USCIS Process
At USCitizenship.info we believe that the process of becoming an American citizen should be easy to understand, simple to complete, and accessible to every eligible person. Assuming you already have a Green Card, this article will address the most common questions that individuals may have when going through the naturalization process:
Follow these easy steps to become a US Citizen:
Follow these easy steps to become a US Citizen:
1. Submit Your Complete U.S. Citizenship Application:
To be able to start citizenship application through naturalization, you have to meet the following requirements. You should:
- Be 18 years of age or above.
- A lawful permanent resident for 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen).
- Have maintained continuous residence during the past 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen).
- Have maintained physical presence during the past 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen).
- Have good moral character.
- Have basic knowledge of English.
- Have basic knowledge of US government and history.
- Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
2. Get Fingerprinted (Biometric Services):
- Receive an application receipt notice from the USCIS acknowledging that your application has been received.
- Go to the local Application Support Center (ASC) as specified in the letter from the USCIS on the scheduled date and time to get your fingerprints taken.
- Conduct a standard background check
- Send any additional documents to the USCIS that they may have requested in the letter.
3. Attend USCIS Interview & Take Tests
- Receive an interview appointment letter from the USCIS.
- Study for the Test with our interactive DVD "Pass the U.S. Citizenship Test & Interview."
- Go to the interview location specified in the letter from the USCIS on the scheduled date and time for the interview.
- Bring identification and any additional documents that the USCIS may have requested in the letter.
- Answer interview questions about your application and background
- Take the English & Civics Tests
- Await a decision from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
4. Take the Oath to Become a U.S. Citizen
- Receive a ceremony date letter from the USCIS.
- Check in at the ceremony location specified in the letter from the USCIS on the scheduled date and time.
- Return your Permanent Resident Card.
- Answer questions about what you have done since your interview.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance.
- Receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
- Enjoy your new life as a United States Citizen!
How Long Does It Take To Become a US Citizen?
Depending on where and when you choose to file your application, the period of time between sending in the completed application and the interview to become a U.S. Citizen can vary from five months to more than two years.
The swearing-in ceremony for receiving the naturalization certificate will then take place from 1 to 180 days after the interview, although in a few U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS, formerly known as the INS) district offices, it can take another one or two years.
The length of time for the entire process depends on the number of U.S. Citizenship applications the USCIS offices receive in each state. Additionally, making a mistake on your application can cost you even more time. However, by using our unique do-it-yourself service, you will be assisted throughout the entire process - helping you prevent costly mistakes to your application.
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