The immigration expert will review past criminal history before approving an application. For instance, they will look for any arrests, citations, or any violation of the law that is on a person’s record. Some criminal offenses (though not all) can be reason for an automatic denial of citizenship.
What happens if my citizenship application is denied?
Once USCIS issues you a citizenship application denial, you can then request a hearing with a different immigration officer. This new immigration officer will then conduct a review of your application. After that, you may be subjected to an additional civics test and English Ability exam.
Why was my citizenship application rejected?
If the reason for denial is that USCIS discovers, during the review of the applicant’s immigration file, that the applicant did not qualify for a green card in the first place, then USCIS could not only deny citizenship but also place the person in removal proceedings.
What are the different reasons of citizenship denial?
Top 5 Reasons for Citizenship Denial
- Filing Mistakes and Clerical Errors. Incomplete applications, unsigned applications, and incorrect fee payments all qualify as non-starters with USCIS. …
- Citizenship Ineligibility. …
- Failed Citizenship Test. …
- Criminal Activity. …
- Failure to Pay Taxes.
Can you apply for citizenship after being denied?
If your application is denied because of serious offenses, you might not be eligible to apply again. However, if your application is denied for petty reasons such as failing the naturalization test, you may appeal the decision or reapply again after five years.
What can affect my citizenship application?
Good Moral Character
- Any crime against a person with intent to harm.
- Any crime against property of the Government that involves fraud or an evil intent.
- Two or more crimes for which the aggregate sentence was five years or more.
- Violating any controlled substance law.
- Habitual drunkenness.
- Illegal gambling.
- Prostitution.
Why is my citizenship application taking so long?
Once USCIS offices reopen, the most likely cause of a delay outside normal processing times would be that either: Your name still hasn’t been cleared by the FBI, which needs to finish running a security check before USCIS can grant you citizenship. … USCIS is a big bureaucracy, and mistakes and lost files happen.
Does bad credit affect citizenship application?
In the past, debt and bankruptcy wouldn’t impact your ability to become a permanent resident or citizen. … Immigrants applying for a visa, green card, or citizenship should aim for a credit score “near or slightly above” the national average, according to the new rule. The average credit score is 706, according to FICO.
How often are citizenship applications denied?
Having your citizenship application denied can be scary. The N-400, Application for Naturalization is a complicated form, though, so denials aren’t as uncommon as one might hope. In fact, about 10% of all N-400 applications are denied.
What can prevent you from getting citizenship?
You have been convicted of or admitted to a crime involving moral turpitude, such as fraud. You spent 180 days or more in jail or prison for any crime. You committed any crime related to illegal drugs other than a single offense involving 30 grams or less of marijuana.
Can I renew my green card if my citizenship is denied?
Certainly, there are many people who have applied for citizenship, not received their citizenship, and have maintained their green card. … You might need to renew your green card because it might have expired, but typically, you are going to be allowed to stay in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
Can I travel while I am applying for citizenship?
Can I Go Abroad After Applying for Citizenship? Travel is permissible during the time in which you are applying for U.S. naturalization. There are no travel restrictions after filling out Form N-400, which is the Application for Naturalization.
Can you be deported after naturalization?
If an alien goes through the process of obtaining lawful permanent resident status and then becomes a US citizen through the naturalization process, the new citizen is protected from deportation. The only way such a new citizen could be deported is if the government first denaturalized the citizen.
How long does it take a permanent resident to get citizenship?
Currently, it takes about six months to a year to obtain United States citizenship from the time you apply. The citizenship process actually starts when you first get your U.S. permanent residency card (green card).