Question: What to Do If Your Citizenship Application is Denied?

When one's citizenship application is denied, he will still be a lawful permanent resident but will not become lawfully recognized as a U.S. citizen. He can try correcting the reason for the denial and reapply again.

But one should worry so much because denied applications are reconsidered by the USCIS. During the process of re-application for US citizenship, you will be required to submit a copy of your denied application or you must inform the USCIS about the details on the first attempt on citizenship application. Stating the reason for denial is also needed for further verification. You can always retain a copy of the form that you file and the mailing proof for your reference. If you meet all the eligibility requirements for citizenship, you will be called to submit only the finger prints, if you have already passed the civics and English tests.  

Then the USCIS will review your entire file to check for any fraudulent information. If your file seems to contain false information, then your application will be denied. Other reasons for denied applications are lack of good moral character, low knowledge of English, and civics and criminal convictions. 


GROUNDS for DENIED CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION

English and Civics Tests

One of the common reasons or the rejection of citizenship applications is the inability to write, speak and read English. The citizenship interview and exam is done in English. However, you can request a waiver for this if you,
*are a Green card holder (lawful Permanent Resident) in the US for the past 20 years; and you are above 50 years old.
*are 55 years old and you have been a Lawful Permanent Resident in the USA for 15 years.
*have mental or physical disability which disallows you from taking the test. Provided that there is a letter signed by registered doctor.  
 
If you fail in the test, you will still be a permanent resident, and you can still take up the English and the Civics test for the second time after 90 days from the first test.


Good Moral Character

Lack of Good Moral Character also leads to a denial of citizenship. If your application has been denied for this reason, you can reapply after 5 years, developing proof of your good moral character.


Criminal Convictions

If the applicant is found to be a criminal, the application is most likely to be denied. And to those who have committed grave crimes, deportation will take place. However, applicants that are convicted of a less serious crime can reapply after 5 years from the date of offense. 


Under certain circumstances when your application is still denied for any other reasons aside from the above mentioned, you can try solving the issues and then re-file an application for citizenship. Seek for a professional help this time to for a better understanding of the process.