Becoming a U.S. citizen is a dream for many immigrants, including Nigerians seeking opportunities, stability, and a sense of belonging in the United States.

The process of obtaining U.S. citizenship involves several steps, each requiring time, dedication, and adherence to legal guidelines.

This detailed guide provides insights tailored for Nigerian immigrants who aspire to achieve this significant milestone in 2024.

The Basics of U.S. Citizenship

U.S. citizenship offers numerous benefits, including the right to vote, eligibility for federal jobs, and the ability to sponsor family members for immigration.

There are primarily two ways to become a U.S. citizen as a Nigerian immigrant:

Naturalization: This is the process most immigrants follow. It requires you to meet specific eligibility criteria after holding permanent resident (green card) status.

Citizenship by Birth or Derivation: If you were born in the U.S. or to U.S. citizen parents, you may already be a citizen. For others, derivation through parents may apply in certain situations.

For most Nigerian immigrants, the naturalization route is the most relevant.

Benefits of becoming a US citizen

Becoming a U.S. citizen offers numerous benefits that can positively impact your personal, professional, and financial life. Here are some key advantages:

1. Full Voting Rights

U.S. citizens can vote in federal, state, and local elections, giving you a voice in shaping the policies and leadership of the country.

2. Ability to Run for Public Office

Many elected positions, especially at the federal level, are open only to U.S. citizens.

3. Stronger Immigration Benefits for Family Members

U.S. citizens can sponsor more family members (e.g., parents, siblings, married children) for green cards compared to permanent residents.

Spouses and unmarried children often have shorter wait times for visas.

4. Protection from Deportation

U.S. citizens cannot be deported, even if they commit certain legal violations. This offers more security than holding a green card.

5. U.S. Passport

A U.S. passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries and ensures assistance from U.S. embassies when traveling abroad.

6. Access to Federal Jobs

Many government jobs and positions requiring a security clearance are available only to U.S. citizens.

7. Ability to Serve on a Jury

U.S. citizens are eligible to serve on a jury, a fundamental aspect of participating in the justice system.

8. Right to Work Anywhere

U.S. citizens can work in any field without restrictions that sometimes apply to permanent residents.

9. Eligibility for Federal Grants and Scholarships

Some federal financial aid programs, scholarships, and grants are available only to U.S. citizens.

10. Easier Travel and Re-entry

U.S. citizens can spend unlimited time abroad without losing their citizenship, unlike permanent residents who may risk their green card if they are absent for extended periods.

11. Right to Citizenship for Children

Children born to U.S. citizens (even abroad) generally acquire U.S. citizenship automatically.

12. Civic and Community Engagement

Citizenship often fosters a deeper sense of belonging and allows greater participation in your community.

13. Financial and Tax Benefits

U.S. citizens are often better positioned to navigate financial systems, such as acquiring certain loans and investments, though they also need to adhere to worldwide income tax obligations.

Obtain Permanent Resident Status

Before applying for U.S. citizenship, you must first become a lawful permanent resident. The common pathways include:

Family Sponsorship: If you have a relative who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor you.

Employment-Based Immigration: Skilled professionals can apply through employment sponsorship. Nigeria has a significant number of professionals, particularly in fields like healthcare and IT, who qualify for this route.

Diversity Visa Lottery: Nigerians are ineligible for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program as of 2024 because Nigeria has high rates of immigration to the U.S. However, individuals married to eligible applicants can still apply as dependents.

Asylum or Refugee Status: If you fear persecution in Nigeria due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group membership, you may qualify for asylum or refugee status.

Citizenship by Naturalization and Eligibility Requirements

Naturalization is one of the pathways to becoming an American citizen, however,

to apply for naturalization, you must fulfill the following criteria:

Age: You must be at least 18 years old.

Permanent Residency Duration: You must have held a green card for at least five years. If married to a U.S. citizen, the requirement is reduced to three years.

Physical Presence: You must have spent at least 30 months (2.5 years) in the U.S. during the five years before your application.

State Residency: You must reside in the state or USCIS district where you plan to apply for at least three months.

Good Moral Character: You should not have a criminal record or other issues that could disqualify you.

Prepare for the Naturalization Process

Here’s what the process entails:

a. Form N-400: Application for Naturalization
Complete Form N-400 online or via mail. Pay the application fee, which is $640, plus an $85 biometric services fee. Fee waivers or reductions are available for low-income applicants.

b. Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, you’ll receive a notice for a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be collected for background checks.

c. Citizenship Interview
You will attend an interview with a USCIS officer, who will review your application and test your English language skills and knowledge of U.S. civics.

d. Citizenship Test
The citizenship test includes:

English Test: Tests your ability to read, write, and speak basic English.

Civics Test: Covers U.S. history, government, and civic principles. The USCIS provides study materials to help you prepare.

Prepare for the Oath of Allegiance

After successfully passing the interview and tests, USCIS will notify you of your approval and schedule your naturalization ceremony. During this ceremony, you’ll take the Oath of Allegiance, completing the process and becoming a U.S. citizen.

Citizenship by Birth or Derivation Eligibility requirements

U.S. citizenship can be obtained at birth or through derivation under specific circumstances. Below are the eligibility requirements for each:

1. Citizenship by Birth

U.S. citizenship is automatically granted to individuals born under the following conditions:

a. Born in the United States or Its Territories

If you were born in the U.S. (including states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands), you are a U.S. citizen regardless of your parents’ citizenship status.

Exception: Children of foreign diplomats are not granted U.S. citizenship at birth.

b. Born Outside the U.S. to U.S. Citizen Parents

You are a U.S. citizen at birth if:

Both parents are U.S. citizens and at least one parent lived in the U.S. or its territories before your birth.

One parent is a U.S. citizen, and:

That parent lived in the U.S. for at least five years before your birth, with at least two of those years being after the age of 14.

2. Citizenship by Derivation

Citizenship can also be derived automatically through a parent under the following conditions:

a. Requirements for Minors (Children)

The child must be under 18 years old.
At least one parent must be a U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization).
The child must reside in the U.S. under the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent.
The child must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

b. Adopted Children

Adopted children may derive U.S. citizenship if they meet the requirements of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, including the establishment of a legal parent-child relationship with the U.S. citizen parent.

Key Documents for Proof of Citizenship

For birth in the U.S.: Birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory.

For birth abroad to U.S. citizens: Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), Certificate of Citizenship, or other documentation.

For derived citizenship: A Certificate of Citizenship or naturalization documentation of the parent(s).

Understanding these pathways ensures that individuals can secure documentation of their U.S. citizenship if eligible. If there are specific cases or situations, legal advice or assistance from a U.S. immigration attorney may be helpful.

Overcoming Challenges as a Nigerian Immigrant

Nigerian immigrants may face unique challenges in the naturalization process. Here’s how to address them:

Documentation Issues: Ensure all your Nigerian documents (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates) are accurate and translated into English if needed.

Language Barriers: If English is not your first language, consider enrolling in English classes to improve your proficiency for the interview and test.

Cultural Adjustment: Engage with Nigerian-American communities for support and resources to ease your transition.

Special Considerations for Nigerian Immigrants

Dual Citizenship: Nigeria allows dual citizenship, so you can retain your Nigerian citizenship after becoming a U.S. citizen. However, be aware of potential legal and tax obligations in both countries.

Spousal and Family Sponsorship: Once a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and siblings for immigration. This is particularly beneficial for Nigerians with large extended families.

Community Support: Leverage Nigerian cultural associations and diaspora organizations in the U.S., such as the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, to navigate challenges and find mentorship.

Can I apply for naturalization if I was recently married to a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you’ve been married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years and meet other eligibility requirements.

How long does the naturalization process take in 2024?
The process typically takes 8–12 months, but it may vary based on USCIS caseloads and application accuracy.

Can I travel outside the U.S. while waiting for my application to be processed?
Yes, but ensure your travel does not affect your physical presence requirement or delay any appointments

Steps to Take After Becoming a Citizen

After becoming a U.S. citizen, consider the following:

Obtain a U.S. Passport: Apply for a passport to travel internationally with ease.

Register to Vote: Participate in elections at all levels of government.

Update Social Security and Legal Documents: Notify relevant agencies and institutions of your new status.

How long does it take to become a US citizen from Nigeria?

A noncitizen must spend at least 5 years as a lawful permanent resident to be eligible for naturalization, while a spouse of a US citizen must spend at least 3 years as a lawful permanent resident.

What is the easiest way to immigrate to US from Nigeria?

There are generally four paths to immigrate from Nigeria, and each has their requirements and procedures, you can immigrate through;

Family visa
Student visa
Work visa, etc.

What is the easiest way of become a US citizen?

By marrying a US citizen, and having your spouse file for your I-30 and I-485 for your permanent residency or by joining the military.

However, obtaining citizenship after having a green card is the most common route for the vast majority of naturalization applicants.

Can Nigerians apply for US green card?

Nigerians applying to become a US permanent resident must fit into one of the following categories; Green card through employment, Green card through registry. Green card through family.

Can I move to America without a job?

Immigration to the USA without a job offer can be achieved family visa, study visa, or investment immigration options such as the US EB-5 visa program, which allows an applicant to obtain US residency via investment and job creation in the US.

How long can a Nigerian stay in the US?

Nigerian citizens can visit the US for up to 6 months at a time according to the B1 B2 visa rules. Individuals who wish to extend their stay after 6 months can make an application for a visitor visa renewal.

Does the US recognize Nigerian marriages?

The United States has no national registration of marriages, foreign or domestic. The US states recognize marriages performed in other states and in other countries.

If your marriage was legally performed in the country or state where you got married, then the marriage is recognized in the United States.

Seek Legal Assistance When Needed

The naturalization process can be complex. Consider hiring an immigration attorney or seeking help from accredited nonprofit organizations like Catholic Charities or the African Services Committee.

Conclusion

Becoming a U.S. citizen as a Nigerian immigrant is an achievable goal, provided you understand the process and meet the requirements.

With careful planning, preparation, and perseverance, you can successfully navigate this journey and unlock a future filled with opportunities and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen.