U.S. Citizenship—How to Apply

APPLYING   FOR   AMERICAN  CITIZENSHIP  FABB RECOMMENDS YOU BECOME A US CITIZEN.  A British-American with dual passports! The publisher of this website has been a US citizen, a proud British-American,  since 1996.  Life becomes much easier for you in several ways.  You cannot be deported for any reason.  You can vote!  Also, the USA government can seize part of your estate if you die here as a non-citizen.  Ask your Florida accountant for the specifics on that.  I became a US citizen in 1996—wise move!   I wrote a widely circulated article on my moving experience in my Florida column for Union Jack Newspaper.  Thousands of Brits in Florida have become US citizens.  You DO NOT have to give up your British passport.  Ever. Let’s face it, we Brits wouldn’t be keen to take US citizenship if that were the case!   The citizenship swearing-in ceremony [mine was in Miami] was quite touching. We left with a letter from the President –Bill Clinton in my case–congratulating us on becoming US citizens.  I liked the way American authorities genuinely welcome you as a new citizen, poised to make a new contribution to their country.  —PK,  FABB President

►  WHEN TO APPLY:    You are only eligible to apply for US citizenship if you have had your Green Card for 5 years.   [Or 3 years if still married to a US citizen].   TIME-SAVING TIP:    Submit your application 2 months before that date, to get the clock ticking!   NOTE:   Britons keep both passports and become dual British-American citizens.  You do NOT relinquish your UK passport ……..ever!  

    HOW TO APPLY—2 ways

1] Recommended:  Use FABB’s Immigration experts at Legal Immigration experts to save all the paperwork, hassle, potential filing snafus and your own precious time.  Some things are just worth paying for.  FABB’s immigration experts, British run law firm with British staff and clients, who understand YOU better, charge a reasonable flat rate fee to handle all the work.  Go to the page called  IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY WE RECOMMEND on this website and contact Legal Immigration Services.  Ask for British office manager Matt Selby in the first instance.  In the USA call him direct on his cell [954] 603-7769. Ask about applying for US Citizenship—he will answer all your questions.   Or send email to greencard@legalimmigrationservices.net  On subject line put:  “US Citizenship query.” 

2]  Do it Yourself.  Get the Citizenship application forms and instructions on what to submit—photos/filing fees etc. from the US Homeland Security official website www.uscis.gov    Click on Apply for Citizenship.  Or get  Citizenship forms direct by calling the Government’s hotline 1-800-375-5283.     

►  AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN SWORN IN AS A USA CITIZEN—-GET AN AMERICAN PASSPORT:   You can apply for it online, download forms, renew etc. via  http://www.travel.state.gov/passport.  Or call the National Passport Information Center: 1-877-487-2778.   To find your nearest US passport office consult   http://iafdb.travel.state.gov and enter your zip code.    

£$TIP:  WANT TO SAVE WHEN TRANSFERRING over UK CURRENCY?   DON’T USE YOUR BANK!  Use Moneycorp.  [ I use Moneycorp myself–FABB President.] TO FIND OUT MORE:    Phone Moneycorp’s Kelly Cutchin on  [863] 207-6616 at their USA HQ in Orlando to ask all your questions.  Or email your query to kelly.cutchin@moneycorp.com  On subject line put” “to Kelly-FABB query.” The pound is unpredictable.   That affects all expats in Florida who still have UK dealings. To transfer your precious funds, we highly recommend you use the services of Moneycorp.  At lower rates than any bank!  This will save you fees and grief, as we Londoners say!  What your own bank won’t do is save considerable  exchange fees, like Moneycorp.   THE BEST WAY:   Moneycorp, the UK company with an office in Florida and droves of satisfied Florida clients. It is the only UK currency exchange company licenced to deal in 50 states.   Many expat Brits here have used this currency service for years and report huge savings and satisfaction.    for details.  Moneycorp’s HQ is in England.   Posted by the Florida Association of British Business [FABB].  Moneycorp have been trusted members since 2005.