Waiting for Citizenship

For most, the path is straightforward: under U.S. law, most born on American soil or to an American parent is a U.S. citizen. Most others must gain citizenship through naturalization, a long and complex process fraught with long waits and bureaucratic pitfalls. This infographic explains the steps most commonly taken by those who have gained citizenship. Keep in mind that for most steps along the way, there are exceptions and conditions specic to a prospects home country or the prospect himself. Overall though, the name of the legal immigration game is waiting--sometimes decades--which is why many opt, or nd themselves forced, to enter the U.S. illegally and remain in the country without documents.

START HERE
Were you born on U.S. soil?
NO YES

Were you born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent?

NO

YES

Congratulations! You are a U.S. citizen! (or are ready to become one!)
Are you a minor?
NO YES

Is one of your parents a U.S. citizen now?

NO

YES

Do you live with your U.S. citizen parent?

NO

YES

Are you married?

NO YES

Were you living as a permanent resident in the U.S. on February 27, 2001?
NO

YES

You can apply for a familysponsored immigrant visa. These are subject to quotas and face long backlogs:
Wait ~7-18 years for an F1 visa. Are you the sibling of a U.S. citizen?
NO

Do you live in the U.S. (legally)?

NO

YES

Are you a permanent resident of the U.S. (ie., do you have a green card)?
NO

YES

YES

Wait ~10-23 years for an F4 visa. Wait ~3-5 years for an F2A visa. Wait ~8-15 years for an F2B visa. Wait ~10-19 years for an F3 visa. Wait ~3-5 years for an F2A visa.
OK

Are you the minor child of a resident?

NO

YES

Are you the unmarried adult child of a resident?

NO

Is your spouse a U.S. citizen?

NO

Do you have a criminal record that would prevent you from obtaining a visa to enter the U.S. legally?
YES NO

YES

YES

With rare exceptions there are no ways for you to enter the U.S. legally. Sorry!

Are you married to a permanent resident?

NO

YES

Once you get your visa, you can start taking steps to get a green card, or permanent residency. Wait a few more years.
OK

You belong to the fast track for a green card. You can get one now through your U.S. citizen parent or spouse.
OK

Can you land a U.S. job which requires special skill so that no U.S. workers can ll it?
NO

You can apply for an employment-based immigrant visa:

YES

You qualify for an EB1 or EB2 visa. Quotas on these permits are never met, so approval is quick. You qualify for an EB5 (investor) visa. Quotas on these permits are never met, so approval is quick. Wait ~6-9 years for an EB3 (skilled worker) visa.

Have you been a permanent resident for the past 5+ years?

NO

YES

Can you pass a citizenship test and pay the $595 naturalization fee?

YES

Can you open a U.S. business that employs at least ten workers?
NO

YES

OK

Have you been living with a U.S. citizen spouse for the past 3+ years?
NO

YES

A Lifetime.
Wait times:

Even if you have American relatives or work in the U.S., it might still take that long for you to get your citizenship. Gaining naturalized U.S. citizenship often involves 4 steps, each with its own wait:
Minimum Most Common Maximum

Are you a worker without a postsecondary degree?

NO

YES

Have you served in the armed forces since 9/11 or during any other conict?
NO

YES

Have you served in the U.S. armed forces with a temporary visa?
NO

YES

Have you served in the armed forces during peacetime for at least one year?
NO

YES

Are you a refugee of a war/disaster or seeking political asylum?

NO

YES

Wait or serve until you have spent the OK required time to apply for naturalization.

Your only option is to enter the yearly lottery of 50,000 diversity visas. Good luck!

You may qualify for a refugee or asylum visa. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or the U.S. State Department can help.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Getting a visa to ENTER the U.S.

Weeks 8 years 20+ years

Getting a green card to LIVE in the U.S.

Weeks 5 years 10+ years

Living with a green card for 3-5 years.

3 years 5 years

Applying for naturalization.

Weeks Months

Total time spent emigrating:

~3 years ~30+ years ~18 years 20+ years