Becoming a United States citizen is a significant and rewarding journey. If you were not born a U.S. citizen, the path to citizenship is known as naturalization. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring you understand how to become a U.S. citizen and are well-prepared for your application.
Step 1: Determine Your U.S. Citizenship Status
Before starting the naturalization process, it’s crucial to confirm whether you are already a U.S. citizen. U.S. citizenship can be acquired at birth or automatically derived from parents after birth in certain circumstances.
What to do: If you are unsure about your citizenship status because you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or believe you may have acquired citizenship through your parents, you should research the criteria for citizenship at birth abroad or derivative citizenship. If you confirm that you are not a U.S. citizen by birth or derivation, proceed to the next step to learn how to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship
Naturalization has specific eligibility requirements that you must meet to apply. It’s important to review these requirements carefully to determine if you are eligible to become a U.S. citizen.
What to do: Utilize the Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet provided by USCIS. This worksheet is designed to help you assess your eligibility based on factors such as age, residency, physical presence in the U.S., and good moral character. Carefully go through each section of the worksheet to understand if you meet the necessary criteria before you begin your application for naturalization.
Step 3: Prepare and File Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
The cornerstone of your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen is Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This form gathers essential information about your background and eligibility.
What to do: Access and carefully read the detailed instructions for Form N-400. You have the option to complete and submit this form online, which can streamline the process. To begin, create a free USCIS online account. Gather all necessary documents that substantiate your eligibility for naturalization, such as proof of permanent residency (Green Card), marital status documents, and evidence of continuous residence. If you are living outside the United States, you will need to obtain two passport-style photos that meet USCIS specifications. Refer to the document checklist to ensure you have compiled all required documentation before submitting your application.
Alt text: Form N-400 Application for Naturalization form cover page, the document required to apply for US citizenship.
Step 4: Submit Form N-400 and Pay the Filing Fees
Once you have completed Form N-400 and gathered all supporting documents, the next step is to officially submit your application to USCIS and pay the necessary fees.
What to do: Submit your Form N-400 either online through your USCIS account or by mail, depending on your eligibility and preference. Online filing is generally recommended for faster processing and ease of tracking. You can conveniently pay the filing fees online using a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer through the USCIS online payment system. After submitting your form, USCIS will issue a receipt notice, confirming they have received your application. Keep this receipt notice for your records as it contains your case number, which you will use to check case processing times and monitor your case status online. Regularly checking your case status will provide updates on the progress of your naturalization application.
Step 5: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment (If Required)
Biometrics collection is a standard procedure for most naturalization applicants, involving fingerprinting, photographing, and signature collection to verify your identity and conduct background checks.
What to do: If biometrics are required for your application, USCIS will send you a biometrics appointment notice. This notice will specify the date, time, and location of your appointment, usually at a USCIS Application Support Center. It is crucial to attend this appointment as scheduled. Arrive on time with your appointment notice and a valid photo ID, such as your Green Card or driver’s license. During the appointment, a USCIS officer will collect your biometrics. Ensure you follow all instructions provided by the officer during your biometrics appointment.
Alt text: USCIS Biometrics Appointment Notice example, detailing appointment information for identity verification in the US citizenship process.
Step 6: Complete the Naturalization Interview
The naturalization interview is a critical step in the process where a USCIS officer will assess your eligibility, review your application, and test your English and civics knowledge.
What to do: Once USCIS has completed the preliminary processing of your case, they will schedule a naturalization interview. You will receive an appointment notice with the date, time, and location of your interview at a USCIS office. It is essential to bring this appointment notice with you to the interview, along with your Green Card and any other documents USCIS has requested or that could support your application. During the interview, be prepared to answer questions about your Form N-400, personal history, and background. The officer will also administer the English and civics tests, unless you qualify for an exemption. The English test includes speaking, reading, and writing portions, while the civics test covers U.S. history and government. Study for these tests using the resources provided by USCIS to ensure you are well-prepared.
Step 7: Receive a Decision on Your Form N-400
After the interview, USCIS will review all gathered information and evidence to make a decision on your Form N-400 application.
What to expect: USCIS will send you an official notice of their decision by mail. If you filed your application online, you may also be able to access an electronic notice in your USCIS account. There are three possible decisions:
- Granted: If USCIS approves your Form N-400, it means they have determined that you meet all eligibility requirements for naturalization based on the evidence and information provided. You will then be scheduled for the Oath of Allegiance ceremony.
- Continued: USCIS may continue your application if they require additional evidence or documentation from you, if you did not provide the correct documents, or if you did not pass the English and/or civics test during your first attempt. In this case, USCIS will specify what you need to do next, such as providing more evidence or rescheduling for a second interview and testing.
- Denied: If USCIS denies your Form N-400, it means they have found that you do not meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization. The denial notice will explain the reasons for the denial and inform you about the possibility of appealing the decision.
Step 8: Receive Notice of the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony
The Oath of Allegiance ceremony is the final and most celebratory step in becoming a U.S. citizen.
What to expect: If your Form N-400 is approved, USCIS will notify you about your Oath of Allegiance ceremony. In some cases, you may be able to participate in a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview if scheduling permits. If a same-day ceremony is not available, USCIS will mail you a notice with the date, time, and location of your scheduled ceremony. This notice is crucial, so keep it safe and bring it with you to the ceremony. If you applied online, you might also receive an electronic notice in your account.
Alt text: Group of new US citizens taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony, symbolizing the final step to US citizenship.
Step 9: Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
Taking the Oath of Allegiance is the act that officially makes you a U.S. citizen. Until you take this oath at a naturalization ceremony, you are not yet a U.S. citizen.
What to do:
- Complete Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony Questionnaire. This form asks questions about your activities since your interview to ensure you remain eligible for naturalization.
- Report to your naturalization ceremony at the scheduled date, time, and location, and check in with USCIS officials. A USCIS officer will review your completed Form N-445.
- Surrender your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) as you are transitioning from a permanent resident to a U.S. citizen.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance in front of a USCIS officer or a judge.
- Receive your Certificate of Naturalization immediately after taking the oath. This certificate is proof of your U.S. citizenship. Carefully review your Certificate of Naturalization for any errors before leaving the ceremony site and notify USCIS of any necessary corrections right away.
Step 10: Understand the Rights and Responsibilities of U.S. Citizenship
Congratulations! You are now a U.S. citizen. Citizenship comes with both rights and responsibilities.
Explore your role as a U.S. citizen: Citizenship is a unifying bond among all Americans. As a new citizen, familiarize yourself with the important rights and responsibilities that all U.S. citizens share. Exercise your rights, honor your responsibilities, and actively participate in your community and country.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information and resources about how to become a U.S. citizen, visit the official USCIS website:
- USCIS Citizenship Resource Center
- Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet (Form M-480)
- Document Checklist (Form M-477)
- Check Case Processing Times
- USCIS Case Status Online
- Naturalization Ceremonies
- The Naturalization Oath of Allegiance
- Rights and Responsibilities of U.S. Citizens
