How to File for American Citizenship

The process of becoming a citizen of the United States is called naturalization.

The United States grants citizenship to immigrants through "naturalization," a process administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The process involves several steps. According to "A Guide to Naturalization," which is available on the USCIS website, the length of time required to complete the naturalization process varies by location, but the agency hopes to decrease the time to an average of six months.

Things You'll Need

• Form N-400
• 2 passport photographs
• Copy of green card
• Naturalization fee

Instructions

1. Review the Guide to Naturalization.

2. Fill out form Form N-400. The form asks questions about your time in the United States and the basis upon which you seek citizenship. Immigrants who are married to a citizen of the United States may begin the naturalization process after three years of permanent residency. For those not married to a U.S. citizen, five years of permanent residency is required.

3. Assemble the N-400 package. Include a copy of the front and back of your green card; two 2-by-2 passport photographs with your name and the A-number from your green card written in pencil on the back; and the filing fee, which as of May 2010 is $675.00. The documents needed vary based on your personal situation and how you have become eligible for naturalization.

4. Send the N-400 package to the U.S. Lockbox facility that holds jurisdiction over the state in which you reside. Await acknowledgement of receipt of your application by USCIS, which will send a notice of action informing you of the acceptance of the application for processing and a time and date for your biometrics appointment.

5. Attend your biometrics appointment. During this appointment fingerprints and a photograph are taken. USCIS uses these to continually verify your identity throughout the process. USCIS schedules an interview appointment once biometrics have been completed.

6. Attend your in-person interview at the specified local USCIS facility. The interview consists of questions about your time in the United States and your willingness to take the oath of citizenship. It also includes an oral test of your English language skills and your general civics knowledge. If the answers satisfy your interviewer, USCIS schedules your naturalization ceremony.

7. Attend the naturalization ceremony and receive your certificate of naturalization.

References

• A Guide to Naturalization