Applying for a visa:
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A visa allows a non-immigrant to enter, remain, or leave the United States. You can get a visa by being sponsored by an employer, a student visa, a research visa, a temporary work visa, and many more. Not from all visa you can apply for a green card.
Applying for a green card:
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A green card is a terminate residence or called a resident alien. You must have your green card for a minimum of 5 years to apply to become a citizen. Your green card is valid for 10 years and the average time it takes to get it is 7 to 33 months.
1) file an immigrant petition, usually submitted by another person
2) provide fingerprints, photos, and your signature
3)take and interview
4)receive your decision, if a yes then update your address and track your green card in the mail
Applying to become a citizen
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You must have a valid green card for at least five years; be the spouse of a United States citizen for a minimum of three years; served in the U.S. military; are the child of a U.S. citizen and you will be eligible to become a citizen. Some applicants must have a green card on the day of their citizenship interview.
Some other requirements include residency, a good moral character, proved knowledge of English and U.S. civics and an attachment to the nation and the Constitution.
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The U.S. citizenship application or the (N-400) test. You need to provide information about your past residences and your current residence, information about your parents, your current and past employment, your education, time outside of the U.S., marital history, children, and numerous questions about your personal aspects. You may not leave any information out because and incomplete application will delay your naturalization process. At the naturalization interview, you may be asked questions based on your application, so be clear and honest.
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You need two identical photos of yourself taken no more than 30 days before you file the N-400 form. The photos must be between 2 in x 2 in or 5 cm x 5 cm. You can have the photos printed in color or black and white with a plain light-colored or white background. You may have no head coverage unless for a religious reason. There must be a clear view of your full face and the size from the top of your head to your chin must be no smaller than 2 cm.
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Along with your application, you need a photocopy of the back and front of your green card, as well as other documents that may be needed. You should not send the original copies because you will be required to bring them to your naturalization interview. Translate all your copies to English and get a replacement green card if you have lost it as well as the receipt.
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You will need to send your application, fees, and document to the correct service center. You will need to pay a $725 USD fee for the application and fingerprinting. You can send a check or money order.
You will have your fingerprints scanned and these will be used for criminal records. You will need your green card, your letter of information, and some other form of photo ID.
During your naturalization interview, you will be tested on how well you write, read, and speak English and your knowledge of the US civics.
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After your interview, USCIS will provide you with a form f the decision and information about your results.
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You will attend a naturalization interview. You are recommended to show up for the scheduled interview 30 minutes early with your passport, green card, a state-issued ID, and any re-entry permits that you may have. You will be asked questions and about your background, your character, and your willingness to the oath of the United States.
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If you are granted US citizenship, you must take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. After taking the Oath, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization and be a US citizen. Be sure to return your green card to USCIS when you check-in for the Oath ceremony.