If you’re applying for citizenship in Chicago, you can relieve some worry by understanding more about N400 processing time.
After applying for citizenship and filing Form N400, you’re probably anxious about finding out the results. If so, you’ll most likely want to know more about N400 processing time and how long it takes to become a citizen.
For most people, the process of becoming a United States citizen is the same. However, the amount of time that it takes to become a citizen may vary depending on the workload of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
To learn everything you need to know about N400 processing time in Chicago, continue reading.
N400 Processing Time for Green Card Processing
One of the first green card process steps is filling out Form N400. The USCIS also calls it the Application for Naturalization. It’s important that you fill it out correctly.
If you filled out the form correctly, you’d receive a letter from USCIS confirming the receipt of your application. This document is called the Notice of Action Form I-797.
Regarding Chicago N400 processing time, the first letter should arrive around 2 to 3 weeks after you’ve filed. If there’s an issue with your submission, you may receive a different letter. For example, if you made a mistake, the Notice of Action letter will outline the USCIS’s plan to reject your application.
Alternatively, you may receive a Request for Evidence letter if you did not include all needed documentation. If you do not fill out Form N400 correctly, it may take considerably longer to complete the process. For this reason, it’s important that you follow all instructions and do it right the first time.
Make sure that you save your Form I-797 notice. In the letter, there is a 10-digit receipt number.
You can use this number to check the status of your case. If you don’t receive a notice in two to three weeks, use the number to follow up on your application.
Meeting With USCIS Face-To-Face
If everything goes well, you’ll receive a biometric appointment notice three to five weeks after you’ve filed. All applicants for naturalization must undergo a background check.
If you’re over the age of 75, you won’t have to pay a fee for the biometric appointment. Still, everyone must attend the appointment. If you don’t receive a biometric appointment notice in three to five weeks, check on your case to find out what’s causing the delay.
The appointment usually only lasts around 30 minutes. During the appointment, USCIS employees will gather your photograph, fingerprints and signature.
Around four to eight months after filing, you’ll also have to attend a naturalization interview. For this appointment, you’ll receive another letter.
Do everything possible to make this appointment. If you miss it, it may take several months longer for you to complete the naturalization process. As you wait for your naturalization interview, practice for the citizenship interview and test.
If you change your address after filing From N400, make sure that you notify the USCIS in 10 days or less. You’ll need to use the Alien’s Change of Address Form AR-11 to provide your new address.
Congratulations! Becoming a Citizen
If all goes well, the final step is to become an American citizen. Around one to four weeks after the interview, you should receive a letter called the Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony Form-445. The form is an invitation to take the Oath of Allegiance.
The notice will ask you to answer a few questions. You must supply the answers at the oath ceremony.
If you can’t attend the ceremony on the given date, use Form-445 to inform the USCIS. You must explain why you can’t participate in the ceremony. If you fail to appear for the oath more than once, however, the USCIS may deny your naturalization application.
You’re not an American citizen until you take the oath. In some cases, a judge administers the oath. In other cases, a USCIS employee will administer the oath at a ceremony.
After you take the Oath of Allegiance, you’re a naturalized American citizen. Now, you’ll turn in your green card. Next, you’ll receive your Certificate of Naturalization, and you’re officially a United States citizen.
Once you receive your Certificate of Naturalization, look it over carefully. You must make sure there aren’t any mistakes. If there is a mistake, inform a USCIS employee about the error immediately.
The Green Card Renewal Process
If you’re planning to renew your green card, the process can take anywhere from two to 12 months. You can check up on the status of your green card renewal process online at the USCIS site.
However, you may need your green card faster. If so, the USCIS may provide you with a stamp to prove your green card status. The stamp is called the Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications stamp.
You must prove that you have an urgent need to receive the stamp. For example, you may need it to apply for a job.
The USCIS may also give you the stamp if you apply for naturalization six months before your card expires. If you applied for renewal six months before your card expires, there’s no need for you to file Form I-90.
If you have problems with your application or renewal, you can contact the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman to try to resolve the matter.
Getting Ahead in America
Now that you know more about N400 processing time in Chicago, hopefully, the process won’t prove as unnerving.
Your green card is one of the beginning steps toward building a life in your new home. The world is changing rapidly. As it does, the best way to earn a living isn’t always clear.
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