About 50 Immigrants Celebrate U.S. Citizenship in Billings Ceremony

Key Takeaways

• Over 818,500 immigrants naturalized in 2024; processing now averages 5.5 months, down from 11.5 months.
• Standard naturalization requires 5 years as a green card holder; spousal eligibility needs 3 years married to a U.S. citizen.
• Naturalization fees total $725; approval rate is over 89% with recent improvements reducing denial rates to 9.99%.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of immigrants take the final step in their journey to become American citizens. The process, known as naturalization, is marked by ceremonies across the United States 🇺🇸—from large gatherings in major cities to smaller, heartfelt events like the recent Billings ceremony in Montana, where about 50 people took the Oath of Allegiance. These ceremonies are more than just formalities; they represent the culmination of years of effort, hope, and commitment. For many, becoming a U.S. citizen opens doors to new rights and opportunities, while also carrying responsibilities that shape the future of the country.

For those considering naturalization, understanding the process, requirements, and recent trends is essential. This comparison will walk you through the main options for becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization, highlight the latest naturalization statistics, and provide a side-by-side look at timelines, costs, and other key factors. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of what to expect and how to decide if now is the right time to apply.

Comparing Naturalization Pathways: Standard vs. Spousal Eligibility

The most common way to become an American citizen is through naturalization as a lawful permanent resident (LPR), often called a green card holder. There are two main paths:

• Standard Eligibility: For most green card holders, you must have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 as a permanent resident for at least 5 years.
• Spousal Eligibility: If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may apply after just 3 years as a permanent resident, provided you meet certain conditions.

Let’s compare these two options in detail:

Key Steps in the Naturalization Process

No matter which path you follow, the steps are the same:

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet the residency, physical presence, and moral character requirements.
2. Submit Application: File Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) online or by mail, including all required documents and fees.
3. Biometrics Appointment: Attend a fingerprinting session for background checks.
4. Interview and Testing: Meet with a USCIS officer for an interview, which includes English language and civics tests. Some applicants may qualify for exemptions based on age or disability.
5. Receive Decision: USCIS will notify you if your application is approved, denied, or continued for more information.
6. Attend Oath Ceremony: If approved, you’ll be invited to a naturalization ceremony—like the Billings ceremony—where you take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a U.S. citizen.
7. Post-Citizenship Steps: Apply for a U.S. passport, register to vote, and update your Social Security records.

Side-by-Side Analysis: Requirements, Timelines, and Costs

Eligibility Requirements

• Residency: Standard applicants must have 5 years as a green card holder; spouses of U.S. citizens need only 3 years.
• Physical Presence: Standard applicants must have been physically present in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least 30 months out of the last 5 years; spousal applicants need 18 months out of the last 3 years.
• Continuous Residence: Both paths require that you have not taken any trips outside the United States 🇺🇸 lasting 6 months or more.
• Good Moral Character: Both groups must show good moral character, which means following the law and meeting community standards.
• English and Civics Test: All applicants must pass an English and civics test, unless they qualify for an exemption.

Timelines

• Application Processing: As of January 2025, the average processing time for naturalization applications is 5.5 months. This is a major improvement from 2021, when the average was 11.5 months.
• Ceremony Scheduling: After approval, you may wait a few weeks to a couple of months for your oath ceremony, depending on your location.
• Total Time from Application to Citizenship: Most applicants can expect the entire process to take about 6–8 months from the time they submit their application.

Costs

• Application Fee: The fee for Form N-400 is $640, plus an $85 biometrics fee (total $725). As of July 2025, there have been no major fee increases.
• Fee Waivers: Some applicants with low income may qualify for a fee waiver or reduction. Details are available on the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.

Naturalization Statistics: Who Is Becoming a Citizen?

According to the latest data:

• 818,500 immigrants became American citizens in fiscal year 2024. This is a 7% decrease from the previous year, but still 12% higher than the pre-pandemic average.
• Application Volume: In 2024, USCIS received 993,120 naturalization applications. Of these, 816,180 were approved and 86,333 denied, resulting in an approval rate of over 89%.
• Monthly Trends: The busiest month was May 2024, with 76,300 new citizens. The slowest was December, with 53,500.
• Demographics: The top countries of birth for new citizens were Mexico 🇲🇽 (13.1%), India 🇮🇳 (6.1%), Philippines 🇵🇭 (5.0%), Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 (4.9%), and Vietnam 🇻🇳 (4.1%).
• Age and Gender: Over 37% of new citizens were aged 30–44, with a median age of 42. Women made up more than 55% of those naturalized.
• Geographic Concentration: 70% of new citizens lived in 10 states, with California, Florida, New York, and Texas leading the way.
• Centenarians: In 2024, 23 people aged 100 or older became citizens.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these naturalization statistics show that the United States 🇺🇸 continues to welcome people from all over the world, with local events like the Billings ceremony reflecting the diversity and strength of the nation’s immigrant community.

Pros and Cons: Standard vs. Spousal Eligibility

Standard Eligibility (5-Year Path)

Pros:
– Available to all green card holders, regardless of marital status.
– No need to prove ongoing marriage to a U.S. citizen.

Cons:
– Longer wait (5 years as a permanent resident).
– Must maintain continuous residence and physical presence for a longer period.

Spousal Eligibility (3-Year Path)

Pros:
– Shorter wait (only 3 years as a permanent resident).
– Allows families to unite and settle more quickly.

Cons:
– Must prove ongoing marriage to a U.S. citizen for the entire 3-year period.
– If the marriage ends before naturalization, you may lose eligibility for the 3-year path and have to wait until you reach 5 years as a permanent resident.

Other Considerations

• Denial Rates: The denial rate for naturalization applications dropped from 11.9% in early 2024 to 9.99% by the end of the year. This improvement is linked to better-prepared applicants and more efficient processing.
• Backlog: As of early 2025, about 9 million green card holders are eligible to apply for citizenship, with the largest numbers in California, New York, Texas, and Florida.
• Policy Changes: The Biden administration has focused on reducing backlogs and speeding up processing times, reversing earlier restrictions and restoring pre-pandemic efficiency.

Recommendations for Specific Circumstances

• If you are married to a U.S. citizen and meet the 3-year requirement: Consider applying as soon as you are eligible. The shorter timeline can help you and your family settle more quickly and access the benefits of citizenship.
• If you are a standard green card holder (not married to a U.S. citizen): Apply as soon as you reach the 5-year mark, especially if you plan to vote or sponsor relatives.
• If you have travel plans or long absences: Be careful not to break the continuous residence or physical presence requirements. Extended trips outside the United States 🇺🇸 can delay your eligibility.
• If you have a criminal record or other concerns: Consult with an immigration attorney before applying, as certain issues may affect your eligibility or lead to denial.

Decision-Making Framework: Is Now the Right Time to Apply?

When deciding whether to apply for naturalization, consider the following:

• Eligibility: Do you meet the residency, physical presence, and moral character requirements?
• Timing: Are you approaching a major life event (such as an election, job opportunity, or family sponsorship) that would benefit from citizenship?
• Cost: Can you afford the application and biometrics fees, or do you qualify for a waiver?
• Processing Times: With average processing now at 5.5 months, applying sooner may help you become a citizen in time for important events.
• Policy Environment: While there are no major fee increases or eligibility changes expected in 2025, future elections or policy shifts could affect the process.

Practical Benefits of Becoming an American Citizen

• Right to Vote: Only citizens can vote in federal elections, giving you a voice in the country’s future.
• Federal Jobs: Many government jobs are open only to citizens.
• Family Sponsorship: Citizens can sponsor more types of relatives for green cards.
• Protection from Deportation: Citizenship provides stronger protection against removal from the United States 🇺🇸.
• U.S. Passport: Citizens can apply for a U.S. passport, making international travel easier.

The Role of Naturalization Ceremonies

Events like the Billings ceremony are a powerful reminder of the meaning of citizenship. Local officials, judges, and community leaders often attend to welcome new citizens and highlight the importance of immigration to American society. These ceremonies are not just about paperwork—they are about joining a community and taking on new responsibilities.

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

• Immigration Advocates: Stress the importance of naturalization for civic engagement and family unity. They encourage eligible green card holders to apply and push for continued improvements in processing.
• Government Officials: Emphasize the role of new citizens in strengthening democracy and the economy.
• Legal Community: Immigration attorneys note the high approval rates and urge eligible applicants to take advantage of the current efficient process.

Looking Ahead: Future Trends and Changes

• Election Year Surges: Application numbers often rise in presidential election years, as new citizens seek to participate in voting.
• Policy Stability: No major changes to fees or eligibility are expected in 2025, but future elections could bring shifts.
• Continued Improvements: USCIS is investing in digital tools and staffing to keep reducing backlogs and wait times.

Where to Find Official Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center. Here, you’ll find eligibility details, application instructions, and resources for preparing for the interview and tests.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The journey to becoming an American citizen is both personal and deeply meaningful. Whether you attend a large ceremony in a major city or a smaller event like the Billings ceremony, the experience marks a new chapter in your life. With processing times at historic lows, high approval rates, and no major fee increases, now is a good time for eligible green card holders to consider applying. Review your eligibility, gather your documents, and take the next step toward joining the millions of American citizens who have made the United States 🇺🇸 their home.

If you have questions or need help, consult the official USCIS website or speak with a trusted immigration attorney. Taking action today can help you secure your future and fully participate in the life of your new country.

Learn Today

Naturalization → The legal process for a green card holder to become a U.S. citizen.
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) → An immigrant authorized to live permanently in the U.S., often called a green card holder.
Form N-400 → USCIS form used to apply for naturalization as a U.S. citizen.
Oath of Allegiance → A pledge taken by immigrants to support and defend the U.S. Constitution upon becoming citizens.
Biometrics → Fingerprinting and other identity checks required during the naturalization application process.

This Article in a Nutshell

Naturalization ceremonies like Billings mark immigrant journeys to U.S. citizenship. With improved processing, clear options, and stable fees, now is a prime time for eligible green card holders to apply for citizenship and embrace new rights and responsibilities.
— By VisaVerge.com