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| February , 1999 Volume 5, Number 2. HOME
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FILING CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION By K.S.Rai Under the new procedure to file Application for Naturalization, one has to mail the application directly to the regional office of the INS at the following address: California Service Center There is no change in the physical residence requirements. After an applicant has been admitted for permanent residence, he or she must reside in the United States continuously for at least five years before filing an application for naturalization with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. One can file application three months before completing the five years residence requirement. If you have acquired your residence status on the basis of a marriage with an American citizen and you are still married to the same person in that case the physical residence requirement is three years. You can submit your application three months before the completion of three years. In order to meet the physical presence requirements applicant should not be absent for a continuous period of one year or more and should not be out of the United States for a total of more than 30 months during the last five years. New Fee: Effective from January 15, 1999 the new fee for filing Application for Naturalization is $225.00 plus $25 for fingerprints. Fingerprints: With your Application for Naturalization now there is no need to submit fingerprint card. After INS receives your application, the INS will send you an appointment letter with the time and address of your fingerprinting appointment at the nearest INS Application Support Center. Fingerprints are not required if you are below the age of 14 or above 75. February Visa Availability for India Born The bulletin issued by the Visa Office of the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the U.S. Department of States gives the following availability position for the issuance of immigrant visa during the month of February 1999.
The Author Mr. Kripal Rai is a former Visa Specialist, Department of
State. Note: The information and opinion stated in this column should not be construed by readers as legal advice concerning their specific situations. The readers should always consult their legal counsel regarding their individual matters. |
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