Steps to U.S. Citizenship

1. Determine Eligibility:

   • Naturalization: The process of granting U.S. citizenship to lawful permanent residents after fulfilling requirements in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

   • Acquisition of Citizenship: Obtained through U.S. citizen parents either at birth or after birth but before age 18.

Easy way to determine eligibility: 

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If you are qualified for naturalization:

2. Fill Out Form N-400:

   • This is the application for citizenship.

   • Make sure to complete it accurately, as errors can delay the process.

   • Submit the form with the necessary documents, including a copy of your green card, photos, and fees.

N-400 Form: 

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Checklist for required documents depending on your situation: 

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3. Submit Your Application:

   • Mail your completed N-400 form and required documents along with the application fee to the correct USCIS address.

   • Submit $760 if filing by paper, or $710 if filing online.

Check process time:

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Check case status: 

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4. Complete Biometrics:

   • When you have a biometrics appointment, you visit a designated office where your fingerprints, photograph, and signature are collected for your visa or immigration application.

   • After your application is reviewed, you'll receive a letter with details for your biometrics appointment.

   • Bring your appointment letter, green card, and a photo ID.

5. Prepare for the Interview:

   • After all the initial procedures related to your case have been finished, USCIS will arrange an interview with you to finalize the naturalization process. It is required that you appear at the USCIS office at the specified date and time stated in your appointment notice. 

   • Make sure to bring the appointment notice with you and other required documents such as your green card, passport, state ID, and any other requested items.

6. The Interview:

   • A USCIS officer will ask you about your background, eligibility, and the answers on your N-400 form.

   • You’ll also take the English and civics tests during the interview.

There is also exemption and accommodation base on your situation, check down here:

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Educational Requirements:

• Naturalization Test Components:

  • English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate their ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

  • Civics Knowledge: Applicants are tested on their knowledge of U.S. history and government.

• Testing Process:

  • Applicants are given two opportunities to pass both the English and civics tests: the initial examination and a re-examination interview.

  • Failure to pass any portion of the tests after two attempts results in denial of the naturalization application.

  • If denied, applicants may request a USCIS hearing on the decision, where officers will re-administer any failed portions of the tests.

  • Failure to appear for the re-examination or to take the tests counts as a failed attempt.

Exceptions:

• Age and Residency-Based Exemptions:

  • Age 50 or Older: Exempt from the English requirement if the applicant has been a lawful permanent resident (LPR) in the U.S. for at least 20 years. The civics test is still required, but it may be taken in the applicant’s language of choice using an interpreter.

  • Age 55 or Older: Exempt from the English requirement if the applicant has been an LPR for at least 15 years. The civics test is still required and can be taken in the applicant’s language of choice using an interpreter.

  • Age 65 or Older: Exempt from the English requirement if the applicant has been an LPR for at least 20 years. A specially designated civics test is required, and it can be taken in the applicant’s language of choice with an interpreter.

• Medical Disability Exemption:

  • Applicants with a medical disability may be exempt from the English requirement, the civics requirement, or both. The specific exemptions depend on the nature and extent of the disability as documented by a medical professional.

The English Test

Speaking Test:

• Objective: Determine the applicant's ability to speak and understand English by responding to eligibility-related questions.

• Passing: The applicant must generally understand and respond meaningfully to relevant questions.

• Failing: Failure occurs if the applicant cannot understand sufficient English to be placed under oath or answer eligibility questions.

Reading Test:

• Objective: The applicant must read one out of three sentences correctly.

• Passing: The sentence must be read without extended pauses, conveying meaning despite minor errors.

• Failing: Failure occurs if the applicant omits content words, substitutes words, pauses too long, or makes errors that prevent understanding.

Writing Test:

• Objective: The applicant must write one out of three dictated sentences in a manner the officer understands.

• Passing: The sentence can have minor grammatical, spelling, or capitalization errors as long as the meaning is clear.

• Failing: Failure occurs if the applicant writes something different, abbreviates dictated words, or produces an illegible sentence.

Civic Test

Civics Test:

• Objective: Assess the applicant's knowledge of U.S. history, government, and principles.

• Test Format: 10 questions are asked orally out of a 100 question bank, randomly selected by the USCIS system.

• Passing: The applicant must correctly answer at least 6 out of 10 questions.

• Failing: Failure occurs if the applicant answers fewer than 6 questions correctly.

Civic Test Study Guide 👈👈 CLICK HERE

Special Consideration:

• Criteria: Given to applicants 65+ years old who have lived in the U.S. for at least 20 years.

• Test Format: A simplified version with 20 specific questions, of which the applicant must answer 6 correctly.

Due Consideration:

• Factors Considered: An officer may adjust the difficulty of questions based on the applicant’s age, background, education level, and time spent in the U.S., as well as their efforts to learn.

7. Receive a Decision:

   • After the interview, USCIS will notify you if your application is granted, continued, or denied.

   • If granted, you’ll be scheduled for a naturalization ceremony.

8. Take the Oath of Allegiance:

   • Attend the ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming a U.S. citizen.

   • You’ll receive your Certificate of Naturalization, confirming your citizenship.

   • Complete Form N-445: Fill out the questionnaire on the Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony.

   • Check-In: Arrive at the ceremony and check in with USCIS, where an officer will review your responses.

   • Turn in Green Card: Submit your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

   • Take the Oath: Recite the Oath of Allegiance to officially become a U.S. citizen.

Receive Certificate: Obtain your Certificate of Naturalization, review it for errors, and inform USCIS if any are found before leaving.