If you’ve been following this blog for a while you may know that I have been established here for a while. I’ve been a Permanent resident for years before finally going for Citizenship. Prior to my Citizenship, I wondered why others waited so long to go get it. Yet here, I am same boat.
Here are a few reasons why others may have waited:
- They didn’t feel it was the right time – some may just want to get Citizenship right away as soon as the condition of Temporary Resident is lifted. But others may take into consideration the fact that while they are here, there’s something to becoming a Citizen of another country they were not born in
- Money – Becoming a Citizen comes with a fee of clothes to $1,000. Yea, they say nothing is free and they actually mean it.
- Oh, and let’s not forget the test – There is a test involved. Becoming a Citizen requires studying a test of 100 questions only to be given Ten random at the Citizenship appointment. Maybe some just can’t bring themselves to start studying or learning the questions and answers.
- Unforeseen Circumstances – Things just keep getting in their way every time they make a step into becoming a Citizen.
When my Permanent Resident card was about to expire, we decided to go for Citizenship. That was not a random decision, it was already a continuous conversation of when to or when not.
The Process to Becoming a U.S. Citizen
From my experience, the process to becoming a U.S. citizen went something like this:
- Get married to an American (no, not for residency purposes. He chose me, lol. And by chose me, I mean from allllll the way in the Caribbean!
- Given Temporary Residency and a Work Permit from the Immigration – No, they don’t just get your info once you’re married automatically send you those, I had to submit papers and application. Temporary residency was for 8 months, I believe. It’s like a test drive. They give you some time and then after you’ve passed the test, you can get something more permanent.
- Permanent Residency – Apply for Permanent Residency after 2 years, I believe the condition was.
- Citizenship when ready.
I think I’m still processing everything. I’ve been here as a Permanent Resident for quite sometime now and have basically “lived as a citizen” so it doesn’t feel as an extreme change in many ways. It has already been feeling like my childhood dreams came through. Plus I didn’t come here as a result of trials and turmoil in my original country so the meaning of this may hit a little differently for others.
But with that said, this is a big deal for me & I’m beyond grateful & happy to finally have it done and to know that there’s extra security for my family….. Also, grateful for the freedoms and opportunities this country has to offer, including being able to “serve” and vote and do a little more than was required as a Permanent Resident.
My family were a great support and made the day feel happy!
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27).
