Citizenship
Becoming a citizen is when a person not born in the United States chooses to become a citizen through the process of naturalization. Becoming a citizen is a big step for a foreigner that will bring beneficial outcomes. In this section you will find the specific instructions to go through the process of naturalization. Becoming a citizen has many advantages for you and your family. Below, is provided the steps of naturalization.
Step one: seeing if you meet the following basic requirements:
-Be 18 years or older when filing out the Form N-400 (application for naturalization).
-Be a permanent resident (own a “Green Card”) for at least 5 years.
-Provide evidence that you have lived for at least 3 months in the state.
-Present constant residence in the United States for 5 years or more immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
-Exhibit that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
-Know how to read, write, and speak basic English.
-Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government.
-Be a person of good moral character.
-Show an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
If you would like further information about the requirements click here
Step two: Carefully read the directions to complete Form N-400. Gather the required documents to indicate your qualified for naturalization. If you live outside the United States, get 2 passport style photos taken. To make sure you gather all the needed documents use document checklist.
Step three: Once you submit Form N-400, USCIS will send you a receipt. You can check your case processing times and your case status online.
Step four: If applicable, you need to take biometrics (collect your fingerprints, take your photo, and have you sign your name for electronic capture), USCIS will send your biometrics appointment date, time, and location. Once you have your appointment arrive at the location and time given to have your biometrics taken.
Step five: Once all the preparatory processes on your case are finished, USCIS will schedule an interview with you. It is asked that you report to the USCIS office at the date and time on your appointment. You must bring your appointment notice with you to the interview.
Step six: USCIS will send you a written notice of decision.
-If granted-USCIS may approve your Form N-400 if the evidence in your documents establishes that you are qualified for naturalization.
-If continued-USCIS may continue reviewing your application if you need to provide additional evidence/documentation or failed to provide USCIS the correct documents, failed the English and/or civics test the first time.
-If denied-USCIS may deny your Form N-400 if the evidence in your documents establishes you are not eligible for naturalization.
Step seven: Once USCIS granted your Form N-400 you are welcome to attend a naturalization ceremony that takes place on the same day as your interview. If it is not possible to have a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview, USCIS will notify you via email with a date, time, and location of your assigned naturalization ceremony.
Step Eight: Until you have finished the following is when you are considered a United States Citizen:
-Complete the questionnaire on Form N-445 titled Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony.
-Show up for the naturalization ceremony and check in in your local USCIS. Once you arrive a USCIS officer will take a look at your responses to Form N-445.
-Turn in your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
-Take the Oath of Allegiance at your naturalization ceremony.
-Receive your Certificate of Naturalization, review it for any errors.
If you happen to be lost throughout the process, try finding assistance from a eligible attorney or legal service provider. Every case is different, so it is important that you seek professional help from sources you can trust.
It is important to know that the naturalization process can take up to 10.5 months. If you are planning on becoming a citizen and registering to vote, please keep in mind the time it will take for you to receive your results back before you can participate in an election. To know the time it takes in your state to process your case click here.
Step one: seeing if you meet the following basic requirements:
-Be 18 years or older when filing out the Form N-400 (application for naturalization).
-Be a permanent resident (own a “Green Card”) for at least 5 years.
-Provide evidence that you have lived for at least 3 months in the state.
-Present constant residence in the United States for 5 years or more immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
-Exhibit that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
-Know how to read, write, and speak basic English.
-Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government.
-Be a person of good moral character.
-Show an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
If you would like further information about the requirements click here
Step two: Carefully read the directions to complete Form N-400. Gather the required documents to indicate your qualified for naturalization. If you live outside the United States, get 2 passport style photos taken. To make sure you gather all the needed documents use document checklist.
Step three: Once you submit Form N-400, USCIS will send you a receipt. You can check your case processing times and your case status online.
Step four: If applicable, you need to take biometrics (collect your fingerprints, take your photo, and have you sign your name for electronic capture), USCIS will send your biometrics appointment date, time, and location. Once you have your appointment arrive at the location and time given to have your biometrics taken.
Step five: Once all the preparatory processes on your case are finished, USCIS will schedule an interview with you. It is asked that you report to the USCIS office at the date and time on your appointment. You must bring your appointment notice with you to the interview.
Step six: USCIS will send you a written notice of decision.
-If granted-USCIS may approve your Form N-400 if the evidence in your documents establishes that you are qualified for naturalization.
-If continued-USCIS may continue reviewing your application if you need to provide additional evidence/documentation or failed to provide USCIS the correct documents, failed the English and/or civics test the first time.
-If denied-USCIS may deny your Form N-400 if the evidence in your documents establishes you are not eligible for naturalization.
Step seven: Once USCIS granted your Form N-400 you are welcome to attend a naturalization ceremony that takes place on the same day as your interview. If it is not possible to have a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview, USCIS will notify you via email with a date, time, and location of your assigned naturalization ceremony.
Step Eight: Until you have finished the following is when you are considered a United States Citizen:
-Complete the questionnaire on Form N-445 titled Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony.
-Show up for the naturalization ceremony and check in in your local USCIS. Once you arrive a USCIS officer will take a look at your responses to Form N-445.
-Turn in your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
-Take the Oath of Allegiance at your naturalization ceremony.
-Receive your Certificate of Naturalization, review it for any errors.
If you happen to be lost throughout the process, try finding assistance from a eligible attorney or legal service provider. Every case is different, so it is important that you seek professional help from sources you can trust.
It is important to know that the naturalization process can take up to 10.5 months. If you are planning on becoming a citizen and registering to vote, please keep in mind the time it will take for you to receive your results back before you can participate in an election. To know the time it takes in your state to process your case click here.