Naturalization
How one becomes a citizen
Qualification of Naturalization
Naturalization is the process of a non-citizen from a different country becoming a U.S. citizen. In order to become one though the person has to go through qualification for citizenship. To be qualified the person must be:
- 18 years old
- A lawful permanent resident of the United States
- Resident and physically present in the United States for at least five years at the time of application
- Of good moral character
Application for Naturalization
- Complete Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Get two photographs of your person that meet immigration service requirements (pose, size, lighting, etc.)
- Collect the necessary documents
- Send the application, documents and fee ($320 application fee/$70 biometric fee for fingerprinting as of August 2004) to the appropriate Service Center
It is mandatory to get fingerprinted
A letter will come in the mail with a date on when and where the fingerprinting will take place.
Being interviewed is a big step
Receive an appointment for an interview. Arrive at the designated place and answer any questions the interview asks truthfully. Bring identification.
Civics and English test
This will test what you know about the U.S. and its related topics. If the person passes they will move on to the next step.
Finally, the person will take an Oath of Allegiance
These are the steps:
- Receive a ceremony date
- Check in at the ceremony
- Return your Permanent Resident Card
- Answer questions about what you have been doing since your interview
- Take the oath of allegiance
After the Oath of Allegiance, it will be the end of the Naturalization process. At this point the person would be a legal citizen.