How to obtain US citizenship for a Russian citizen in 2021

Obtaining citizenship of this country is a dream for residents of many other countries. Russia also belongs to them. About 500 thousand emigrants arrive in the United States every year. The government believes that this kind of “new blood” is needed in the country. Because it improves the economy and allows it to move forward.

Obtaining US citizenship is the dream of many people.

What does the status of a US citizen give?

In turn, the status of a US citizen provides a lot of advantages to its owner. He can fully enjoy medical care and receive education. In addition, have various benefits, grants and scholarships, as well as vote in elections.

An important advantage is also visa-free entry into most countries of the world and pension provision. A US citizen has the right to invite his relatives to the country. His children have the right to free education in any secondary school. In addition, university tuition fees are much lower than for non-residents.

There is no compulsory military service in the USA

That is, if you have no desire to serve in the army, you can work under a contract for only a month in a civilian specialty.

A US citizen is also eligible for an unsecured loan with a low interest rate. This will help you buy your own home, open a business, or pay for your children's education. It is prohibited to deport citizens from the country. Overall, US citizenship will really make your life a lot easier.

Benefits of US Citizenship

When thinking about moving to another country, people first consider the pros and cons of living in different countries. In America, dual citizenship is allowed. The US authorities are loyal to ensuring that Russian citizens do not renounce their citizenship of their country. Permanent residence in America has many advantages.

Favorable climate

In most of the country the climate is quite mild. The main difference from Russia is the absence of frosty winters and sudden temperature fluctuations. It may snow in some states, but temperatures rarely drop below freezing except in mountainous areas. In summer it is about 28 degrees Celsius. In some states, it is summer all year round and there is virtually no rain.

Wide range of possibilities

The unemployment rate in the United States is much lower than in Russia. The figure is only 4.9% (about 8 million people) and is one of the lowest rates in the world. When finding a job, an important criterion is having a higher education. Only 20% of applicants with a diploma have problems finding employment.

The US ranks second in the world in terms of wages. The average per capita income is about $3,900 (about 245,000 rubles) per month. The figure is constantly growing.

Salaries are much higher than in the Russian Federation. Their size depends on the specialty:

doctors, directors of large companies - more than $10,000 per month;
gas and oil workers - from $9,000;
pilots and military - from $7,500;
lawyers, engineers, IT specialists - $7,000;
farmer, nanny, gardener, cleaner and other non-prestigious professions - less than $3,000.

The highest salaries were recorded in New York ($50,000), Connecticut ($49,000) and Massachusetts ($47,500).

Available loans

The banking system in the States is at a high level, so Americans can take out unsecured loans to purchase housing and pay for education. The rate ranges from 1 to 10% per annum depending on:

quality of lending history;
loan period;
lending purposes;
bank and state in which the loan is issued.

For foreigners, the rate is doubled and more stringent checks are carried out. Favorable lending conditions for local residents are one of the reasons why Russians dream of obtaining US citizenship.

Moderate prices

America has relatively inexpensive clothing and food. If you keep track of stocks and avoid going to restaurants, you can save up a decent amount without going hungry. You can dress inexpensively, but with dignity.

Quality medicine

The United States of America occupies one of the leading places in the world in terms of the quality of medical care. Every year hundreds of Russians come for treatment in American clinics.

Social guarantees

The authorities take care of their people by providing various benefits. US citizens can participate in the programs and count on:

free medical care;
benefits for purchasing food and paying bills;
unemployment benefit;
disability insurance;
payments for children;
construction financing;
rental and purchase of real estate.

All the benefits of permanent residence in the United States are associated with a high standard of living. This is the main reason why immigrants strive to become subjects of this state. Other reasons are the lack of compulsory military service, reduced tuition rates for American citizens, official employment and the ability to travel freely without visas. Residents of the Russian Federation are also attracted by the fact that dual citizenship is allowed in America.

Who can obtain citizenship?

Obtaining American citizenship is quite difficult, but possible. In order to be eligible to apply for this status, you need to have lived in the country for at least five years on the basis of a Green Card or permanent residence. This period is reduced to three years if you are married to an American citizen.

Who has the right to apply for American citizenship?

people who were born in the United States;
persons married to a US citizen;
children with at least one parent who is a US citizen;
investors;
US military personnel;
other persons who have lived in the United States for at least 5 years legally.

Citizenship by birthright

Let's take a closer look at these categories. So, if a person is born in the United States, he automatically has the right to become a citizen of this country. In this case, the nationality of his parents and the reasons for which they are in the United States are unimportant. In addition, this rule also applies to territories belonging to the United States: Puerto Rico, Guam and others.

It is clear that many residents of third world countries strive by any means to end up on territory belonging to the United States before giving birth.

But it should be remembered that in this case, the born child can obtain US citizenship. It will not apply to either the mother or the father.

Such a citizen will be able to invite relatives to the United States no earlier than reaching the age of 21. That is, only after becoming an adult.

US administrative map showing all states

And before that, he will have to prove that in the future he plans to permanently reside in the United States. For example, enroll in an educational institution there.

Ways to obtain citizenship

There are options for obtaining an American citizen passport for a number of reasons.

By right of birth

If at least one parent has US citizenship and has spent at least 5 years in the country, he or she can grant citizenship to the child. Persons with a Green Card do not have this right even if they stay in the territory for a long time.

Certificate of Citizenship by Birth

By marriage

This is what an American passport looks like

Marriage to an American allows you to get a Green Card and, after 3 years of marriage, apply for citizenship.

Through investments

There is a limit on the number of foreigners who can immigrate through investment in the economy annually. The investment amount ranges from 500 thousand dollars. It is indexed depending on the city chosen for doing business. In megacities, the investment size can increase up to two times.

The number of jobs at the new enterprise is agreed upon. This type of immigration allows you to obtain a temporary green card for two years, then a permanent residence permit. After the allotted time has expired, they apply for citizenship. The investor and his family have the right to apply for citizenship.

Military service

For those who have completed military service, a simplified procedure for acquiring citizenship is provided. The difficulty is that only Americans or Green Card holders are accepted for service. Applicants must have good physical fitness and at least a secondary education.

They undergo a criminal background check, take tests in a number of disciplines, and are examined for the presence of diseases. The law limits the age of those entering the service - these are men and women aged 17 to 42 years.

Service in the armed forces involves concluding a contract for a period of 2 to 6 years, so this circumstance will simplify the acquisition of citizenship, but will not speed it up too much. Since before entering the service you need to have time to obtain permanent resident status.

Green card

A green card can be obtained for various reasons. The most original way is to obtain a Green Card through a lottery. The official website of the US State Department where the lottery is held dvprogram.state.gov

Every year in early October, the US government holds a lottery where the prize is a Green Card.

This is analogous to permanent residence status in other countries. If you complete and submit the documents correctly, then you also have a chance. This action is intended to revive the flow of emigrants into the country. After receiving your Green Card, you have the right to take your family. In addition, over time, you will all be able to claim American citizenship.

Is it possible for Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians to obtain US citizenship?

People from any country can become an American, including Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Young people usually go to the United States to study or work, and then look for opportunities to obtain a passport from this country. Relatives of Americans have a good chance of naturalization. Below are the main steps to obtaining United States citizenship.

Opening a visa

There are many types of US visas. The most frequently issued visas are for business and tourist trips (B1/B2), work and student. B1/B2 visas can be single or multiple entry. The cost of a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 to 3 years is $160.

To obtain a tourist or business visa, you must submit the following documents to the embassy:

electronic application on form DS-160;
international passport;
photo size 5 × 5 cm;
letter confirming registration for a consular interview.

At the consulate interview, you must present additional documents. Their list differs in each specific case. But the main ones include: a certificate of financial solvency and place of work, a document on criminal convictions, arrests or lack thereof, information about the travel route.

Obtaining a residence permit

You can get a Green Card (identification card) in several ways - lottery, marriage, family reunification and others. It is issued for 10 years with the possibility of extension. After living on a Green Card for 5 years, you can apply for US citizenship. Of these 5 years, you must spend at least 2.5 years in the country.

List of required documents

The citizenship application form must be downloaded from the Immigration Service website. The application must be completed and submitted along with the following documents:

a copy of the Green Card or other document on the basis of which the applicant is in the country;
international passport;
photo size 5 × 5 cm - 2 pcs.;
receipt for payment of services.

In each specific case, the list of documents is supplemented. After reviewing the documents, the applicant is invited to submit fingerprints. The biometric material is checked by the Bureau of Investigation staff. Sometimes the candidate is asked to provide additional documents.

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Interview

This is the last and most important step in obtaining United States citizenship. The interview is usually scheduled three months after submitting the application. It is conducted orally by a USCIS officer. The immigration officer checks all the papers and forms the applicant has submitted since the visa was issued. The candidate is asked questions about his past and plans for the future. After passing the oral part of the interview, the applicant is offered a test of knowledge of the official language of the United States, history and government. To get a positive result, you must answer at least 6 out of 10 questions correctly.

U.S. Citizenship Oath

If the applicant receives a positive decision from the immigration service, he is invited to a solemn oath ceremony to the United States of America. Usually people come to it with relatives and friends. At the ceremony, the new citizen takes an oath to the country, repeating the text after the judge. After this, he receives a certificate confirming his status in the state, an application for a passport and a package of documents. Having issued a passport, an American officially registers his new status with all government agencies and is registered in the voter register.

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Refugee

It is also possible to stay in the country as a refugee. You will need to prove that your rights are being violated in your home country. For example, on religious or ethnic grounds, or due to belonging to a social group that is prohibited in your country.

The refugee is given the right to reunite with his family. Moreover, he is given health insurance, benefits, and food stamps. Children are enrolled in school, and adults are paid for English language courses. The time spent in refugee status is not limited, but, as a rule, people quickly apply for permanent residence. Having thus lived in the United States for at least five years, a citizen has the right to apply for citizenship.

Benefits of American Citizenship

If a person has permanent resident status, then he can live in America and not apply for citizenship. But it will be safer and more reliable to remain in the status of a citizen of a country in which a person has been staying for a long time. Receiving it provides new opportunities that ensure living in the United States in a more secure and comfortable environment. The advantages of American citizenship include the following opportunities:

Voter's right. Only American citizens can vote in elections and take part in the creation of administrative power. Every US citizen can serve on a jury and assist in legal proceedings.
Social support. America is not on the list of countries that comprehensively provide social assistance to people. But some categories of citizens can hope for financial support in difficult situations, provision of a pension, provision of benefits, allowances, and medical insurance.
Training opportunity. In the USA there are many educational institutions where you can get higher education in various professions and specialties. For foreign citizens, the cost of training will be much more expensive. Only students with an American passport can count on scholarships and government support.
Possibility not to serve in the army . In America there is no conscription service like in Russia. Instead, there is a contract service for which military personnel are recruited at will. If at the age of 18 a person does not want to serve in the internal troops, then no one will force him.
Possibility of traveling around the world without obtaining permits. The United States today ranks second in the ranking of unhindered movement of citizens. According to international treaties, Americans have the right to visit more than 170 countries without a visa.
Favorable loan rates from banks. It is not customary in America to save money for many years to purchase a car or apartment. Low credit interest rates make it possible for all citizens of the country to buy real estate and other property. When considering an application for a loan, banks check the citizen’s income level and payment history for past loans.
Simple migration procedure. If a person has engaged in financial fraud or committed a crime, he will be immediately deported. But if you have a US passport, the situation changes. An American citizen can take relatives to their country for permanent residence by applying for a long-term stay permit.

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Naturalization procedure

Naturalization is a legal procedure that makes it possible to obtain citizenship after five years of legal stay in the country (in the case of marriage to a US citizen - after three).

This is what an American passport looks like

Only adults (18 years of age or older) have the right to undergo the procedure. First you need to submit an application for citizenship. The petition is filed in the state where the future citizen has resided for the last three months.

The following must be attached to the application:

a copy of the Green Card;
receipt of payment of state duty;
photographs (2 pieces, size 5x5);
receipt for payment for fingerprinting.

Fingerprinting is the taking of fingerprints. Anyone applying for American citizenship must undergo this procedure. Only persons over 75 years of age are exempt from it. Fingerprinting is the second stage of the naturalization procedure.

In addition to the above requirements, an applicant for US citizenship must also:

have a good command of the language and know the history of the country;
have high moral qualities.

Interview

Knowledge of language and history is tested during the interview. The interview is the third stage of obtaining citizenship.

Sample US language exam questions

The date will be communicated to you in advance. There are no approved questions. The interviewer can ask you anything. Of course, the interview is conducted in English. As a rule, they ask questions regarding your personal data, as well as the history of the country.

Citizenship Process

To obtain a US citizen passport, immigrants from Russia, like citizens of other countries, undergo a four-step procedure.

The migration service is contacted with the completed form N-400. It is accompanied by a receipt for payment of the application fee, a copy of the Green Card and a photo (5x5). Applicants under 75 years of age additionally submit fingerprints and pay for this service.
At the second stage, a criminal history check is carried out using the fingerprints taken.
They are interviewed by an immigration officer. It asks questions from personal biography and the nuances of life in the country. At the interview, they determine the person’s commitment to the Constitution and willingness to take the oath. Additionally, they give a history knowledge test and check language proficiency.
At the last stage, an oath is taken if the immigration service approves the submitted application.

You can live your whole life in the country without obtaining American citizenship. In this case, a foreigner with a Russian passport will have the same rights as a person who has a US citizen passport, except for a few nuances. Residents with a Green Card do not vote in elections, and their children do not qualify for automatic citizenship. Even if they were born on American soil.

Waiting times and accommodation

It is allowed to submit an application 3 months earlier than the required 5 years have expired. Spouses of American citizens who are divorced or widowed also wait not 3 years, but 5. If the applicant has lived continuously for 1 year outside the state, his waiting period begins to count from zero.

For employees of foreign companies and military personnel, there are separate rules and waiting periods for obtaining a passport.

The applicant must have lived in that state for at least 3 months before submitting an application to the immigration office. Until the alien takes the oath of allegiance, he must remain within that state. If you change your place of residence, the application must be submitted again.

Interview and exams

After submitting the application, 3-9 months pass before the interview. The first question the examiner asks is whether the applicant has any obstacles to taking the oath. This is followed by questions regarding biography, taxes, lifestyle and family. If during the interview new life details are revealed that require documentary confirmation, the interview will be rescheduled.

Certificate of Naturalization

Additionally, they confirm language proficiency, writing, speaking and reading skills. For persons over 50 who have lived in the country for more than 20 years, this rule does not apply.

The examiner assesses language proficiency during a conversation. Asks you to read a short text and write a few sentences. Knowledge of basic fundamentals is required to confirm skills.

Testing your knowledge of government systems consists of a test in which you need to answer questions correctly. To prepare for it and do everything correctly, you simply learn the answers to 100 questions. For this case, special booklets with questions and answers have been developed. During the interview, no more than 10 questions are asked.

Who cannot qualify for US citizenship?

Your citizenship application will be denied if you:

committed an offense while living in the country on the basis of a Green Card;
have an outstanding criminal conviction;
have ever been convicted of a serious crime (murder, rape, drug trafficking);
gave false information when applying for a Green Card;
evaded paying taxes while living on a Green Card;
entered the country illegally;
evaded military service or deserted during hostilities;
ever called for the overthrow of the US government;
were members of parties or totalitarian organizations (for example, communist) banned in the United States.

Reasons for legalization in America

A US citizen passport can be obtained on the following grounds:

Acquiring citizenship status after birth. If a child was born in America, he is automatically assigned citizenship of the country.
Upon naturalization. The passport is issued to people who have lived in the country on an official basis for more than 5 years. This period can be reduced to 3 years if the person is married to an American. If the marriage relationship is dissolved at the time of application, then citizenship may be denied.
Investment investment. Investors who have invested a certain amount of money in the country's economy are given a green card for two years. If the money is reinvested, a permanent residence permit is issued. After 5 years you can apply for a passport.
If you serve in the US Army, you can expect to receive citizenship within a year. Payment of state fees is not required. If the service took place in a combat zone, then an American passport is issued immediately. In order to become a US citizen in this case, you must undergo an interview with the consul and take an oath at the place of duty. However, joining the US military is not so easy - only permanent residents with resident status and green card holders are eligible. The contract lasts from two to six years.

Citizenship by birth

This method is called the “right of blood.” It consists of granting citizenship to children born in countries other than America. In such cases, the following conditions must be met:

Mother and father are American citizens.
The mother, who was not in a marital relationship, had previously acquired American citizenship and had resided in the United States continuously for at least a year. This condition applies to children with dates of birth starting from December 23, 1953, and ending on November 14, 1986.
The father and mother were not married, but the first parent was a US citizen at the time of the child's birth and had lived in the state for more than 5 years. Of these, two years must be before the child is 14 years old. This condition applies to people born after November 14, 1986.

If a person has not reached the age of 18, citizenship can be obtained on the following grounds:

The mother or father is an American citizen, provided the child was born after February 27, 2001.
The person applying is a green card holder, and his mother and father have already obtained citizenship through naturalization. This condition is suitable for persons who have not reached the age of majority and were born before February 26, 2001.
The applicant resides in America on the basis of a Green Card, his father or mother obtained citizenship through naturalization, and the other parent has died or paternity or maternity has not been established. The condition applies to persons born before February 26, 2001.

Attention! Children whose parents work in the diplomatic corps and are in the United States only for work reasons will not receive an American passport.

Naturalization in the USA

Permanent residents are also allowed to obtain American citizenship, provided that they have been in the country for more than 5 years. At the same time, during the entire specified period there should not be a single trip abroad. When filling out the application form, you must indicate your desire for permanent residence in America. If there were trips abroad without special need, the applicant may be refused. In addition, reasons for refusal include:

committing administrative offenses;
sale of narcotic substances;
involvement in terrorist groups;
committing criminal acts.

For these reasons, the applicant may be deported outside the state. The period from filing an application to the authorities’ decision most often takes from six months to 9 months.

Investing in the USA to obtain citizenship

In recent years, the strategy for attracting investment into the American economy has changed dramatically. A foreign citizen can now obtain United States citizenship by investing funds. Such people are issued an immigrant visa with the EB-5 category. It makes it possible to obtain a green card by following all the rules. To obtain such a visa, you must fulfill the following requirements:

Invest in commercial structures money in the amount of at least $1 million for any state, or $500 thousand in the economy of a backward region, for example, with a high level of unemployment.
Guaranteed full-time employment for 10 people permanently residing in the United States.
Timely report on the legality of money invested in the economy and confirmed by documents.
Participate in the development of commercial projects or the manufacturing industry.

Obtaining US citizenship by purchasing real estate is not always possible. This fact is considered by the authorities as a positive factor, but does not provide a guarantee of becoming a full-fledged citizen.

US Citizenship through Military Service

Persons who wish to serve in the US military can expect to receive a US passport. For peacetime, the applicant must satisfy the following requirements:

At least 18 years of age.
The minimum service period is 1 year, which is reduced upon receipt of awards for courage, honor and bravery.
Passing an exam on knowledge of English, history, economics and politics.
No offenses or reports to the police.
Knowledge of the basics of the Constitution and compliance with its requirements.
At the time of application for citizenship, the period of residence in the United States must be more than 5 years, or the person must have been continuously in the country for the last 2 years 6 months.

In wartime, a passport can be obtained using a simplified procedure:

Be enlisted in American troops for more than 1 day.
Pass a test of English language, economics and political knowledge.
Intent to remain permanently resident in the United States.
Do not violate the law and respect the Constitution.

America's military members can apply for a passport even in another country. To do this, you need to visit an official consulate or embassy. Brief instructions for enlisting in the US Army:

Passing the test and finding a recruiter. The test is necessary so that the candidate can assess his chances of admission. This is not a mandatory stage; you can immediately contact a recruiter who checks the applicant.
Preparation of documents. The recruiter will give you a complete list of required papers and, if necessary, will even help with the collection.
Taking the ASVAB test. This is necessary to determine the candidate’s strengths and select the most suitable specialty.
Passing a medical examination. There are requirements not only for health, but also for physical fitness and the percentage of body fat.
Choosing a specialization. There are about 150 of them. Next, a contract is signed.
Training course. It lasts approximately 10 weeks, then the regular service begins.