How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship
Steps to Naturalization
Check Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship;
You must first determine whether or not you are qualified for naturalization before proceeding. The USCIS has established criteria for establishing your eligibility for citizenship.
If you were born in the United States or to American citizens, you are immediately granted citizenship. You must fill out Form N-600 or Form N-600K, which are the Application for Certificate of Citizenship and the Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate, respectively, if any of your parents are U.S. citizens or naturalized.
If you do not match any of the above criteria and want to apply for citizenship in the United States, you must complete the following requirements:
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To establish that you are a lawful permanent resident for 5 years, you must have a valid green card.
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For at least three years, you've been married to a US citizen.
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You've served in the United States military.
For a complete list of conditions and further information about citizenship eligibility in the United States, Click Here.
After passing the eligibility check, fill out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which is issued by the USCIS.
FEE: $725
This includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, which are both nonrefundable regardless of whether an application is approved or rejected by the US government.
Form N-400 will request information on your personal data, past details (both personal and residential), parents, past and present employment, education, time spent outside the United States while on a green card, marital history, and information about your spouse and children (if any).
Remember to get the most up-to-date version of Form N-400 from the USCIS website and answer all of the questions that apply to you. Incomplete forms are frequently delayed and rejected.
Photographs
You must also submit two pictures of yourself with the Form N-400. They must be recent (preferably within a week and no more than 30 days) and reflect your present face traits, such as a haircut, beard, mustache, and so on. Your entire face, from chin to top of head, must be seen in the shot, with no head covering (except for religious reasons).
Additionally, these images should be passport-sized, measuring 2 X 2 inches (5 X 5 cm) in the United States. The photo can be accompanied with a light or white background in either full color or black and white.
Submit documents
Along with Form N-400, you must provide numerous papers. They should all be photocopies, not originals. Since you'll be sending your documents via mail, there's a danger they'll get lost or damaged in the process.
However, you will be required to bring in your originals for verification purposes. Photocopies of your green card (front and back), passport, visa, birth certificate, and other important papers are required. If you have documents that aren't in English, you should have them translated first and then provide a photocopy.
Upload/Mail Your Application Package
It's time to mail your documents or upload to the USCIS office after you've completed Form N-400 and gathered all of your documents. Make sure you use the proper address when mail it out. You must also send a $725 application fee, which includes the biometric verification price. For this purpose, you can use a money order or a cheque.
Biometrics
Officials from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will review your application, supplied documentation, and the check you wrote. You'll be called in for a biometric verification at a designated USCIS office after everything is in order and your application has been accepted.
You will be required to submit your fingerprints. Various US law enforcement agencies will utilize this to do a criminal background check on you. Your application will be rejected immediately if they discover a severe felony. Your application may be delayed if they discover a small crime, but you are likely to pass.
At your fingerprinting appointment, you will be requested to present your original paperwork.
English and Civics Test
Officials from the USCIS will assess your abilities to comprehend, read, write, and speak English. Although this has no direct impact on the application procedure, it is critical for officials. The civics exam is more crucial. You'll be quizzed on anything from paying taxes to driving laws in the United States.
As a result, it's critical to prepare for the interview by reading a few books on the subject and expanding your understanding of US legislation. The application process will then be completed.
Decision
The USCIS will decide whether or not to give you citizenship after the interview based on the information you gave and the questions you answered during the interview. There are three possible outcomes.
First, you may be accepted and become a citizen of the United States. Second, your application could be denied, and you'll be ordered to leave the country when your visa runs out. Third, the case might go on, and they'll ask for more information or make more appointments with you.
Take the Oath
If your application is accepted, you will be required to attend an oath ceremony and take the United States' Oath of Allegiance. After that, you'll receive your Certificate of Naturalization, indicating that you're now a U.S. citizen.
Being a U.S. citizen
After you've been naturalized, take some time to learn about citizenship in the United States and the duties that come with it. You should use, uphold, and respect the United States constitution, as well as all of the country's laws. You'll also be granted the same rights as all other citizens of the United States, such as freedom of speech and the right to practice your faith.
Conclusion
These are the procedures you must follow to become a U.S. citizen and enjoy all of the privileges and freedoms that come with it. Have any questions? Please let us know.