How to Become an American
Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act. When you are naturalized, you agree
to accept all of the responsibilities of being a citizen. In return, you receive all the rights and privileges that are part of citizenship.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Minimum residency and age requirements
- Citizenship application
- Application fee
Instructions
-
-
1
Establish residence in America. You can meet this requirement if you have been married to an American citizen for the last three years and have lived in the U.S. for those three years. Alternatively, if you have been a permanent resident in the U.S. for the past five years, you can also qualify.
-
2
Meet the minimum age requirement. In order to become an American citizen, you will need to be at least 18 years old.
-
-
3
Learn English. You must be able to read, write and speak English.
-
4
Complete an "Application for Naturalization" form N-400, which requires information such as your name, any aliases, Social Security number, date and country of birth, contact information, information for criminal record search and information about residence, employment, time out of the country, marital history, children, affiliations and moral character.
-
5
Submit your N-400 application along with a passport-sized photograph and the application fee to USCIS, P.O. Box 21251, Phoenix, AZ 85036. As of the time of publication, it costs a little under $600. These costs include the naturalization fee, as well as the fingerprinting fees.
-
6
Get your fingerprints taken after receiving a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The letter you receive will indicate where you can be fingerprinted.
-
7
Get interviewed. In order to become an American citizen, you will need to sit down with an immigration official and answer questions about your specific application.
-
8
Take the required tests on your interview day. In order to become a U.S. citizen, you will also need to pass an English test and a test on U.S. government and history.
-
9
Receive an N-652 form in the mail. This is the letter that will let you know if you can become an American.
-
10
Attend your naturalization ceremony where you will take an "Oath of Allegiance to the United States."
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Start studying for your tests well before you take them. There are a lot of test prep resources available online or in a library.
