Naturalization is the process of becoming a US citizen. As a US citizen, you have many benefits and responsibilities, such as voting in US federal elections, serving on a jury, traveling with a US passport, and bringing your family to the United States. You can also spend extended periods outside the United States without losing citizenship.
When you become a US citizen, you take an oath to support the Constitution and principles of the United States. You renounce allegiance to a foreign state and promise to bear arms on behalf of the USA when required. Applying for US citizenship is a personal decision because some people can lose citizenship in their home country.
The naturalization process can be complicated if you have spent extended periods outside the USA, have a criminal background, or do not meet the naturalization requirements. Naturalization applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be an LPR for at least 5 years (or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen)
- Be able to demonstrate physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months out of the last five years before filing (or 18 months out of the previous three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen)
- Be able to demonstrate continuous residence in the United States (meaning you have not been outside the United States for more than six months in a row, with some limited exceptions)
- Have resided for at least three months in the state where you are filing the naturalization application
- Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
- Understand the fundamentals of U.S. history and government
- Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance
- Meet the good moral character requirements (you must show good character during the five years immediately preceding your application and up to the Oath of Allegiance. However, USCIS has the authority to look at conduct before the five years.)
How is the process?
First, you file the form N-400 with the appropriate government fee and receive a receipt with your case number.
Months later, you will receive a biometrics appointment notice or a waiver of those biometrics.
Then, you will wait to be scheduled for your interview. In this interview, the officer will test your knowledge of English and U.S. civics. The officer will ask you 10 questions, and you must respond at least 6 correctly.
A naturalization ceremony will be scheduled if you pass the test and your case is approved. In this ceremony, you will take the Oath of Allegiance and become a US citizen.
What should else should I know?
You will need to update your social security card.
Apply for a US passport.
And register to vote.