US Passport: order of receipt, expiration date, sample

America is one of the leading countries in economic development. Favorable conditions for business promotion attract businessmen from all over the world. Many immigrants from Russia live in America without citizenship and consider this to be correct. However, the US passport gives its owner a lot of advantages.

Pros of obtaining American citizenship

It is worth noting that a citizen of any country has a whole list of rights that are prescribed in the local Constitution. Those who live in America for a long time, but for some reason do not draw up a US passport, are not considered citizens. So, these are the rights that the US Government gives to the Americans:

1. Voting right.
2. The opportunity to invite members of his family to the US for a facilitated procedure.
3. Access to the system of higher education.
4. Access to the health care system of the United States of America.
5. Possibility of citizenship registration for children born in the US territory.

Counting on getting a lot of rights, one should not forget about duties. A US citizen must swear allegiance to the state, pay taxes; An equally important duty is to register with the Recruitment Service.

Characteristics of the US passport

The passport of a US citizen differs little from a similar Russian document. American crusts are painted in a dark blue color. In the center of the cover is the coat of arms of the United States. On the first spread of the document there is a preamble to the US Constitution, the signature of the passport holder, basic data about the person: name and surname, date and place of birth, five-digit US passport number, and date of issue, validity and gender. Since 2007, the document is made biometric, that is, special services always have the opportunity to verify the identity without the direct participation of the passport owner.

A significant difference from the Russian system of obtaining an identity card is the validity of the US passport. Here it is necessary to explain: a child born in America immediately receives his passport. Thus, the validity period of the document of persons aged up to 16 - 5 years; Adults - 10 years.

How does an alien get a US passport?

There are several ways to obtain American citizenship. Each of them is associated with the concept of "naturalization", that is, the acquisition of citizenship on the basis of long residence in the country. There are several conditions for the implementation of this procedure:

• Achievement of 18 years.
• Status: a foreigner must be a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least five years, that is, be the owner of a green card. This rule has exceptions, for example, spouses of American citizens can apply for naturalization if they stayed in the country for 3 years and preserved the integrity of the marriage. Important: the period of residence must be continuous.
• Knowledge of the language and history of America.
• Good manners, the absence of large convictions, adherence to constitutional principles and respect for the American people.

The process of naturalization

Acquisition of citizenship in this way passes in four stages:

1. Submitting the application.
2. Check for convictions.
3. Interviewing.
4. Oath of allegiance to America.

Naturalization is considered one of the easiest ways to obtain citizenship, as it is freed from paperwork and a lengthy process of formalizing results. The interview stage may seem most disturbing, but you should not be afraid of it: a civil and immigration officer will ask questions about the biography, moral qualities, place and time of residence in the US, as well as loyalty to the American people and willingness to swear to America. During this procedure, the future citizen is given a chance to show knowledge of the language and history - all this is necessary in order to obtain a passport. A sample application and interview plan can be obtained from the Migration Service of America.

Getting a passport on the basis of marriage with a US citizen

This method is rather a variant of the previous one, and the common cases (when the husband and wife live in the Americas together for a long time) were previously considered. But often get an American passport want the spouses of American citizens who work abroad this country, that is not lived in the United States in fact. In this case, the naturalization process is presented in a lightweight form.

The most important requirement for the applicant is his actual presence in the US during the naturalization process. The following requirements remain the same, except for a couple of items:

1. The term of the marriage is not established in a mandatory form.
2. The time of actual residence in the US is not regulated.
3. The applicant must have a green card, but the period of ownership is not established.

Despite the many benefits that the state of America provides, the main point of naturalization - the interview - remains unchanged.

Acquisition of citizenship by servicemen

Some categories of the population can get an American passport for a light procedure. This category includes military and veterans of the US Armed Forces: they can apply for naturalization in accordance with the Immigration Act. This possibility exists only in good faith.

Requirements for those who wish to obtain a US passport in peacetime:

1. Age over 18 years. This rule has no exceptions.
2. An impeccable service in the Armed Forces of America for one or more years, or for a shorter period, but with state awards.
3. Permanent residence in the United States during the process of naturalization for a period of at least five years, or an actual presence for a period of at least 30 months.
4. Knowledge of the English language and American history.
5. Absence of previous convictions and high moral qualities.

The process of obtaining citizenship in the period of military operations is distinguished by the absence of age qualification and the period of residence in the territory of America: it is not strictly regulated.

As a rule, the state considers the application as soon as possible and issues a passport of a US citizen to a serviceman.

Citizenship for the child

Many parents dream of obtaining a US passport. To a child born in the territory of America, citizenship is guaranteed by the Constitution, but parents retain the custody of their native country. Passport registration for a newborn takes 1.5-2 months. It should be noted that under current legislation, a child whose parents are Russian citizens receives dual citizenship.

Interview for citizenship: several tips

Often, immigrants who fully meet the conditions necessary for naturalization, are afraid not to go through the main stage of obtaining citizenship - an interview. Indeed, this is a responsible event, without which it will be impossible to obtain a coveted passport. The sample application is easy to find, the check for the presence of previous convictions is remote, but communication with the examiner is an exciting thing. However, do not tune in to failure: the state of America creates all conditions for the successful delivery of the test.

First, and most importantly - a list of all questions with ready answers. It is issued in two months, so that it is not difficult to learn it.

Second, for those who still doubt their own abilities - on the official website of the US Department of Homeland Security there is a trial version of the test, which can be done at any convenient time.

Third - the Internet is full of videos, which provide detailed information about the interview procedure. At specialized forums you can chat with those who have already passed this stage. For especially unsure there are courses that prepare everyone: you can find them in the libraries of America.

Fourth, it is not necessary to know English perfectly. The owner of the entry level will be able to cope with the tasks.

Acquiring the citizenship of America is an important step in the life of any person. Believe in yourself - and everything will turn out!