Applying for citizenship in Poughkeepsie, NY
Naturalization is the process of applying to become a US citizen. Poughkeepsie, NY and the surrounding Hudson Valley have a strong and diverse immigrant community. Naturally some of these immigrants are ready to take the leap toward becoming a US Citizen. Here, Poughkeepsie immigration attorney Nicklaus Misiti explains more about the process and what is required to become a US citizen. Keep in mind this information is generic and everyone’s case will be different, so it is imperative you work with a knowledgeable immigration attorney to streamline the process for you.
The first step in naturalizing is to prepare and submit the N-400 application. This is not as simple as it seems and there are many pitfalls that could be fatal to the application. Before applying it is important to go over your situation with an attorney to determine whether you qualify for naturalization and to make sure there are no potential problems. The most common problems that cause significant complications are previous long term travel outside the US, previously providing false or misleading information to an immigration officer, or prior criminal records. Worst case these situations could lead to your removal from the US so it is imperative you thoroughly discuss them with your attorney before applying.
After your application is submitted you and your attorney should receive a receipt notice in the mail. This will usually arrive within 2-4 weeks. Following this you will receive a notice to attend a biometrics appointment, which will usually arrive another 2-8 weeks after the receipt notice. Every applicant needs to go through a thorough background check and have their fingerprints taken and the biometrics appointment is part of this. If you live in Poughkeepsie or the surrounding Hudson Valley usually your biometrics appointment will be held in Port Chester, NY in Westchester County.
Usually a few months after your biometrics are taken immigration send you a notice scheduling an interview appointment. It is important to read the interview notice carefully as it will not only tell you the date, place and time of your interview but also what you need to bring. in most cases the interview will be held at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan.
Before your interview it is very important to prepare. You will have to take a number of tests including an English language and US Civics exams. In certain cases these exams can be waived but the vast majority of applicants must take them and pass. Immigration offers study guides for these exams and usually with a little time spent going over those resources most applicants can pass without issue.
Following your interview your naturalization application will either be granted or denied. Assuming it is granted you still are not done. You will have to attend an oath ceremony and swear your allegiance to the US. After you take this Oath you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization and congratulations you are now a citizen.
If for some reason your case was denied it doesn’t mean it is over. Depending upon the reason for the denial you can choose to reapply or appeal. In certain cases if your case was denied due to a criminal conviction, prior immigration violation or fraud you may be placed in removal proceedings. This is why it is so important to work with an immigration attorney from the start, so you can avoid these complications as much as possible.
For more information about applying for naturalization please contact Law offices of Nicklaus Misiti, PLLC at 845-926-1177. Law offices of Nicklaus Misiti are a full service immigration firm with offices in Poughkeepsie, NY and Manhattan.