For more information, see USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.
How are you going to be a citizen of the USA?
Education is the beginning of citizenship in America. As an immigrant student I want to help answer this question based on some of my own research.
Path to U.S. Citizenship
This page describes the most common path to U.S. citizenship, which allows a green card holder (permanent resident) of at least 5 years to apply for naturalization. Other paths include:
- Green card holders married to U.S. citizens
- Green card holders in the military and their family
- Citizenship through parents
Eligibility Requirements
If you are a green card holder of at least 5 years, you must meet the following requirements in order to apply for naturalization:
- Be 18 or older at the time of filing
- Be a green card holder for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Have lived within the state, or USCIS district with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence, for at least 3 months prior to the date of filing the application. Students may apply for naturalization either where they go to school or where their family lives (if they are still financially dependent on their parents).
- Have continuous residence in the United States as a green card holder for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application
- Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application
- Reside continuously within the United States from the date of application for naturalization up to the time of naturalization
- Be able to read, write, and speak English and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
- Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States during all relevant periods under the law
Citizenship Through Naturalization Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Members and veterans of the U.S. armed forces and their dependents may be eligible for special naturalization provisions. For more information, visit our Citizenship for Military Personnel & Family Members page.
Dual Citizenship
For information on dual citizenship, visit the U.S. Department of State Services Dual Nationality website.
The Value of Citizenship
The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all parts of the world. America values the contributions of immigrants who continue to enrich this country and preserve its legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity.
Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions in an individual’s life. If you decide to apply to become a U.S. citizen, you will be showing your commitment to the United States and your loyalty to its Constitution. In return, you are rewarded with all the rights and privileges that are part of U.S. citizenship.
Some facts about immigrants in the USA:
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/11/03/5-facts-about-illegal-immigration-in-the-u-s/
https://usagov.ctacdev.com/become-us-citizen
The steps to Citizenship.
10 Steps to Naturalization: Understanding the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen
To apply for naturalization, you will need to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Below you will find a general description of the application process.
Before you apply, be sure that you meet all eligibility requirements. Check if you qualify for any exceptions and accommodations. You can use the naturalization eligibility worksheet (PDF, 301 KB) and document checklist (PDF, 178 KB) to help you prepare.
General Steps in the Naturalization Process
Step 1. Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen.What to do: If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth, or you did not acquire or derive U.S. citizenship from your parent(s) automatically after birth, go to the next step. |
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Step 2. Determine if you are eligible to become a U.S. citizen.What to do: Review the naturalization eligibility worksheet (PDF, 301 KB) to help you decide if you are eligible to apply for naturalization. |
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Step 3. Prepare your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.What to do: Download the form and read the instructions. Get 2 passport-style photos and collect the necessary documents to demonstrate your eligibility for naturalization. Use the document checklist (PDF, 178 KB) to make sure you collect all the required documents. |
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Step 4. Submit your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.Once you submit Form N-400, USCIS will send you a receipt notice. You can check current processing times and the status of your application online or by calling the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (hearing impaired). |
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Step 5. Go to the biometrics appointment, if applicable.What to do: If you need to take biometrics, USCIS will send you an appointment notice that includes your biometrics appointment date, time, and location. Arrive at the designated location at the scheduled time. Have your biometrics taken. |
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Step 6. Complete the interview.Once all the preliminary processes on your case are complete, USCIS will schedule an interview with you to complete the naturalization process. You must report to the USCIS office at the date and time on your appointment notice. Please bring the appointment notice with you. |
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Step 7. Receive a decision from USCIS on your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.USCIS will issue you a written notice of decision.
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Step 8. Receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance.What to expect: If USCIS approved your Form N-400 in step 7, you may be able to participate in a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview. If a same day naturalization ceremony is unavailable, USCIS will mail you a notification with the date, time, and location of your scheduled ceremony. |
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Step 9. Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.You are not a U.S. citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. What to do: Complete the questionnaire on Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony. Report for your naturalization ceremony and check in with USCIS. A USCIS officer will review your responses to Form N-445. Turn in your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen. Receive your Certificate of Naturalization, review it, and notify USCIS of any errors you see on your certificate before leaving the ceremony site. |
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Step 10. Understanding U.S. citizenship.Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. Check out this list of some of the most important rights and responsibilities that all citizens?both Americans by birth and by choice?should exercise, honor, and respect. |
https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learners/apply-citizenship
babybee • Mar 9, 2017 at 2:44 pm
I had been in U.S five years already. I heard people said if you want to become a citizen, you have to pass the test fist. I wonder what kind the test is that?
This is very useful information for me because I am deciding to get the citizenship in this summer. Also, think you so much for giving the details to everybody who needs this.
RonalGalan • Feb 1, 2017 at 4:20 pm
This is such an well represented and informative article! This will help many people that don’t know where to start in their path to citizenship.
ulloa21 • Jan 17, 2017 at 2:49 pm
This information is useful. Those people seeking citizenship in the US will have a lot of paperwork and expense.