How to Become a U.S. Citizen: The Naturalization Process

Ready to Publish

Author

OG Image (1200x630)

Excerpt

Navigating the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen can be complex but rewarding. This guide outlines the essential steps, eligibility requirements, and helpful tips, including how to find an immigration attorney near you for personalized assistance along the way.

Meta Description

Learn how to become a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, and tips for the citizenship test. For personalized guidance, consider consulting an immigration attorney near you to help navigate your journey to citizenship.

Slug

immigration-law/how-to-become-us-citizen-naturalization-process

Alt Image Text

Illustration of a person at a U.S. citizenship ceremony, holding an American flag and a Certificate of Naturalization, with a USCIS officer in the background.

Immigration Law

How to Become a U.S. Citizen: The Naturalization Process

U.S. Citizenship Eligibility: Are You Ready to Apply?

How to Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test

How Long Does It Take to Become a U.S. Citizen?

How to Handle a Denied Naturalization Application

What Happens During Your U.S. Citizenship Interview?

The Oath of Allegiance: What to Expect on Naturalization Day

Dual Citizenship: How It Works and When You Can Apply

Naturalization for Children: How They Can Become U.S. Citizens

Global Tags

Immigration Law

Parent item

Immigration Law

Sub-item

U.S. Citizenship Eligibility: Are You Ready to Apply?

How to Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test

How Long Does It Take to Become a U.S. Citizen?

How to Handle a Denied Naturalization Application

What Happens During Your U.S. Citizenship Interview?

The Oath of Allegiance: What to Expect on Naturalization Day

Dual Citizenship: How It Works and When You Can Apply

Naturalization for Children: How They Can Become U.S. Citizens

Hide in Main Feed

Post Id

1208

Updated

Feb 25, 2025 09:18 PM

Featured

Hide CTA

Hide Cover

How to Become a U.S. Citizen: The Naturalization Process

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a milestone achievement that offers new rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. Naturalization is the process through which lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can apply for U.S. citizenship. While the benefits of citizenship include voting rights, the ability to sponsor family members, and eligibility for government jobs, the process itself can be complex.

This guide provides a step-by-step overview of the naturalization process, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, testing, and what to do if challenges arise. Along the way, we will link to more detailed resources on key topics such as U.S. Citizenship Eligibility: Are You Ready to Apply?, How to Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test, and What Happens During Your U.S. Citizenship Interview?.

By the end of this guide, you will understand what it takes to become a U.S. citizen, how to prepare for each step, and how to avoid common pitfalls in the naturalization process.

💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship

Before applying for naturalization, you must first determine whether you meet the legal requirements. These include:

Being at least 18 years old

Holding a green card for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)

Meeting continuous residence and physical presence requirements

Demonstrating good moral character

Passing an English and civics test

Taking the Oath of Allegiance

For a complete checklist, refer to U.S. Citizenship Eligibility: Are You Ready to Apply?. If you are not eligible, you may need to wait longer or address any issues before proceeding with your application.

Step 2: File Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

Once you determine eligibility, the next step is filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This is the official form submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Key Steps in Filing Form N-400:

Gather Supporting Documents – Green card, tax records, proof of residence, and evidence of good moral character.

Pay the Filing Fee – The naturalization application fee is $640, plus an $85 biometrics fee (fee waivers are available for some applicants).

Submit Your Application – You can file online or mail a paper application to USCIS.

Processing times vary, and it’s important to understand how long the entire process takes. To learn more, read How Long Does It Take to Become a U.S. Citizen?.

Step 3: Attend the Biometrics Appointment

A few weeks after submitting Form N-400, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at a local office. At this appointment, USCIS collects:

Fingerprints

Photographs

A signature for background checks

This step helps USCIS verify your identity and check your criminal record.

Step 4: Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test and Interview

One of the most important steps in the naturalization process is the citizenship test and interview.

What Happens During the Interview?

A USCIS officer will:

Review your N-400 application

Ask questions about your background and eligibility

Conduct the English and civics test

For a complete breakdown of what to expect, read What Happens During Your U.S. Citizenship Interview?.

How to Prepare for the Citizenship Test

The test consists of:

The English Test – Includes speaking, reading, and writing portions.

The Civics Test – You must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly from a list of 100 possible questions.

To improve your chances of passing, check out How to Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test, which offers study tips, practice questions, and exemptions for certain applicants.

Step 5: Receive a USCIS Decision on Your Application

After your interview, USCIS may:

Approve your application – You will be scheduled for the Oath of Allegiance.

Continue your case – USCIS may request additional documents or schedule a second interview.

Deny your application – If this happens, you have options to appeal or reapply.

If your application is denied, don’t lose hope. Learn about your options in How to Handle a Denied Naturalization Application, which explains how to appeal a decision or correct issues for a future reapplication.

Step 6: Take the Oath of Allegiance and Become a U.S. Citizen

The final step is the naturalization ceremony, where you will take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

What to Expect on Naturalization Day

Check-in and surrender your green card

Attend a formal ceremony with other new citizens

Recite the Oath of Allegiance

Receive your Certificate of Naturalization

For a detailed guide on the ceremony, read The Oath of Allegiance: What to Expect on Naturalization Day.

Special Cases in Naturalization

Not all applicants follow the same naturalization process. Some special cases include:

Naturalization for Children

Children may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship through their parents under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. This law allows children under 18 years old to derive citizenship if:

At least one parent is a U.S. citizen

The child has lawful permanent resident (green card) status

The child is living with the U.S. citizen parent in the U.S.

For more details on child naturalization, refer to Naturalization for Children: How They Can Become U.S. Citizens.

Dual Citizenship: Keeping Your Original Nationality

Many naturalized U.S. citizens wish to keep their original nationality. The United States allows dual citizenship, but some countries require you to renounce your original citizenship upon becoming a U.S. citizen.

To learn more about dual nationality and its benefits, read Dual Citizenship: How It Works and When You Can Apply.

Final Steps After Becoming a U.S. Citizen

Once you receive your Certificate of Naturalization, you should:

Apply for a U.S. passport – Your Certificate of Naturalization serves as proof of citizenship, but a passport is necessary for international travel.

Update your Social Security record – Visit a Social Security office to update your status.

Register to vote – As a U.S. citizen, you now have the right to vote in elections.

Update legal documents – You may need to update your driver’s license, bank accounts, and employment records.

Conclusion

The path to U.S. citizenship requires patience and preparation, but the rewards—voting rights, passport privileges, and legal security—make the effort worthwhile.

To successfully navigate the process:

Check your eligibility (U.S. Citizenship Eligibility: Are You Ready to Apply?).

Prepare for the interview and test (How to Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test).

Know what to expect at the oath ceremony (The Oath of Allegiance: What to Expect on Naturalization Day).

If you have legal concerns or need assistance, seeking an immigration attorney can help. ReferU.AI connects you with top immigration attorneys to ensure your citizenship journey goes smoothly.

Start your journey today—your future as a U.S. citizen awaits.

How to Become a U.S. Citizen: The Naturalization Process

How to Become a U.S. Citizen: The Naturalization Process

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship