How to Get American Citizenship

Obtaining the american citizenship is a long and difficult process.From the moment you become a permanent resident,it can take 3 to 6 years until you can apply from citizenship.

Things You'll Need

• green card

Instructions

1. To apply for American citizenship you need to be a resident for two,three,or five years, depending on the path you have taken to obtain your residency. For example, for people who entered U.S. with a K1 or K3 visa it can take three years, for people admitted in U.S. with a J1/J2 visa it can take five years.

2. From the moment you are given your residency, start counting every day you are outside U.S., because you need to add the days you were outside U.S. to the 2,3 or 5 year period you have to wait until you can apply for citizenship. For example, if you are a resident since 01/01/2006 and you were outside U.S. for a cumulative period of three months, you can't apply for citizenship on 01/01/2011 (if you are among the persons who have to wait 5 years), but on 03/01/2011.

3. When you are ready to apply, you need to obtain form N-400 (you can find it on USCIS website) and the money for fee, in a form of a check. When you fill in the form, be onest about every conviction, arrest, or crime you have committed since you are in the U.S.Your application to naturalisation can be denied if USCIS finds out that you lied on form N-400.

4. Mail your application, including form N-400,fees,and documents required to the correct USCIS location. Make a copy of your application before sending it; do not send originals unless required.

5. Start preparing for the tests you will need to take for naturalization: English language and civics. There are evening classes for citizenship offered free nearby the place you live, you just have to look for them. Attend those classes if you feel it's necessary.

6. In about a month since you sent your application you will receive an appointment letter to biometrics. After biometrics, it can take up to six months until you will receive an appointment letter for interview and tests (English and civics).

7. After you have passed the tests and the interview, you will receive an invitation for the Oath Ceremony. attend the ceremony, take the Oath of Allegiance, and receive you naturalization certificate. Now you can finally apply for an U.S. passport.

Resources

• How to become a U.S. citizen without having a green card