Naturalization

1. What is Naturalization?

Naturalization is the legal process through which a non-U.S. citizen can become a citizen of the United States.
It grants individuals various privileges, including the right to vote, run for elected offices, apply for federal employment, obtain a U.S. passport, and help family members immigrate to the United States.

Achieving legal citizenship provides long-term security, greater protection under U.S. law, and the opportunity to build a new life with full participation in American society.

2. Benefits of Being a U.S. Citizen

Becoming a U.S. citizen offers many advantages, such as:

• Participating in the democratic process through voting in federal, state, and local elections;
• Eligibility for a wider range of federal government jobs and benefits;
• Greater ease of international travel with a U.S. passport;
• The ability to sponsor more family members for immigration and permanent residence;
• Increased stability and protection, including protection from certain types of removal or deportation.

Legal citizenship provides a stronger foundation for your future and opens doors to educational, professional, and personal opportunities.

3. Steps to Naturalization

The naturalization process generally includes the following steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Make sure you meet the basic requirements, such as: having held a green card (lawful permanent residence) for at least five years (or three years in certain marriage-based cases), being at least 18 years old, maintaining continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S., demonstrating English ability, and showing good moral character.

Step 2: Submit Form N-400

Complete and file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS). Include required supporting documents and pay the filing fee (which typically covers the
biometrics fee as well).

Step 3: Biometrics (Fingerprinting) Appointment

Attend your fingerprinting appointment at an Application Support Center. USCIS uses your biometrics to
complete background and security checks. Bring your appointment notice and any original documents requested.

Step 4: Naturalization Interview

Participate in a personal interview with a USCIS officer. During this interview, the officer reviews your N-400,
asks questions about your background and travel history, and evaluates your English proficiency and knowledge of U.S. civics.

Step 5: U.S. Citizenship Test

As part of the interview, you will take the citizenship test. This includes an English test (reading, writing, and speaking) and a civics test on U.S. history and government. Fluency is not required, but you must show basic conversational English and understanding of key civics topics.

Step 6: Oath of Allegiance

If your application is approved, you will be scheduled for an Oath of Allegiance ceremony. Taking the oath is the final legal step that officially makes you a U.S. citizen.

Step 7: Certificate of Naturalization

After the oath, you receive your Certificate of Naturalization, which is official proof of your U.S. citizenship and can be used to apply for a U.S. passport and update your records.

4. Citizenship Test

The citizenship test measures your English language skills and your understanding of U.S. government and history.

English Test

The English portion evaluates your ability to speak, read, and write basic English. The officer will talk with you during the interview (speaking test), ask you to read one or more simple sentences in English, and ask you to write a short sentence in English.

Civics Test

The civics portion covers essential topics such as important U.S. historical dates, basic facts about the Constitution, how elections work, the structure and functions of the U.S. government, and other key points in U.S. history. USCIS provides official study materials to help you prepare.

Some applicants may qualify for exemptions or accommodations based on age or certain medical conditions. However, for most people, demonstrating basic conversational English and civics knowledge is an
essential part of a successful naturalization process.