1. What is U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization?
U.S. citizenship through naturalization is the process by which a foreign national voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting specific eligibility requirements. Citizenship grants the right to vote, hold public office, apply for federal jobs, and enjoy the full benefits and responsibilities of U.S. law.
Naturalization is most commonly pursued by lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) who have lived in the U.S. for a certain number of years. It involves submitting an application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), passing an interview and citizenship test, and taking the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S.
2. Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Citizenship
Before applying for U.S. citizenship, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. The key criteria are as follows:
- Green Card holder: You must have been a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen).
- Continuous residence: You must have lived in the U.S. continuously for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), meaning you haven’t spent long periods outside the U.S.
- Physical presence: You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months of the 5-year residency period (or 18 months if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Good moral character: You must demonstrate good moral character, which includes following U.S. laws and fulfilling your tax obligations.
- English proficiency: Applicants must be able to speak, read, and write basic English (with certain exceptions).
- Knowledge of U.S. civics: You must pass a test on U.S. history, government, and the Constitution.
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for naturalization.
Exceptions to some of these requirements may apply to individuals with U.S. military service or those with disabilities.
3. How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship
The process of transitioning from Green Card holder to U.S. citizen through naturalization involves several steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above before starting the application process.
Step 2: Complete Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
The official form for applying for citizenship is Form N-400. You can complete and submit this form online through the USCIS website or by mail. You will need to provide personal details, information about your residence, employment history, and other relevant background details.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fees
The current fee for filing the naturalization application (Form N-400) is $725, which includes:
- $640 for the filing fee.
- $85 for biometrics (fingerprints and photos).
Applicants 75 years and older are exempt from the biometric fee but must still pay the $640 filing fee. Fee waivers or reductions may be available for low-income applicants.
Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment
USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment after you submit your application. During this appointment, you will provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature for background checks.
Step 5: Prepare for the Citizenship Interview and Tests
Once your biometrics are processed, USCIS will schedule a citizenship interview. During the interview, a USCIS officer will ask questions about your application, your background, and your eligibility for citizenship. This is also when you will take the English and civics tests.
To prepare for the civics test, you should study U.S. history and government. USCIS provides a 100-question study guide from which the officer will ask up to 10 questions. You must answer at least 6 out of 10 correctly to pass.
Step 6: Attend the Citizenship Interview
During the interview, you will be asked questions about your Form N-400 and general background. You will also be tested on your English proficiency and U.S. civics knowledge. If you pass, you will receive a decision from USCIS, usually within 30 to 60 days after the interview.
Step 7: Take the Oath of Allegiance
If your application is approved, you will be scheduled to attend a naturalization ceremony where you will take the Oath of Allegiance to officially become a U.S. citizen. After taking the oath, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization, which serves as proof of your U.S. citizenship.
4. Timeline for U.S. Citizenship
The timeline for obtaining U.S. citizenship can vary depending on your location and USCIS processing times. On average, the process takes between 6 to 12 months from the time you submit your Form N-400 until you attend the naturalization ceremony.
Here’s a general breakdown of the timeline:
- Eligibility period: 5 years as a Green Card holder (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Application processing time: 6 to 12 months.
- Biometrics appointment: Typically scheduled 1 to 2 months after submitting your application.
- Interview and tests: Scheduled 6 to 10 months after submitting your application.
- Naturalization ceremony: Held 1 to 2 months after passing your interview and tests.
5. U.S. Citizenship Test: What You Need to Know
The U.S. citizenship test consists of two parts:
English Test
The English test assesses your ability to speak, read, and write basic English. The speaking portion will be evaluated during your interview. The reading test requires you to read one sentence aloud, while the writing test involves writing one sentence correctly.
Civics Test
The civics test assesses your knowledge of U.S. government, history, and the Constitution. You will be asked up to 10 questions from a list of 100 possible questions, and you must answer at least 6 questions correctly to pass.
Exemptions from the English or civics tests may be available for applicants based on age or disability. For example, applicants who are over 50 years old and have lived in the U.S. as Green Card holders for 20 years may be exempt from the English test.
6. Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
Becoming a U.S. citizen offers numerous advantages over holding a Green Card, including:
- Right to vote in U.S. elections.
- Eligibility for federal jobs: Many government jobs are reserved for U.S. citizens.
- Family sponsorship: U.S. citizens can sponsor a wider range of family members for immigration with shorter waiting times.
- Freedom to travel: U.S. citizens can obtain a U.S. passport, which allows for visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries.
- No risk of deportation: Unlike Green Card holders, U.S. citizens cannot be deported.
- Eligibility for federal benefits: U.S. citizens are eligible for certain federal grants and benefits not available to permanent residents.
7. Can U.S. Citizenship Be Revoked?
Although rare, U.S. citizenship can be revoked in certain situations, such as:
- Fraud or misrepresentation: If USCIS discovers that you provided false information during the naturalization process.
- Voluntarily renouncing citizenship: A U.S. citizen can voluntarily renounce their citizenship by making an official declaration at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Involvement in acts against the U.S. government: Certain acts, such as treason, could lead to citizenship revocation.
8. Dual Citizenship and U.S. Naturalization
The U.S. allows dual citizenship, meaning you can maintain your original nationality while becoming a U.S. citizen. However, it’s important to check the laws of your home country, as some countries may require you to renounce your original citizenship when obtaining U.S. citizenship.
Conclusion
Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is a rewarding process that offers numerous benefits, from voting rights to increased security and family reunification opportunities. By following the steps outlined in this guide—meeting the eligibility requirements, preparing the necessary documents, and passing the citizenship interview and tests—you can successfully transition from a Green Card holder to a proud U.S. citizen.