NATION

How to Become a U.S. Citizen: A Step-by-Step Naturalization Guide

For many immigrants, becoming a U.S. citizen is a major life goal. Citizenship opens doors to rights, freedoms, and opportunities that go beyond what permanent residency offers. If you’re a Green Card holder and want to understand how to become a U.S. citizen, this guide will walk you through the naturalization process step by step.

Why Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

Becoming a naturalized citizen provides benefits that go beyond living and working in the United States. As a citizen, you have the right to vote in federal elections, travel freely with a U.S. passport, access additional government benefits, apply for certain federal jobs, and sponsor relatives for permanent residency. Most importantly, it gives you permanent protection from deportation.

Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible

Before applying for U.S. citizenship, you must meet specific requirements set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

General eligibility includes:

You must be at least 18 years old.
You must have a valid Green Card and be a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen).
You must have lived in the U.S. for at least 30 months during the last 5 years.
You must have resided in the same state or USCIS district for at least 3 months before applying.
You must demonstrate basic English language skills in reading, writing, and speaking.
You must have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government.
You must show good moral character.

If you meet all these requirements, you’re ready to begin the naturalization process.

Step 2: Complete Form N-400

Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is the official form used to apply for U.S. citizenship. You can complete this form online or by mailing in a paper version.

What you need to fill out the form:

Your permanent resident card (Green Card)
Details about your residence and employment for the past five years
Dates of all international travel in the last five years
Marital and family information, if applicable
Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number)

Be sure to complete the form carefully. Inaccurate or incomplete information could delay your application or lead to a denial.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

After completing the form, you must submit it along with the required fee. As of now, the total fee is $725, which includes a $640 application fee and an $85 biometric services fee.

Fee waivers or reductions may be available if you can’t afford the full cost. Check your eligibility for financial assistance before submitting your application.

Step 4: Attend a Biometrics Appointment

Once your application is received, USCIS will schedule you for a biometrics appointment. This appointment is usually held at a local USCIS Application Support Center.

At the appointment, USCIS will collect your fingerprints, take your photo, and request your signature. These details are used to run a background check through the FBI.

Make sure to bring your appointment notice, your Green Card, and a government-issued photo ID.

Step 5: Prepare for the Naturalization Interview

After your background check is complete, you will be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer. This interview is a key step in the naturalization process.

During the interview, the officer will:

Review your Form N-400
Ask questions about your background
Confirm that the information on your application is accurate

You will also be tested on your knowledge of English and U.S. civics.

English test:

You must read one out of three sentences correctly in English.
You must write one out of three sentences correctly in English.
Your speaking skills will be assessed during your conversation with the USCIS officer.

Civics test:

You’ll be asked up to 10 questions about U.S. government, history, and rights.
You need to answer at least 6 questions correctly to pass.

If you fail one or both tests, you’ll get another chance within 60 to 90 days.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

After your interview and tests, USCIS may approve your application, continue it (for example, if more information is needed), or deny it.

If approved, you’ll receive a notice with the date and time of your naturalization ceremony. In some cases, you may be able to take the oath on the same day.

Step 7: Take the Oath of Allegiance

The final step to becoming a U.S. citizen is taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. This is a formal event where you pledge loyalty to the United States.

At the ceremony, you’ll:

Return your Green Card
Take the Oath of Allegiance
Receive your Certificate of Naturalization

After this moment, you are officially a U.S. citizen.

After You Become a U.S. Citizen

Now that you are a U.S. citizen, you can enjoy all the rights and responsibilities that come with it.

Important steps to take next:

Apply for a U.S. passport
Register to vote
Update your Social Security record
Sponsor family members to immigrate to the U.S.
Renew or update your status with employers, financial institutions, and government agencies

Keep your Certificate of Naturalization in a safe place. You will need it for passport applications and other legal matters.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common errors that applicants make during the naturalization process:

Not verifying eligibility before applying
Providing incomplete or inaccurate information on Form N-400
Forgetting to sign the application
Missing scheduled appointments
Failing to study for the English and civics tests

To avoid delays or denials, review your application carefully and be honest throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for citizenship without a Green Card?

No. You must be a permanent resident (Green Card holder) before applying for citizenship through naturalization.

How long does the process take?

On average, it takes 8 to 12 months from the time you submit your application to the day you take the Oath of Allegiance.

Can I leave the U.S. while waiting?

Yes, but extended trips could affect your residency requirement. Make sure to document your travel and avoid staying abroad for more than six months at a time.

What if I’ve had legal issues in the past?

Some legal problems can affect your application. It’s best to consult an immigration attorney if you’ve had any criminal charges or issues in your history.

Conclusion

Understanding how to become a U.S. citizen is the first step toward taking full advantage of the opportunities in the United States. Although the naturalization process requires time, preparation, and attention to detail, thousands of people complete it every year.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can move forward with confidence and prepare yourself for one of the most important milestones in your life—becoming a citizen of the United States.

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