How to Apply for an American Citizenship

Going through the naturalization process will make you a U.S. citizen.

You must be a permanent resident of the United States for at least five years before you may apply for U.S. citizenship. Permanent residency means you have been legally approved to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. A Permanent Resident Card is sometimes referred to as a green card. In addition, you must be 18 years old, of good moral character and have a working knowledge of the English language and American history and government.

Things You'll Need

• Front and back copy of your Permanent Resident Card
• Two identical 2-by-2-inch color photos with your name and Alien Registration number in pencil on the back of each photo
• $675 check or money order payable to the Department of Homeland Security

Instructions

1. Complete the N-400 Application for Naturalization. The application can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website and is listed below under Resources.

2. Gather your documents. You need a front and back copy of your Permanent Resident Card, two identical color photos and a check or money order for $675 payable to the Department of Homeland Security (fee as of May 2010).

3. Mail your N-400 application, Permanent Resident Card copy, photos and filing fee.

   If you reside in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Territory of Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, send your application to:
   USCIS
   P.O. Box 21251
   Phoenix, AZ 85036

   If you reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, send your application to:
   USCIS
   P.O. Box 660060
   Dallas, TX 75266

4. Be fingerprinted. You will receive a notice detailing where and when to report to have your fingerprints taken.

5. Attend and interview. You will receive a notice detailing when and where to report for your interview. Be sure to bring your original Permanent Resident Card and any other documents requested by the interviewer. You will be given English and civics exams, which you must pass to continue in the process. At the end of your interview, you will be told whether or not you qualify at that time to become an American citizen.

6. Attend the citizenship ceremony. You will take the Oath of Allegiance and hand in your Permanent Resident Card. You will be given a Certificate of Naturalization, officially making you an American citizen.

References

• USCIS: How Do I Apply for Citizenship?

Resources

• N-400 Application