Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for U.S. Citizenship
U.S. citizenship offers numerous benefits, including the right to vote, access to federal jobs, and protection from deportation. If you are a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) and wish to become a U.S. citizen, follow this detailed guide on the naturalization process, including completing Form N-400.
Step 1: Check If You Qualify for Citizenship
Before beginning the process, confirm that you meet the following requirements:
✅ Permanent Residency: Have at least 5 years as a permanent resident (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen and living together during that period);
✅ Physical Presence: Have spent at least half the required time (30 months in the last 5 years or 18 months in the last 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) in the U.S.;
✅ Good Moral Character: No serious crimes or immigration violations;
✅ English and Civics Knowledge: Ability to read, write, and speak basic English and knowledge of U.S. history and government (required for the naturalization test);
✅ Continuous Residence: No absences from the U.S. longer than 6 consecutive months during the required period.
Step 2: Complete Form N-400
Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) is the official document that must be submitted to USCIS. Here’s a guide to filling it out correctly:
🔹 Part 1: Personal Information
- Full legal name, other names used, and Green Card number;
- Residential address and address history for the last 5 years.
🔹 Part 2: Eligibility
- Indicate the basis of your eligibility (e.g., 5 years of permanent residency or marriage to a U.S. citizen).
🔹 Part 3: Disability Information
- If you have a condition that makes it difficult to complete the test, you may request accommodations.
🔹 Parts 4-6: Residence, Employment, and Education History
- Provide details on where you lived and worked in the last 5 years.
🔹 Part 8: Travel History
- List all international trips taken in the last 5 years.
🔹 Part 11: Criminal History
- Disclose any involvement with the law, including fines and arrests.
🔹 Part 12: Oath of Allegiance to the U.S.
- Agree to uphold the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
📌 Essential documents to submit with N-400:
- Copy of Green Card (front and back);
- Two passport-style photos (if applying from outside the U.S.);
- Marriage and divorce certificates (if applicable);
- Travel records for the past 5 years;
- Criminal history records (if applicable).
If applicable, also include:
- Marriage certificate for applicants married to U.S. citizens;
- Form N-648 if requesting an exemption from the test due to a medical disability.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The N-400 processing fee is $640, plus $85 for biometrics, totaling $725. You can pay via check, money order, or credit card (Form G-1450).
💡 Fee Waiver: Low-income applicants may request a fee waiver using Form I-912.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
You can submit your application online (via a USCIS online account) or by mail to the appropriate address for your state. If sending by mail, use a tracking service to ensure delivery.
Step 6: Attend the Interview and Naturalization Test
🔹 Biometrics Appointment
- You will receive a notice from USCIS to visit a service center and provide fingerprints.
🔹 USCIS Interview
- During the interview, an officer will review your application, ask questions about your case, and administer the English and civics tests.
🔹 English and Civics Test
- The exam has three parts:
- Reading: Read three sentences correctly in English;
- Writing: Write three sentences in English;
- Civics: Answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly about U.S. history and government (from a set of 100 possible questions).
💡 Test Exemption: Applicants over 50 years old with 20 years of U.S. residency (or 55 years old with 15 years of residency) may take the test in their native language.
Step 7: Attend the Naturalization Ceremony
If approved, you will be scheduled for the Naturalization Ceremony, where you will take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your U.S. Citizenship Certificate. From this moment, you are officially a U.S. citizen! 🎉
How Freedom to Belong Can Help
📢 Our paralegals can complete and submit your naturalization application for you!
🔹 Freedom to Belong partners with US Legal Now LLC, which can assist with more complex immigration cases. 🔹 If you pass our 15-question test and the interview with a native English speaker, and if we have the budget available, we cover all costs, including:
- Paralegal fees;
- Immigration application fees;
- Translation costs for required documents;
- Mailing and submission fees;
- Legal support for complex cases.
🔹 What is the Freedom to Belong Test? Our test consists of 15 questions about U.S. citizenship, covering history, government, and citizens’ rights. Additionally, candidates must:
- Read three sentences in English correctly;
- Write three sentences in English correctly.
For more details about the test and qualification process, visit our blog:
Prove You Are Ready – We Will Help Pay for Your Citizenship Test!
If you need assistance with your citizenship process, contact us!
📩 [email protected]
🇺🇸 Good luck on your path to U.S. citizenship! 🇺🇸
#USCitizenship #NaturalizationProcess #GreenCard #ImmigrationHelp #CitizenshipTest #FreedomToBelong #USLegalNow #USCIS #BecomeACitizen #AmericanDream