5 Steps to Naturalization: Becoming a U.S. Citizen

Watch our step-by step video on how to apply for citizenship here.

U.S. citizenship has many advantages, including the right to vote, to apply for family members’ green cards and to be eligible for certain jobs and elected offices. Some people may decide to naturalize simply because they consider the United States their home.

You may qualify for naturalization through several pathways, including five years of legal permanent residency, three years of residency if you have been married to a U.S. citizen during that time, service for the U.S. armed forces or a child of a U.S. citizen parent. This article guides you through the five steps to citizenship under the first criteria — you have had your green card for at least five years.

1. Determine Whether You Are Eligible for Naturalization

Before investing the time and money, you should first determine whether you are eligible for naturalization. As stated above, in order to qualify you must have been approved for your green card at least five years ago. You must also have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months, or half the time of your legal permanent residency, and cannot have taken trips outside of United States of six months or more. For this reason, you should plan your holidays, schooling and work trips carefully to ensure you do not spend too many days outside the country. You can overcome a trip of longer than six months but shorter than one year if you can show proof that you did not intend to abandon your residency status. Factors that can support your intentions include payment of taxes, continued employment and maintenance of a home you rented or owned during your time outside the country.

At the time you apply for naturalization, you must be at least 18 years old and show you are a person of good moral character. A criminal arrest, drug use, lying to an immigration officer or even failing to pay alimony or child support can raise questions.

2. File Your N-400 Application

File your N-400 application with the appropriate USCIS office along with your fees and supporting documents. The naturalization application currently costs $640, plus an $85 biometric fee for your background check, for a total of $725. The supporting documentation should prove your eligibility for naturalization. Once your application has been accepted, you will receive a date for your fingerprinting and biometrics via mail.

3. Study

Start studying for your citizenship test right away. At your USCIS interview, the officer will test your knowledge of written and spoken English and ask you 10 citizenship questions, of which you have to answer six correctly to pass. USCIS offers this helpful list of citizenship questions from which questions are drawn.

4. Attend Your USCIS Interview

After your fingerprinting, USCIS will assign you an interview date. Dress neatly and be on time. And most importantly, do not be nervous. The officer will review your application, clarify any issues and conduct the citizenship test.

5. Be Sworn in

Congratulations, you were approved! You have only one step left — to be sworn in. This is the moment you become a citizen. The ceremony is truly memorable and exciting, so enjoy the experience.

Applying for citizenship may seem straightforward. However, consider retaining a lawyer, especially if you have a criminal record, a long absence from the United States or another problem with your application. An attorney can help resolve these problems or may even suggest that you delay filing your application if your green card would be placed in jeopardy.

*The content and materials available via Ask Ellis are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.