How to become a U.S. citizen
Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. The process includes filing the N-400 application, attending the citizenship interview, and taking the citizenship test.
Steps to become a U.S. citizen
1. The applicant first checks if they are eligible to become a U.S. citizen.
The person needs to fulfill one or more of the following conditions to qualify:
- He/she should be a green card holder of at least five years, and meet all the eligibility requirements
- He/she should be a green card holder and married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years, and meet all the eligibility requirements
- Either of his/her parents must be a U.S. citizen
- He/she should have qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces and meet all the eligibility requirements
Applicants must also be able to read, write and speak English, have basic knowledge of U.S. history and culture and be a person of good conduct.
2.If eligible, the applicant completes Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, attaches all necessary documents and sends the application package to the USCIS center along with a filing fee of $595.
In case the biometric test is required, the fee would be $680. Applicants who are 75 years or older or who serve in the military do not have to pay the biometric fee of $85. On filing the application, the applicant receives a reference number that can be used to track the application.
3. Once the application is accepted, the applicant will be required to attend a biometrics appointment to get his/her finger-prints recorded.
4. The applicant then needs to take the English and civics test, which is part of the naturalization interview.
This test is exempted for people who are physically or mentally incapable to completing it. The English test has two parts, written and oral, while the Civics test will be an oral one. USCIS requires that the applicant be able to understand what the questions are and respond in an appropriate manner.
5. Once the test is successfully completed, the applicant is asked to appear for the oath taking ceremony, either on the same day of passing the test or on a later date.
6. After the oath is taken, the applicant becomes a U.S. citizen and receives the certificate of citizenship through mail.
