1. What are the eligibility requirements for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status?

In order to become a U.S. citizen through refugee or asylee status, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must have been admitted to the United States as a refugee or received asylum status.

2. You must have been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of at least one year after being admitted as a refugee or receiving asylum status.

3. You must have resided continuously in the United States for at least five years since being admitted as a refugee or receiving asylum status.

4. You must be a person of good moral character.

5. You must be able to speak, read, and write English.

6. You must have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).

7. You must be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the United States.

2. What is the difference between refugee and asylee status?

Refugee status is granted to individuals who are outside of their home country and cannot return due to fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Refugees must meet the definition of a refugee as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Asylee status is granted to individuals who are already in the United States or at a port of entry and unable to return home due to fear of persecution. Asylees must meet the definition of an asylee as defined by the INA.

3. How long must I wait before applying for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status?

You must wait one year after entering the U.S. with refugee or asylee status before you can apply for U.S. citizenship.

4. What documents do I need to apply for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status?

In order to apply for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status, you will need the following documents:

1. Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
2. Evidence of your refugee or asylee status, such as Form I-94 or Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document
3. Documentation of your lawful presence in the U.S. from the time you were granted refugee or asylee status up until the time you file your Form N-400
4. Evidence of good moral character for the past five years
5. Two passport-style photographs
6. Any required supporting documents
7. Payment of the filing fee and biometric service fee
8. A copy of your birth certificate
9. Any required translations of documents

5. How much does it cost to apply for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status?

The application fee for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status is $725. This includes the application fee ($640), biometric services fee ($85), and the fee for the certificate of naturalization ($0).

6. What is the naturalization test?

The naturalization test is an exam that must be passed to become a U.S. citizen. It tests the applicant’s knowledge of English and U.S. history and government. Applicants must answer at least 6 out of 10 questions correctly in order to pass the naturalization test.

7. How do I prepare for the naturalization test?

You can prepare for the naturalization test by studying the information found in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) booklet titled “A Guide to Naturalization.” This booklet contains study materials, sample questions, a civics test audio guide, and other resources that can help you prepare for the exam. Additionally, you can find online resources such as practice tests and other study aids to help you prepare.

8. Will I need to take an English language test if I’m applying for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status?

No, you won’t need to take an English language test if you are applying for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status.

9. Is there a waiting period before I can take the naturalization test after applying for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status?

Yes, there is generally a waiting period before you can take the naturalization test after applying for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status. Generally, you must wait at least two years after filing Form I-485 to apply for naturalization. After filing the application, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will review your application and then schedule you for an interview to take the naturalization test.

10. What is the timeline for processing my application for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status?

The timeline for processing an application for US citizenship through refugee or asylee status depends on the individual’s circumstances. Generally, the process takes at least five years from the date of admission to the US as a refugee or asylee. The individual must have been physically present in the US for at least 30 months, and have been living in marital unity with their spouse (if married) for at least three years prior to filing the application. After filing the application, the individual will be required to attend a biometrics appointment, interview, and eventually an Oath Ceremony. Once all requirements are met, the individual can be granted US citizenship.

11. Are there any special considerations for refugees applying for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status?

Yes, there are special considerations for refugees applying for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status. Refugees must meet certain eligibility requirements and have a valid refugee visa before they can apply for U.S. citizenship. Refugees also must have resided in the United States for at least five years before they can apply for naturalization. Lastly, they must demonstrate good moral character for at least three years during the five-year period before applying for citizenship. Additionally, refugees may be eligible to apply for an expedited naturalization process if they have served in the U.S. Armed Forces or were the spouse of a service member.

12. Are there any special considerations for asylees applying for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status?

Yes, there are several special considerations for asylees applying for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status. Asylees must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as continuous physical presence, good moral character, and knowledge of the English language and U.S. history and civics. Additionally, asylees may have to submit additional documents to demonstrate their eligibility for U.S. citizenship, such as evidence of asylum or refugee status. Lastly, asylees may be subject to expedited processing times and must pay a reduced fee for their application.

13. Are there any residency requirements for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status?

Yes, there is a residency requirement for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status. Individuals applying for naturalization must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year after being granted asylum status, or at least five years after being granted refugee status. The physical presence requirement can be waived in certain situations, such as individuals serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

14. What happens if my application for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status is denied?

If your application for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status is denied, you will be required to leave the country and return to your home country. If you do not leave, you may be subject to removal proceedings and could face deportation.

15. What are the benefits of becoming a U.S citizen through refugee or asylee status?

As a U.S citizen through refugee or asylee status, individuals can enjoy the protection of the U.S. government, access to healthcare and education, increased job opportunities, and the right to vote. Additionally, individuals can travel and work without having to renew their visas and gain rights to sponsor family members for immigration purposes.

16. Are there any restrictions on travel after I become a U.S citizen through refugee or asylee status?

No, once you become a U.S citizen through refugee or asylee status, there are no restrictions on travel. You will have the same right to travel abroad as any other U.S citizen.

17. What rights and responsibilities do I have as a U.S citizen through refugee or asylee status?

As a U.S. citizen through refugee or asylee status, you have the same rights and responsibilities as any other U.S. citizen. This includes the right to vote, to serve on a jury, to work and receive a Social Security card, to obtain a driver’s license, and to receive public benefits, such as Medicaid and unemployment benefits. You are also subject to the same laws and regulations as U.S. citizens, including federal taxes and national service requirements.

18. How do I renounce my current citizenship and apply for U.S citizenship through refugee or asylee status?

You must first meet the eligibility requirements to be considered a refugee or asylee. Once you have done so, you will need to submit your application for U.S. citizenship to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will be required to fill out a Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and provide evidence of your refugee or asylee status. You will also need to provide proof of identity, including a valid passport from your former country of citizenship. Additionally, you may need to provide additional documents in support of your application depending on your circumstances. Once you have submitted your application, the USCIS will review your case and you may be contacted for an interview or additional documents. After a review of your case is complete, you may be granted U.S. citizenship if all requirements are met.

19. How do I update my biographic information after becoming a U.S citizen through refugee or asylee status?

Once you become a U.S citizen, you need to update your biographic information with the Department of Homeland Security. You can do this by completing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You should send this form, along with a copy of your Certificate of Naturalization, to the address listed on the form. Once you receive your updated Permanent Resident Card, you must inform the appropriate government agencies and employers of your new status so they can update their records.

20. How can I get help with the application process for U.S citizenship through refugee or asylee status?

You can contact your local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. You can also find more information about applying for U.S. citizenship through refugee or asylee status at the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/refugees-asylum/refugees-and-asylum.