Before you can think about applying for citizenship, there are other processes you must go through. Initially, you must apply for an immigration visa. Your sponsor can be either a family member or an employer. In order to go through the process successfully from beginning to end, you must fulfill all requirements set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Cynthia R. Lopez, P.C. provides help to those who want to become citizens, as well as to people who want to sponsor a family member. In El Paso, if you want help with any immigration issue, from citizenship to deportation representation, our law firm can help.
What You Need to Know About Applying for Citizenship
There is a process involved in becoming a U.S. citizen that involves multiple steps. First, a qualifying employer or family member has to sponsor you. Only certain family members are eligible to be sponsors. For example, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident could sponsor a spouse. However, a child cannot sponsor a parent until the child has reached adulthood. The family member or employer sponsoring you for an immigration visa has to submit paperwork to USCIS. You can then go through the immigration process using two different approaches:
- Consular Processing : used when you want to remain in your own country
- Adjustment of Status: used for instances where you have to remain in the U.S for your green card, like asylum
To clarify, a sponsored immigration visa does not equal citizenship. After you qualify for an immigration visa, you must wait until you are approved for your green card. This makes you a legal permanent resident of the U.S.. Once a set period of time passes, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship. Keep in mind, there are restrictions and requirements to fill during this process. Our immigration attorney can help you understand every step and provide legal support.
Understanding the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Cynthia R. Lopez, P.C. can provide invaluable assistance with any immigration issues, including the process of applying for citizenship. To get legal assistance with immigration issues from an El Paso attorney, contact us today.
