Do you want to become a citizen of the United States of America? Election rights, avoiding deportation, and having great job opportunities are some of the benefits of being a United States citizen. Learn about the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the tests you must pass to become a citizen of the United States.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Meeting Eligibility Requirements
Step 1. Be at least 18 years old
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agency requires you to be at least 18 years of age to apply for naturalization, no matter how long you have lived in the United States.
Step 2. Show proof that you have lived as a United States Permanent Resident for 5 consecutive years
Your Permanent Resident (PR) card or “green card” indicates the date on which you were granted Permanent Resident status. You are entitled to start the naturalization process exactly 5 years from that date.
- If you are married to a United States citizen, you can start this process after living for 3 years with your spouse instead of 5 years.
- If you have previously served in the United States military, you do not need the above requirements.
- If you have been away from the United States for 6 months or more, you should slightly change this time before submitting an application.
Step 3. Be physically present in the United States
In most cases, you cannot apply to become a United States citizen if you are not there.
Step 4. Have a good moral character
USCIS will determine whether you have good moral character based on the following considerations:
- Your criminal record. Criminal acts related to harming others, terrorism, drugs and alcohol may disqualify you from this naturalization process.
- Lying to USCIS about your criminal record will immediately disqualify your application.
- Traffic violations and minor infractions will not disqualify you.
Step 5. Can read
write, and speak English. Tests on this will go hand in hand with your application process.
Applicants of a certain age who have deficiencies will have lighter language requirements
Step 6. Have a basic knowledge of the history and government of the United States
This test will also be given to you.
Applicants of a certain age who have deficiencies will have lighter requirements
Step 7. Demonstrate connection with the constitution
Taking the Oath of Allegiance (a kind of civic oath) will be the final step towards becoming a citizen of the United States. Be prepared to:
- Prepare to leave another nationality.
- Support the constitution.
- Serve the United States, either as a member of the military or in social service.
Part 2 of 3: Submitting a Naturalization Application
Step 1. Submit a citizenship application
Download Form N-400 from www. USCIS.gov (click "Forms"). Fill out the form completely and answer all questions. If you miss filling out, your application will be delayed or rejected, and you will have to process it by filing an appeal.
Step 2. Have two of your personal photos
Purchase a photo with the model as in the passport within 30 days of submitting your application at a location that meets the requirements.
- You will need 2 sheets of color photos printed on thin paper with a white area around the head.
- Your face must be clearly visible and no one should cover your face except because of religious teachings.
- Write your name and "Number" in pencil at the back of the picture.
Step 3. Submit your application to the USCIS Lockbox Facility
Find the address for your area. Include this in your application:
- Your Photos.
- Photocopy of Permanent Resident card.
- Other required documents.
- Application fee (see the "forms" section of the www. USCIS.gov site).
Step 4. Fingerprinting
When USCIS receives your application, you will be asked to come to a certain place for fingerprinting.
- Your fingerprint will be sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where they will conduct a criminal record check.
- If your fingerprint is rejected, you will need to provide additional information to USCIS.
- If your fingerprint is accepted, you will receive a notification by mail about when and where the interview will take place.
Part 3 of 3: Completing the Requirements to become a citizen of the United States
Step 1. Complete the Interview
During the interview, you will be asked a number of things about your application, your background, your character, and your willingness to take the citizenship oath. This interview process also includes:
- English test about reading, writing and speaking.
- A citizenship test where you will be asked about the history of the United States, you must answer at least six questions with correct answers to pass.
Step 2. Wait for the decision
After the interview, your naturalization will be accepted, rejected, or will be processed further.
- If your naturalization is granted, you will be invited to complete the process to become a United States citizen.
- If your naturalization is rejected, you can look to appealing the decision.
- If your naturalization is still being processed further, which is often the case due to the need for additional documents, you will be asked to provide the documents before continuing with the next interview.
Step 3. Attend a naturalization celebration
This celebration is very meaningful because it will mark you officially become a citizen of the United States. In this event, you will
- Answer questions about what you did during the interview.
- Provide your Permanent Resident card.
- Take the oath of citizenship of the United States of America.
- Receive a Certificate of Naturalization, an official document certifying that you have officially become a citizen of the United States.
Tips
- Do not miss an interview without notifying USCIS if you need to reschedule. If you do not attend, your case will be closed and could be delayed for months.
- If you are very fluent in English, you do not need to take another language test during the interview.
- Take time to improve your English speaking and writing skills. If possible, while you are waiting for the application process, brush up on your knowledge of United States history. You can look at various sources on the internet that offer tests like this as well.
- Exceptions to taking language and history exams will be granted to parents who have lived in the United States for more than 15-20 years and are over a certain age.
