FAQ

Green Card (Permanent Resident):

• Can live and work permanently in U.S.
• Can travel freely
• Cannot vote
• Must renew every 10 years
• Can be lost in certain circumstances

U.S. Citizenship:

• All rights of Green Card plus right to vote
• Cannot be lost (except through fraud in naturalization)
• Can sponsor family more easily
• Can get U.S. passport
• Must naturalize (usually after 5 years as Green Card holder)

To become U.S. citizen through naturalization:

• Be Green Card holder for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to U.S. citizen)
• Be physically present in U.S. for at least 30 months (or 18 months if married to citizen)
• Be 18 years or older
• Have good moral character
• Pass English and civics tests
• Take oath of allegiance

Process: File Form N-400, attend biometrics, interview, oath ceremony. Total time: 6-12 months.

Naturalization test has two parts:

English Test:

• Reading: Read one sentence in English
• Writing: Write one sentence in English
• Speaking: Answered during interview

Civics Test:

• Asked 10 questions from 100 possible questions
• Must answer 6 correctly to pass
• Covers U.S. history, government, geography

Exemptions: Age 50+ with 20 years as Green Card holder, or 55+ with 15 years, may take test in native language.

Generally no, U.S. citizenship cannot be lost, except:

• If citizenship was obtained through fraud or misrepresentation
• If you renounce citizenship voluntarily
• If you serve in foreign military of enemy country during war

Common misconceptions: Living abroad, voting in foreign elections, or having dual citizenship does NOT cause loss of U.S. citizenship. Once naturalized, citizenship is generally permanent.

Naturalization processing time varies:

• Filing to interview: 6-12 months typically
• Interview to oath: 1-3 months
• Total time: 8-15 months on average
• Can be longer in busy offices

Factors affecting time: USCIS office location, background check delays, name changes, etc. Check processing times on USCIS website for your local office.

Yes, U.S. allows dual citizenship:

• U.S. does not require you to renounce other citizenship
• You can have multiple citizenships
• However, your other country may have different rules
• Some countries do not allow dual citizenship (check your country's laws)

Important: When traveling, use U.S. passport to enter/leave U.S. You can use other passport for other countries (if allowed by that country).

Benefits of U.S. citizenship:

• Right to vote in all elections
• Cannot be deported (except for fraud in naturalization)
• Can sponsor family more easily (no caps for immediate relatives)
• Can get U.S. passport
• Can work for federal government
• Eligible for federal benefits
• Can travel with U.S. passport (visa-free to many countries)

It depends on the crime:

• Minor crimes may not prevent naturalization
• Serious crimes (aggravated felonies, crimes involving moral turpitude) may bar naturalization
• Must show good moral character for 5 years (or 3 if married to citizen)
• USCIS reviews entire criminal history

Important: Always disclose all arrests/convictions. Consult immigration attorney if you have criminal record. Some crimes may also affect Green Card status.

Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization):

• For adults applying for citizenship
• Must meet eligibility requirements (5 years Green Card, etc.)
• Requires interview and test

Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship):

• For children who automatically became citizens
• Child must have U.S. citizen parent and meet requirements
• No test or interview required
• Just documents citizenship that child already has

Generally no, you must live in U.S. to naturalize:

• Must be physically present in U.S. for required period
• Must reside in U.S. continuously
• Extended absences may break continuity of residence
• Absences of 6+ months may require explanation

Exceptions: Certain U.S. government employees, researchers, etc. may naturalize while abroad. Most people must be in U.S. to naturalize.

If N-400 is denied:

• You can request hearing with immigration officer
• Or appeal to federal court
• Or refile if circumstances changed
• Your Green Card status remains valid (unless revoked for other reasons)

Common denial reasons: Failed test, insufficient physical presence, criminal issues, abandonment of residence. Address concerns before reapplying.

B1 Visa (Business Visitor):

• Purpose: For business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations)
• Activities allowed: Attending business meetings, conferences, trade shows, contract negotiations
• Cannot: Work or receive payment from U.S. sources
• Duration: Short-term business visits (typically up to 6 months per entry)

B2 Visa (Tourist/Visitor):

• Purpose: For tourism, vacation, visiting family/friends
• Activities allowed: Sightseeing, visiting relatives, medical treatment, recreational activities
• Cannot: Work or study (academic programs require F-1 visa)
• Duration: Typically up to 6 months per entry

B1/B2 Combination Visa:

• Most visitors receive a B1/B2 combination visa that allows both business and tourism
• Gives flexibility to engage in both business and tourist activities during the same trip
• Same validity period and entry rules apply

B1/B2 visa holders are typically admitted for 6 months at the port of entry. The CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officer determines the length of stay based on your purpose of visit.

Key Points:

• Maximum stay: Usually 6 months per entry (determined by CBP officer at port of entry)
• I-94 form: Check your I-94 online to see exact departure date - this is the date you must leave by
• Extension possible: You can request extension using Form I-539 if needed (must file before current stay expires)
• Multiple entries: You can enter multiple times during visa validity period

Important Considerations:

• Frequent long stays: Spending too much time in U.S. (more than 6 months per year) may raise questions about immigrant intent
• Always respect I-94 date: Overstaying can result in 3-10 year ban from re-entry
• Extension processing: Can take 3-6 months - you can stay while application is pending if filed before expiration
• Best practice: Spend more time outside U.S. than inside to maintain non-immigrant intent

Yes, you can apply for extension using Form I-539, but you must:

• File before your current stay expires
• Have a valid reason for extension
• Show you have sufficient funds
• Demonstrate non-immigrant intent

Extension is not guaranteed and processing can take 3-6 months. You can stay while application is pending if filed before expiration.

No, you cannot work on a B1/B2 visa. Working (even unpaid internships) violates your visa status.

What is considered "work":

• Any employment (paid or unpaid)
• Running a business
• Providing services
• Volunteer work that would normally be paid

Allowed activities:

• Business meetings and conferences
• Attending training (if not productive work)
• Tourism and sightseeing