Steps of Applying for US Citizenship

The procedure of becoming a US citizen can be complicated. The Immigration Services of the USA or USCIS has many rules and regulations for becoming a citizen. But, if you meet all the requirements, you can become a US citizen.

Naturalization

Most of the peoples from different nationals want to become permanent residents of the USA. It is called naturalization. It is a process by which those foreign nationals someone who is neither a citizen nor a national of the USA at the time of birth can apply for and obtain US citizenship and become a naturalized American citizen.

Here we have put together these ten steps to make you a US citizen:

Step1: Eligibility for Citizenship

To be eligible for citizenship, you must be 18 years of age or older and are considering applying for naturalization based on your years as a Permanent Resident, and you should complete this worksheet. Check the eligibility for naturalization on the given link.

Step 2: Form N-400           

Form N-400 is an application to become a naturalized US citizen. Before submitting this form, you need to attach your birth certificate, certificate of citizenship and certificate of naturalization. To help you to understand the naturalization process, USCIS developed a guide to naturalization. It will provide you with all the information about this process.

You are recommended to read all the instructions carefully to complete Form N-400. Attach all the essential documents to demonstrate your eligibility for becoming a US citizen. If you live outside the United States, then you are needed to get two passport-style photos. Use the document checklist (PDF, 178 KB) to make sure you collect all the required documents.

Step 3: Biometrics Appointment

You are needed to go to a biometrics appointment. The fingerprint is part of the FBI criminal background. These background checks must be completed before your citizenship interview with the USCIS fees. USCIS will send you an appointment letter, notice that they included your biometrics appointment date, time, and location. Arrive at the designated location at the scheduled time.

Step 4: Complete the Interview

If your application is complete and your the background check does not turn up any red flags, you’ll be scheduled for an interview. USCIS will schedule an interview with you for completing the process of naturalization. You must report to the USCIS office at the date and time on your appointment notice. Please bring the appointment notice with you.

Step 5: USCIS Issues a Decision

USCIS issues a decision based on your submissions and interviews the USCIS will issue a written notice of decision about granting your application for naturalization. 

• Granted– If the evidence in your record establishes that you are eligible for the naturalization, then USCIS will approve your Form N-400.
• Continued-If you are needed to provide the additional evidence/documentation but decline to provide the correct documents of USCIS or fail English and civics test the first time. Still, USCIS continue your application.
• Denied-USCIS will deny your Form N-400 if the evidence in your record establishes you are not eligible for naturalization.

Step 6: Oath of Allegiance

After your interview, you may be able to take the oath of allegiance where you swear allegiance to the US. USCIS organizes the promise at an official ceremony or by a judge in a judicial ceremony. The court has exclusive authority to conduct the ceremonies in individual USCIS districts.

If you cannot take the oath that same day, then USCIS will mail you a notification of the date to take the oath. Non-US citizens are also able to take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. 

After that, you are suggested to complete the questionnaire on Form N-445 and notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony. You will need to report for your naturalization ceremony and check it in with USCIS. The USCIS officer will reassess your responses to Form N-445. After it, turn in your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) and take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen. 

Then, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Please review it, and notify USCIS of any errors you see on your certificate before leaving the ceremony site.

Step 7: Understanding U.S. Citizenship

In any country, citizenship is a standard wire that connects all US citizens. Through the nationality, you will have a right to express yourself, vote in elections for public officials, apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship, run for elected office and to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Responsibilities.

A citizen will also be responsible for supporting and defending the U.S. Constitution, participate in the democratic process, respect and obey federal, state, and local laws, pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state, and local authorities.

Conclusion

The USCIS has a variety of educational resources to help candidates to prepare for US citizenship. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. The USCIS Citizenship Resource Center provides learners and applicants with a one-stop resource for locating citizenship preparation materials.