How To Become a Naturalized U.S. Citizen in 4 Steps

 The naturalization process requires careful attention to eligibility requirements, deadlines, and proper documentation. Keep reading to learn the steps of the naturalization process and what to expect at each stage. At the end of the article, you’ll find useful resources and tools to help you prepare.

If you are planning to apply for naturalization or have questions related to the process, legal help is available. An immigration attorney near you can help ensure you meet all the requirements and avoid delays or snags in your citizenship journey.

1. Meet the Qualifications for U.S. Citizenship

You must first understand the criteria for U.S. citizenship. Some of the eligibility criteria include:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Being a lawful permanent resident or a green card holder
• Maintaining good moral character

Before beginning the naturalization process, you can check your eligibility through the naturalization eligibility tool available on the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. It will ask you questions to determine if you qualify for U.S. citizenship. The questions only help you check whether you can apply. The online tool does not determine if you can become a U.S. Citizen.

After you submit your application for naturalization, USCIS conducts a review of your information. It will ultimately assess your eligibility for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

Ways To Get U.S. Citizenship

There are three ways to get U.S. citizenship:

• First, through birth (jus soli)
• Second, by blood (jus sanguinis)
• Third, through naturalization

Under jus soli, a person gets American citizenship by being born in the United States. The Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the “right of birthplace.” By contrast, jus sanguinis confers citizenship on those born to at least one U.S. citizen parent anywhere in the world. A family member who doesn’t qualify under either of these principles may seek U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

2. Complete the Application for Naturalization

Once you’ve determined you’re eligible for citizenship through naturalization, your next step is to complete the application.

A foreign national may apply for naturalization with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS is a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that plays a crucial role in administering the United States’ immigration system.

The application for naturalization includes submitting the required documents, attending the naturalization interview, and taking the oath of allegiance to the United States. If USCIS approves your application, you get U.S. Citizenship. Then, you get the same rights and protections as a U.S. citizen.

Form N-400

The naturalization process begins with submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This form is available online on the USCIS website. A filing fee applies, but some people may be eligible for a fee waiver of the usual costs.

There can be exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that qualified people can obtain. USCIS also provides accommodations for people with disabilities.

3. Pass the Naturalization Interview and Test

Next, a USCIS officer will ask about your background and application during the naturalization interview. There will also be a naturalization test unless you qualify for an exemption. The test has two parts: the civics test and the English test.

• During the civics test, you have to answer questions about the U.S. government and U.S. history.

• During the English test, you must show your understanding of the English language and your ability to write, read, and speak basic English.

What If I Don’t Pass the Naturalization Interview and the Test?

You have two chances to take the civics and English tests and answer questions about your naturalization application in English. If you fail any tests during the initial interview, you can retest. They will test you again on the part you failed between 60 and 90 days from the initial interview date.

4. Attend the Swearing-In Ceremony

If the USCIS approves your application for naturalization, it will schedule you to take the oath of allegiance. The swearing-in ceremony concludes the process of becoming a United States citizen.

Steps of the Naturalization Ceremony

1. You will receive a notice to take an oath of allegiance to the United States. You can attend the ceremony on the same day as your naturalization interview. But if the ceremony is unavailable, USCIS will send you a notice with the time, date, and location of the ceremony.

2. Once you arrive at the site, you must check in with a USCIS officer. The officer will review your responses on Form N-445, the Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony.

3. When you check in, you must return your Permanent Resident Card (green card) to USCIS. It can waive this rule if you prove during the interview that you lost the green card and tried to recover it. Or, because of your military service, you were not granted a permanent residence card. After you take your oath of allegiance, you will get your Certificate of Naturalization. You no longer need your permanent resident card.

4. You will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States during the naturalization ceremony.

5. After you take the oath, USCIS will issue you the Certificate of Naturalization. Make sure you review the certificate and inform USCIS of any errors before leaving the ceremony.

Can I Still Get Deported After Becoming a Naturalized Citizen?

Failure to show good moral character may hinder your naturalization and lead to deportation or removal proceedings. Keep a clean record and seek legal advice if you have any incidents in your history.

Seek Legal Advice From an Immigration Law Attorney

Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization can be overwhelming. You must meet various eligibility requirements, and some rules apply differently in every case. Fortunately, legal help is available. An attorney can help you better understand the rules under U.S. immigration law and the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that apply to you. They can also guide you through USCIS policies and each step of the naturalization process.

They can provide other types of immigration legal services as well. For instance, if you have a family member facing deportation or would like to seek a waiver of certain requirements, an immigration lawyer can guide you through these issues.

FindLaw’s directory of immigration attorneys can get you started. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of qualified legal professionals in your area. Your search results will also show important details about prospective lawyers, including ratings, languages spoken, and whether they offer free consultations.

Citizenship Through Naturalization: Extra Help and Resources

See below for additional resources on the naturalization process. Find helpful links, study guides, and fact sheets that can be useful in your naturalization journey.

A Guide to Naturalization

Start your naturalization journey with this helpful guide from USCIS. If you are new to the naturalization process, this guide is a great place to start. It includes a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section, eligibility requirements, a document checklist, and more.

Naturalization Through Military Service

Military service members can find helpful information on becoming U.S. citizens. This page explains the requirements set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sections 328 and 329. It includes exemptions and service criteria for certain naturalization requirements. You’ll also find information and resources about posthumous citizenship for U.S. military members and their family members.

FindLaw also details important immigration benefits for U.S. military service members.

Naturalization Test and Study Materials

Prepare with this article on what to expect on the naturalization test. It focuses on the tests you need to take to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. It includes information about two tests: a civics test and an English test.

Civics tests often cover the U.S. government and U.S. history. English tests assess your ability to speak, write, and read English. The page also discusses who may be exempt from these tests and what happens if an applicant does not pass.

Explore a wide range of materials from USCIS to help you prepare for the English and civics tests. These materials include flashcards, study guides, videos, and interactive practice tests.

USCIS also has updates about the tests, study materials, and resources written in multiple languages.

USCIS Citizenship Resource Center

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Citizenship Resource Center provides a wide range of information and resources for various users. It includes materials for immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship, educators who play an important role in preparing learners, and organizations interested in supporting migrants.