Citizenship USA

(Permanent Residence in the USA)

Naturalization with the USCIS: The process immigrants have to go through to become citizens of the United States. A person may become a U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization. Usually if children are Permanent Residents, they can derive citizenship from their naturalized parents. This is true whether is a child by birth or adoption.

Citizenship: As an U.S. citizen you will be granted rights and accept responsibilities.

Some of the rights and benefits granted by the U.S. citizenship include:

All the rights listed in the Constitution including the right to vote
Right to have a U.S. passport
Right to work in the U.S.

Some of the responsibilities implied by the U.S. citizenship are:

Promises in the Oath of Allegiance including giving up prior allegiances to other countries
Support and defend the laws of the U.S.
Swear allegiance to the U.S.
Serve the country when required

Who Can Apply?

There are seven basic requirements.

Be a permanent resident for five (5) years having a continuous residence in the United States
Having a physical presence in the United States
Having the required time within the USCIS district or State
Having a good moral character
Having sufficient English and U.S. civics knowledge
Declaring attachment to the U.S. Constitution

These requirements vary depending on whether the applicant has special circumstances that the USCIS recognizes for naturalization. The Eligibility Worksheet provided in the Citizenship USA Self-Help US immigration Kit will help you to determine if you are eligible for naturalization.

How do I Apply?

After determining your eligibility you will decide if you should apply for naturalization. If you do not meet all the requirements, you may save both time and money by waiting until you are eligible to apply. You must be 18 years of age or older and willing to apply for naturalization based on your years as Permanent Resident. You may file for naturalization up to 3 months before you have met the "continuous residence" for 5 years before you naturalize, you may apply once you have been in "continuous residence" for 4 years and 9 months.

You must fill out the Form N-400 completely and send it to the appropriate service center including 2 photographs, the fee and other necessary documents. Our Self-Help Kit Citizenship USA provides all necessary instructions on how to fill out the N-400 and additional documents. The USCIS may ask for additional information: if you leave it out of your application, this will delay the processing of you naturalization process.
You will receive a appointment letter from USCIS with the date and location to get fingerprinted. In order to do a criminal background check, the USCIS will send your fingerprints to the FBI.
The USCIS will send you an interview notice in the mail that will tell you the date, time and place of your interview. If you fail to bring the necessary documents, your case may be delayed or denied. During the interview, your ability to read, write and speak English will be tested. You will also have answer a set of civics questions to test your knowledge and understanding of the U.S. History and Government. Our Self-Help Kit Citizenship USA provides examples and sample questions and tips to prepare for the interview.

What do I do Now?

Get the answers you need with our Self-Help US immigration Kit.
Read more information on eligibility requirements.

Citizenship USA

(Permanent Residence in the USA)

Citizenship USA Kit