How Can a Canadian Citizen Become an American Citizen?
As with persons of other nationalities, Canadian citizens and landed immigrants can become U.S. citizens by applying for naturalization once they have met the requirements for that benefit.
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Eligibility
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Before a Canadian citizen can become a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process, she must first meet the basic requirements to do so. Generally, the Canadian must have had legal permanent residency status in the United States for a minimum of 5 years and have continuously resided in the United States for 5 years. If the Canadian obtained residency status through marriage to a U.S. citizen, then she can apply for naturalization after only 3 years of continuous residence and residency status. The Canadian must also be of good moral character.
Application Process
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Once a Canadian has determined that he is eligible, he must file the Form N-400 Application for naturalization with all applicable documents and fees. He must also pass an interview, a U.S. citizenship exam, a two-part English-proficiency test and a criminal background investigation. Applicants will be fingerprinted as part of the background investigation process.
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Special Considerations
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Many factors can affect whether an applicant will have her naturalization application approved or denied. One of the main reasons applicants have their applications denied is because they don't have a strong command of the English language and so they fail the proficiency exams. Make sure you have a strong command of English before applying for naturalization. The general rule of thumb is that if an applicant cannot complete the naturalization application on her own because of a language barrier, then she is not ready to pass the proficiency exams.
Another reason applicants have their applications denied is because of criminal convictions or civil judgments that define the applicant as someone who lacks good moral character (i.e., felony convictions, civil fraud). Applicants who have been convicted of a crime should consult with an attorney prior to submitting an application for naturalization.
The application process varies greatly between the various citizenship offices across the U.S. Incomplete applications however can cause the process to take longer. Be sure to submit the correct fees and respective documentation. Furthermore, ensure that you have signed the application and that if someone assisted you in its preparation, that they signed it too. Finally, notify the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services office if you change your address.
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References
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- Photo Credit Stock pictures of a passport from the United States of America image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
