How to Become a Citizen of the U.S.

Citizenship can be gained through naturalization after a period of legal residency.

There are only two ways to become an U.S. citizen: by birth or naturalization. All those born on U.S. soil or born to American citizens are automatic citizens of the United States. Americans born abroad need merely to obtain a birth certificate abroad from a U.S. foreign consulate general or apply for proof of citizenship later in life through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Those without blood connection to the United States must, however, naturalize through a period of legal residency to become a U.S. citizen.

Instructions

1. Obtain a permanent visa (also known as green card). There are only a few visas that can result in a green card; these include fiancé(e) or marriage visas, family visas, permanent work visas, visas for refugee status holders and visas won in a lottery. Student visas, temporary work visas or tourist or exchange visas cannot adjust into a green card.

2. Fulfill the residency period required for citizenship. Only green card holders who complete five years of residency (three for spouses of U.S. citizens) are eligible to apply for citizenship. Residency implies actually being physically present in the United States; any green card holder who is absent from the United States for a period of one year or more without obtaining both a re-entry permit (I-131) and an application to maintain residential status (N-470) are disqualified for citizenship and must complete the five year "streak" over again (if you leave the U.S. for one year or more without a re-entry permit, you could lose your green card, resulting in deportation).

3. Live lawfully and maintain good moral character. Citizenship applicants are also required to prove during their residency period that they are lawful citizens by complying with all state and federal laws. Being convicted of a crime is a great handicap on a citizenship application and will likely result in the denial of your application and even possible deportation. You must also prove that you can financially support yourself and your dependents and have clean tax records.

4. Complete the citizenship application form N-400 Application for Naturalization. N-400 can be found at the USCIS website. Refer to the resources section below for a link to application information. The form must be completed legibly and truthfully.

5. Send the form along with a photocopy of your green card and the $680 ($595 fee plus required $85 biometrics fee, as of June 2010) application fee in the form of check or money order made payable to the Department of Homeland Security to one of the two USCIS lockbox locations. Where to mail the application to is dependent on your state of residence. Refer to the resources section below for a list of states and their appropriate mailing locations.

6. Attend the application interview. After you application is received and approved, you will be solicited by the USCIS (it will contact you; do not contact it to schedule an appointment) to attend a citizenship interview. At the interview you must submit a biometrics exam as well as your original green card. Simultaneously you must take and pass a proficiency examination in English language and basic U.S. civics (governance and history).

7. Pledge the oath of allegiance to the flag. If you pass the interview and examinations you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony. Ceremony attendance is mandatory. The ceremony involves both an oath of allegiance to the United States as well as recital of the pledge to the flag. After the oath, your certificate of citizenship is granted.

References

• USCIS: A Guide to Naturalization
• USCIS: I-131 Application for Travel Document

Resources

• USCIS: N-400 Application for Naturalization