Civic Skills

How to Become a U.S. Citizen




Becoming a U.S. citizen is the final step in the immigration process and grants you full rights and responsibilities in the United States. As a U.S. citizen, you can vote, apply for federal jobs, and enjoy permanent protection from deportation.

Here’s everything you need to know about the process of becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization.


Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship

General Requirements for Naturalization:

  1. Age:
  2. You must be at least 18 years old.

  3. Lawful Permanent Residency (Green Card):

  4. You must have been a Green Card holder for:

    • 5 years, or
    • 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen.
  5. Continuous Residence:

  6. You must have lived in the U.S. for at least:

    • 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), without leaving for trips longer than 6 months.
  7. Physical Presence:

  8. You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the last 5 years (or 18 months out of 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).

  9. Good Moral Character:

  10. You must demonstrate good moral character, including following U.S. laws, paying taxes, and avoiding serious criminal activity.

  11. English and Civics Knowledge:

  12. You must be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
  13. You must pass a U.S. civics test on American history and government.

  14. Oath of Allegiance:

  15. You must be willing to swear allegiance to the United States.

Exceptions to General Requirements:

  1. Military Service:
  2. If you served in the U.S. military, you may be eligible for expedited citizenship.

  3. Medical Waivers:

  4. If you have a disability preventing you from fulfilling certain requirements (e.g., English or civics), you may qualify for a waiver.

Step 2: Prepare Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)

Form N-400 is the official application to apply for U.S. citizenship.

How to Fill Out Form N-400:

  1. Download the form from the USCIS website: www.uscis.gov/n-400.
  2. Provide accurate information about:
  3. Your Green Card information.
  4. Residence history for the last 5 years.
  5. Employment and travel outside the U.S. during the past 5 years.
  6. Marital and family history.
  7. Any criminal record (even minor infractions).

Filing Fee for N-400:

  • $640 (plus $85 for biometrics, totaling $725).
  • Fee waivers may be available for those with financial hardship (Form I-912).

Step 3: Submit Your Application

How to Submit Form N-400:

  1. Online (Recommended):
  2. Create a USCIS online account and file your application at my.uscis.gov.

  3. By Mail:

  4. Mail the completed Form N-400 along with supporting documents to the appropriate USCIS address listed in the instructions.

Step 4: Attend the Biometrics Appointment?

After USCIS receives your application, you’ll be scheduled for a biometrics appointment to provide:
1. Fingerprints.
2. Photograph.
3. Signature.

What to Bring:

  • Appointment notice.
  • Green Card.
  • Photo ID (passport or driver’s license).

Step 5: Prepare for the Citizenship Interview and Test?

The interview is one of the most important steps in the naturalization process.

What Happens at the Interview:

  1. Personal Questions:
  2. The USCIS officer will ask about your background, Green Card, and application.

  3. English Test:

  4. Read one sentence aloud in English.
  5. Write one sentence in English.
  6. Speak and understand English during the interview.

  7. Civics Test:

  8. You’ll be asked up to 10 questions about U.S. history and government.
  9. You must answer at least 6 questions correctly to pass.

Civics Test Study Guide:

  • Topics include:
  • U.S. Constitution.
  • Founding Fathers.
  • American history.
  • Federal government structure (legislative, executive, judicial).
  • Study materials are available on the USCIS website: www.uscis.gov/citizenship.

Example Civics Questions:

  1. What is the supreme law of the land? (Answer: The Constitution)
  2. Who was the first President of the United States? (Answer: George Washington)

Step 6: Wait for the USCIS Decision

After the interview, USCIS will either:
1. Approve Your Application:
- You’ll receive a notice for your Oath of Allegiance Ceremony.
2. Request Additional Evidence (RFE):
- USCIS may ask for more documentation.
3. Deny Your Application:
- If denied, you may appeal or reapply.


Step 7: Attend the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony?

The Oath Ceremony is the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen.

What to Expect:

  1. Return Your Green Card:
  2. You must surrender your Green Card as you’ll no longer need it.
  3. Take the Oath of Allegiance:
  4. Swear loyalty to the United States.
  5. Receive Your Certificate of Naturalization:
  6. This document officially confirms your U.S. citizenship.

Pro Tip: After the ceremony, you can apply for:

  • A U.S. passport to travel internationally.
  • Voter registration to participate in elections.

Special Situations for U.S. Citizenship

  1. Children Under 18:
  2. If one parent becomes a U.S. citizen, children under 18 who live with that parent may automatically acquire citizenship.

  3. Military Members:

  4. Active-duty military members or veterans may qualify for expedited naturalization without meeting the residency requirements.

  5. Dual Citizenship:

  6. The U.S. allows dual citizenship. However, check the laws of your home country to ensure compatibility.

Key Timelines for Naturalization

Average Processing Time:

  • The naturalization process typically takes 8–14 months from filing Form N-400 to attending the Oath Ceremony.

Costs of Becoming a U.S. Citizen

| Expense | Amount |
|----------------------------------|--------------------|
| Filing Fee (Form N-400) | $640 |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 |
| Total Cost | $725 |

Fee Waiver Option:

  • File Form I-912 if you qualify for a fee reduction or waiver.

Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

  1. Right to Vote: Participate in federal, state, and local elections.
  2. Federal Employment: Access federal jobs and benefits.
  3. Travel Freedom: Obtain a U.S. passport for visa-free travel to many countries.
  4. Family Immigration: Sponsor family members for Green Cards faster.
  5. No Deportation Risk: Gain permanent protection from deportation.

Helpful Resources

  1. USCIS Naturalization Page:
  2. www.uscis.gov/citizenship
  3. Study Materials for Civics Test:
  4. USCIS Study Tools
  5. Track Application Status:
  6. my.uscis.gov/account

Things to Remember

  • Becoming a U.S. citizen requires meeting eligibility requirements, filing Form N-400, passing the interview and civics test, and taking the Oath of Allegiance.
  • The process typically takes 8–14 months and costs $725 (fee waivers may be available).
  • Citizenship grants you full rights, including the ability to vote, sponsor family, and obtain a U.S. passport.

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