
• They have lived four years and nine months as a lawful
permanent resident in the United States; and
• They have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30
months in the preceding five years.
Foreign nationals married to a U.S citizen can apply after:
• They have been married for three years;
• They have been lawful permanent residents for three years
• They must have been physically present in the U.S. for at
least 18 months in the preceding three years.
From Harm to Home | Rescue.org

Applicants must be a resident of the U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS) district with jurisdiction over their
place of residence for at least three months prior to filing
the application.
To obtain citizenship, applicants must know about U.S. history
and government and have basic English language skills.
The IRC can provide referrals to appropriate classes to help
applicants prepare for both the written citizenship test and the
oral interview. Applicants with certain medical disabilities or who
meet certain age and residency conditions may be exempt from
the English and/or U.S. history and government tests, or may be
able to take the test in their native language.
Applicants must be persons of good moral character.
IRC provides Citizenship Services
Eligibility consultation
Completion of naturalization application
(Form N-400)
Completion of citizenship application for children
(Form N-600)
Completion of USCIS Fee Waiver Application
(Form I-912)
All follow-up correspondence with USCIS
Referral to Citizenship Preparation Classes
Preparation for the citizenship interview
Retain copies of all immigration paperwork and
notices from USCIS
Other low-cost immigration legal services

INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE IMMIGRATION SERVICES
From Harm to Home | Rescue.org