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Description:
- Naturalization is a process that allows foreign-born persons to obtain citizenship in the United States. Once
granted citizenship, foreign-born persons are granted all of the rights American born persons have, for
example the right to vote, the right to governmental jobs and the freedom to travel with an American passport
which provides entry without a visa into many countries. A key benefit a naturalization applicant will derive
once granted citizenship is the ability to petition for an immediate family member through a faster petitioning
process. There are many eligibility requirements a person must fulfill before they submit an application for
naturalization.
Who Is Eligible?
- In most situations, a person is eligible to apply for Naturalization, if they meet the following requirements:
- - Applicant has been a lawful permanent resident for five years (or three years for spouses of United States
Citizens)
- Applicant is 18 years old
- Applicant is of good moral character
- Applicant can speak, read, and write English
- Applicant must pass a test on U.S. history and government
- Applicant was physically present in the U.S. at least half the requisite time
- Applicant has maintained lawful permanent residence continuously
- Applicant swears loyalty to the U.S. by taking an oath of allegiance
(note: minor children of U.S. naturalization applicants may also be eligible and included in a naturalization
application, under certain circumstances)
Visa Duration:
- Citizenship does not expire. However, it can be voided or withdrawn (i.e. when a person commits certain
types of crimes).
Renewability:
- Citizenship documents do not have to be renewed.
Family Benefits:
- Certain family members may be immediately eligible to receive citizenship, such as minor children. Others
are eligible to receive a green card with shorter wait periods than family members of residents (see Family
based residency section for estimated wait periods).
What Documentation Do I Need?
- - Birth Certificate(s)
- Copy of Legal Permanent Residency Document
- Marriage Certificate (if applying because of marriage to a United States Citizen)
- Employment and residence history for the last five years
- List of trips taken outside of the U.S. during the last five years
- Two photographs immigration style (showing right ear)
- Stage One:
Prepare and file form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) with the appropriate filing fees at the Immigration
Service Center in your district.
- Stage Two:
Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive notice of a fingerprint appointment date and
shall appear on this date
- Prepare for and appear for all meetings and interviews scheduled by the The US Immigration Service. (Note:
failure to attend scheduled meetings may result in a denial of naturalization).
Attend citizenship interview before an immigration officer. The officer will test the applicant's knowledge of
U.S. civics and government, and English literacy tests.
If the applicant satisfies the interviewing officer and the alien's file is complete, the applicant will then be
scheduled for a swearing in ceremony.
- Stage Three:
The applicant is given an appointment notice with an attached list of questions that must be submitted at the
swearing in ceremony. This is to ensure that the applicant has maintained their lawful presence and good
moral character between the time of the interview and the swearing in ceremony. Once the form is
submitted, the applicant will be sworn in. The applicant must turn in their I-551 card (Legal Permanent
Residency Document or "green card") and are subsequently issued a naturalization certificate. At this point,
the applicant is an official U.S. Citizen!
What Are The The US Immigration Service Filing Fees?
- Fees for form N-400
content. No attorney/client relationship exists as a result of an individual or entity reading or utilizing the contents of these
pages. If you want actual legal advice you should call or visit a licensed attorney.
Licensed by the Texas Supreme Court. Not Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in any Particular Area.
