Q&A on the News
Q: I would like to know the procedure and cost of becoming a U.S. citizen.
—Deanna Finn, Peachtree City
A: In general, the cost for permanent U.S. residents to apply for citizenship is $680, which includes the $595 cost to file an application for naturalization, plus an $85 fee for fingerprinting. There’s no filing fee if an individual is applying for naturalization based on service in the U.S. Armed Forces, and there is no fingerprinting fee if the individual is 75 or older, filing from abroad or filing based on service in the Armed Forces. The procedure involves determining if an individual is eligible to apply for citizenship. General requirements include being 18 or older, being a permanent resident of the U.S. for three years (if your spouse is a U.S. citizen and you are living with them) or five years, and being able to speak, read and write English. Some exceptions are available for permanent residents over 50 years old and disabled individuals. Once the application is filed, individuals have their fingerprints taken. Then there’s an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer. After that, applicants take the English and civics tests. Then a decision will be made about citizenship. Individuals who have been arrested need to take additional steps to complete the process.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
