The Path to Citizenship

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "The Path to Citizenship"

Dina Rodgers
5 years ago
Views:

1 The Path to Citizenship Immigration Information for Refugees Resettled in the United States Alana Schriver Omaha Public Schools

2 Important Immigration Documents I-94 - Do not carry original with you; only carry a copy if you need it Social Security Card - Do not carry original or copy; memorize # or save in phone Employment Authorization Document (EAD) - You can carry with you, but also make a copy to keep safe at home Legal Permanent Resident Card ( Green Card ) - You must carry with you, but also make a copy to keep safe at home Citizenship Certificate - Do not carry; keep safe at home Passport - Do not carry; keep safe at home

3 InfoPass Appointments InfoPass is a way to ask immigration questions in person. Schedule an InfoPass appointment online at: Print out the appointment letter Go to the USCIS office at 1717 Avenue H Do not be late Bring your photo ID, the appointment letter, and any pertinent documents/information Bring your own interpreter if needed

4 InfoPass Questions InfoPass workers cannot answer questions about family members living overseas unless you have an active application receipt number for that person. InfoPass appointments are meant for questions related to paperwork for immigrants already living in the U.S.

5 Change of Address It is not a good idea to move to a new address if you have any USCIS applications pending. USCIS documents do not get forwarded by the post office. Mail is returned to USCIS where it is then destroyed. It is possible the person living at your old address may keep or sell your important documents.

6 Change of Address If you absolutely must move during that time period, complete an AR-11, Change of Address form online (for each family member): It is also a good idea to make an InfoPass appointment to ensure they update your information.

7 Fee Waiver Complete form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. This form is on the USCIS website: You will need proof of receiving a means-tested benefit. - Include a letter from DHHS or SSI stating your benefits. You must include the fee waiver request with your USCIS applications. Everyone over age 14 must sign the fee waiver request. You only need to submit one I-912 per family.

8 I-94 The I-94 is the first identification and immigration document you receive. The I-94 is your substitute birth certificate. You will need it until you get your Green Card. You can print replacements online: You need to show your I-94 for: Social Security Card application School enrollment Employment State ID, Learners Permit, and/or Drivers License (for one year) Green Card Application

9 Any questions about the I-94?

Social Security Card Take your I-94 to the Social Security Administration office to apply for a social security card. This should be done within 10 days of arriving in the U.S. You need a social

10 Social Security Card Take your I-94 to the Social Security Administration office to apply for a social security card. This should be done within 10 days of arriving in the U.S. You need a social security card for: Employment Immigration applications Opening a bank account Applying for state IDs Financial aid for college Do not share your social security number over the phone. Do not tell strangers your number. You will keep the same social security number for life.

11 Any questions about the Social Security Card?

12 EAD Card EAD stands for Employment Authorization Document. This means you are legally allowed to work in the U.S. Information on your EAD: Legal Name Date of Birth Country of Birth Alien Number Gender Fingerprint Photo Signature

13 EAD Card You will automatically receive your EAD shortly after your arrival. It will expire in two years. You do NOT need to renew it if you have a Green Card. You might have to renew if an employer requires it and you do not have a Green Card yet. Ask for advice before you renew. It is much better to have a Green Card! Do NOT show an employer unless requested. If you have a Green Card, show that instead. EADs can be used at the DMV for identification when applying for state ID, learners permit, or drivers license.

14 Any questions about the EAD?

15 Green Card The official name for a Green Card is: Legal Permanent Resident Card. It is very important to apply for your Green Card. Refugees should apply for a Green Card after being in the U.S. for one year.

16 Green Card You must complete your immunizations before you apply! Immunizations for the Green Card are free if you complete them at CHI University Clinic within your first year in the U.S.

17 How do I apply for a Green Card? There are three forms you must complete. These are free on the USCIS website: 1. Form G-325a, Biographic Information (if over 14 years) 2. Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status 3. Form I-693, Vaccination Record

18 Green Card Application You MUST include a clear copy of your I-94 Refugees do NOT need to pay the application fee Refugees do NOT need to submit passport photos; these are taken at your biometrics appointment

19 Applying for a Green Card Forms must be completed for each member of the family. Persons under 14 years of age do not need to do G-325a, but do need the other two forms completed. The Vaccination Record form must be signed by a Civil Surgeon. This is a special doctor. There is one at CHI University Clinic. It is better to have professional help completing the application. Paying someone in your community who is not properly trained is risky. If they make a mistake it might take years to fix. Make sure to keep a copy of your application to as a record.

20 What is the Process? 1. Submit the completed application. 2. If your application is accepted, you will receive a letter saying so. If it is not accepted, they will return the application with instructions. 3. Next you will receive a letter with a date and time of your biometrics (fingerprint) appointment. 4. If there are no problems with your fingerprints, you will receive your new Green Card in the mail.

21 Biometrics Appointment Do NOT miss your fingerprinting appointment! Do NOT be late. Appointments are at the Homeland Security Office at 1717 Avenue H on the way towards the airport. The office has security and a metal detector. Do NOT bring extra items. Bring a photo ID, your I-94, and the appointment letter. You will not be allowed in without these items.

22 Please Note! If you want to correct your Date of Birth, you must do it when you apply for your Green Card. You can correct your Date of Birth if you have documented proof of the correct date, or a reliable witness (like your mother) who can verify the correct date in person. If you do not correct the Date of Birth at this time, you cannot change it later.

23 Any questions about applying for a Green Card?

24 Applying for Citizenship Becoming a citizen of the United States is very important. Refugees may apply for Citizenship after they have been in the United States for 5 years. Once you become a citizen: You have the protection of the United States You cannot be deported You can vote You can get a passport and travel freely

25 What is the Process? Complete form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This form is free on the USCIS website: It is a good idea to ask for professional help completing this form. Paying a community member to do it is risky. If they make a mistake it might take years to correct. Make a copy of the completed form and keep as a record. Tell the truth! Trouble with police or taxes will not necessarily prevent you from becoming a citizen. Lying on your application will result in a denial.

26 What Do I Need? A clear copy of the front and back of your Green Card. Two (2) passport-style photos. These can be taken at Walgreens. Write your A number on the back of each photo in pencil. Fee (subject to change) Do not send cash. Use a check or money order. If you are receiving a mean-tested benefit, such as SSI or DHHS economic assistance, you may request a fee waiver.

27 Fee Waiver Complete form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. This form is on the USCIS website: You will need proof of receiving a means-tested benefit. - Include a letter from DHHS or SSI stating your benefits. You must include the fee waiver request with your N-400 application. Everyone over age 14 must sign the fee waiver request. You only need to submit one I-912 per family.

28 I ve Submitted the App, Now What? If there was something wrong with your application, it will be returned to you with instructions. If your application is accepted, you will receive a letter saying so. This letter will also tell you whether or not your fee waiver request was granted. If your application was accepted, you do not need to do anything at this time. Wait for the next letter with your biometrics appointment information.

29 Biometrics Appointment Do NOT miss your fingerprinting appointment! Do NOT be late. Appointments are at the Homeland Security Office at 1717 Avenue H on the way towards the airport. The office has security and a metal detector. Do NOT bring extra items. Bring a photo ID, your I-94, and the appointment letter. You will not be allowed in without these items.

30 Next Step Once you have completed your biometrics appointment, wait for the next letter to come in the mail. This letter will give you an Interview appointment date and time. Do not miss your interview appointment!

31 Does Everyone Have to Do an Interview? Individuals with physical or developmental disabilities or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, 12 months or more are not required to complete an interview. * Not all disabilities will qualify for exemption * If you do not have proof of a disability (such as SSI approval) but would like to be considered for an exemption, you can have a doctor complete the N-648 form, Medical Certification for Disability Exemption:

Does Old Age Qualify as an Exemption? Simply being older will not exempt you from the interview. There are guidelines: If you are age 50+ and have been in the U.S. 20+ years If you are age 55+ and have been in the U.

32 Does Old Age Qualify as an Exemption? Simply being older will not exempt you from the interview. There are guidelines: If you are age 50+ and have been in the U.S. 20+ years If you are age 55+ and have been in the U.S. 15+ years If you have a memory issue related to old age, you can have a doctor complete the N-648 form to be considered for a medical exemption

33 Citizenship Interview You cannot use an interpreter. (Except sign language) Go to the USCIS office, 1717 Avenue H, at the scheduled time. Bring your Green Card, appointment letter, and anything else requested in the letter. You will be going through security and a metal detector. Do not bring unnecessary items.

34 Citizenship Interview At the interview: They will ask you questions about your application and background. They will give you an English test (oral and written). They will give you a civics test (American history, current political positions, etc.) They will tell you right away if you have passed or not.

35 Study Study Study! You should start studying for the civics tests months before your interview date. There are 100 possible questions. There is no way to know exactly which questions they will ask, so you need to know the answers to all 100 questions. Free study materials and descriptions of the tests are available on the USCIS website. You may also go to the USCIS office and request materials. Go to Citizenship class and practice. There are many free class locations and times around Omaha.

36 Citizenship Ceremony If you pass the interview, you will receive a Ceremony Date. Do not miss your Ceremony! Go to the USCIS office 1717 Avenue H Bring your Green Card You may invite your family and friends Adults will need photo ID to get through security You may bring a camera

37 Citizenship Ceremony At the ceremony: You will take the Oath of Allegiance. This means you are giving up citizenship and allegiance to your home country and swearing to be a U.S. citizen. You will receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Take this certificate to the Social Security Administration office to update your status (everyone, not just SSI recipients). If you receive DHHS benefits, submit a copy of the certificate to them as well. Congratulations! You are now a U.S. Citizen!

38 Any questions about Citizenship?

U.S. Citizenship by Birth in U.S., Territories & Possessions

U.S. Citizenship by Birth in U.S., Territories & Possessions As mentioned above, there are two ways for a person to become a US citizen. The first is by operation of law where no specific act by the individual is required. This would include birth in the US, or