How to Obtain Citizenship

Adults and children take an Oath of Allegiance, the final step in the path to becoming an American citizen.

Almost everyone in the United States is a descendant of an immigrant. For generations, people from all around the world have arrived here to pursue new opportunities, and eventually, many of them have reached the goal of U.S. citizenship. Citizens enjoy benefits that other residents do not have, such as voting, obtaining a U.S. passport and having the peace of mind that comes with truly belonging to a place. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services department works with people to make the naturalization process as smooth as possible.

Things You'll Need

• N-400 Application for Naturalization, Department of Homeland Security

Instructions

Obtaining Citizenship Through Naturalization

1. Determine if you are eligible to apply for citizenship. Permanent residents of the U.S. over the age of 18 must show proof of continuous residence in the country for five years; additionally, you have to show that you have been physically in the U.S. for 30 months. (Spouses of U.S. citizens may have shorter residency requirements.)

2. Fill out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or by calling 1-800-870-3676. The form asks for information about your family members, jobs and residences, marital history, recent foreign trips, group affiliations and criminal background. Complete the form honestly. You are given a chance to explain yourself if you have anything questionable in your history.

3. Submit the form, two passport photos, all necessary documentation and the filing fee. Read through the document checklist that comes with the form to make sure you have included everything necessary for the application. The address for filing depends on your state, so check your application materials.

4. Once your application has been received, you will receive a letter from the USCIS giving you an appointment time and date to get your fingerprints taken. Contact the office if you need to schedule a different time.

5. It will usually take a few months before you are called in for a citizenship interview. You will have to take English and civics tests when you go in, so try preparing while you wait for your appointment time. The tests ask questions about U.S. history and government and assess your knowledge of English. Don't worry; you don't have to be an expert to know the answers. The USCIS website actually has plenty of study materials available so you can see what to expect.

6. Go in for your interview and tests. Be sure to bring any documents specified in letters from the USCIS. Remember to relax and be honest. If you have any problem spots in your history, be ready to explain what happened and reassure the interviewer that it is no longer a problem.

7. Once the USCIS approves your application, you will receive an invitation to a ceremony in which you will recite the Oath of Allegiance. Many people treat this as a celebration and bring their family and friends along. You will probably stand with other new citizens and repeat the oath after a judge. Once you do, congratulations! You are now an official American citizen.

Tips & Warnings

• Rules may be different for minors. Children born in the United States are automatically considered citizens. Children born outside of the United States to American parents, children residing in the United States with a parent undergoing naturalization and adopted children may become citizens; check eligibility with the USCIS.

• Members of the military and their families may qualify for special benefits during the naturalization process; check eligibility.

• If you think that something might disqualify you for citizenship, it may be worth contacting a representative of the USCIS. Exceptions can be made in some cases.

References

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services