Citizenship - Naturalization
Description
Naturalization is a process that allows foreign-born persons to obtain
citizenship in the United States. Once granted citizenship, foreign-born
persons are granted all of the rights American born persons have, for
example the right to vote, the right to governmental jobs and the freedom
to travel with an American passport which provides entry without a visa
into many countries. A key benefit a naturalization applicant will derive
once granted citizenship is the ability to petition for an immediate family
member through a faster petitioning process. There are many eligibility
requirements a person must fulfill before they submit an application for
naturalization.
Who Is Eligible
In most situations, a person is eligible to apply for Naturalization,
if they meet the following requirements:
- Applicant has been a lawful permanent resident for five years (or
three years for spouses of United States Citizens)
- Applicant is 18 years old
- Applicant is of good moral character
- Applicant can speak, read, and write English
- Applicant must pass a test on U.S. history and government
- Applicant was physically present in the U.S. at least half the requisite
time
- Applicant has maintained lawful permanent residence continuously
- Applicant swears loyalty to the U.S. by taking an oath of allegiance
(note: minor children of U.S. naturalization applicants may also be eligible
and included in a naturalization application, under certain circumstances)
Visa Duration
Citizenship does not expire. However, it can be voided or withdrawn
(i.e. when a person commits certain types of crimes).
Renewability
Citizenship documents do not have to be renewed.
Family Benefits
Certain family members may be immediately eligible to receive citizenship,
such as minor children. Others are eligible to receive a green card with
shorter wait periods than family members of residents (see Family based
residency section for estimated wait periods).
What Documentation Do I Need?
- Birth Certificate(s)
- Copy of Legal Permanent Residency Document
- Marriage Certificate (if applying because of marriage to a United
States Citizen)
- Employment and residence history for the last five years
- List of trips taken outside of the U.S. during the last five years
- Two passport size photographs on white background
What Is The Process Like?
Stage One:
Prepare and file form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
with the appropriate filing fees at the Immigration Service Center in
your district.
Stage Two:
Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive
notice of a fingerprint appointment date and shall appear on this date
Prepare for and appear for all meetings and interviews scheduled by the
US Immigration Service. (Note: failure to attend scheduled meetings may
result in a denial of naturalization).
Attend citizenship interview before an immigration officer. The officer
will test the applicant's knowledge of U.S. civics and government, and
English literacy tests.
If the applicant satisfies the interviewing officer and the alien's file
is complete, the applicant will then be scheduled for a swearing in ceremony.
Stage Three:
The applicant is given an appointment notice with an attached
list of questions that must be submitted at the swearing in ceremony.
This is to ensure that the applicant has maintained their lawful presence
and good moral character between the time of the interview and the swearing
in ceremony. Once the form is submitted, the applicant will be sworn in.
The applicant must turn in their I-551 card (Legal Permanent Residency
Document or "green card") and are subsequently issued a naturalization
certificate. At this point, the applicant is an official U.S. Citizen!
What are the BCIS Filing Fees
Fees for form N-400 (click here to verify the
US Immigration Service fees as these change regularly:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.
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What are Legal Fees?
Click here to learn more about our fee
structure.
Click here if you would like to come
in for a free initial consultation.
Where can I get more Information?
Whre can I find the status of my application with the Immigration Service online?
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f61417654
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Links to United States Embassies and Consulates around the world:
http://www.usembassy.gov/
How can I apply for an American Passport?
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Who is eligible to become a Legal Permanent Resident in the United States?
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a754
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Information about Family based Immigrant Visas of the Department of State and the Immigration Service
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1310.html
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f61417654
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