Many people wish to get naturalized and become citizens of the United States. Rightly so, because obtaining US citizenship confers new rights and privileges on those who are fortunate enough to obtain it.
Naturalization is the procedure through which an immigrant to the United States of America can become a citizen of the country. Only select immigrants are eligible: those who have held a green card (permanent residency) for at least 3-5 years or who meet various military service requirements.
Ten Steps to Naturalization
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for US Citizenship
Before you consider naturalizing, you need to determine whether you are eligible for the process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has established criteria for establishing your eligibility for citizenship.
If you were born in the United States or are a citizen of the United States, you are automatically granted U.S. citizenship. If any of your parents are U.S. citizens or have naturalized, you must complete Form N-600 or Form N-600K, which are the Applications for Certificate of Citizenship and Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate, respectively.
If you do not meet any of the above prerequisites and wish to apply for US citizenship, you must also meet the following requirements:
To establish that you are a lawful permanent resident, you must have a valid green card.
You've been married to a citizen of the US for at least three years.
You have served in the United States military.
Step 2: Fill out Form N-400.
After you've passed the eligibility check, file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which is available through the USCIS.
This form will request personal information, past information (both personal and residential), parents, employment (both past and present), education, time spent outside the United States while on a green card, marriage history, and information on your spouse and children (if any).
Step 3: Collect two photographs.
Photographs must be recent and reflect your present facial characteristics, such as a haircut, beard, mustache, and so on. The photo must clearly display your face from your chin to the top of your head, with no covering on your head (unless for religious reasons).
Furthermore, these images should be passport-sized, measuring 2 X 2 inches (5 X 5 cm) in the United States. With the photo on a light or white background, the color scheme could be in full color or black and white.
Step 4: Photocopy Documents
Documents should all be photocopies, not originals. Because you will be sending your original documents via mail, there is a danger that they will be lost or damaged in the process.
You will, however, be required to bring in your originals for verification. Photocopies of your green card (front and back), passport, visa, birth certificate, and other important papers are required. If you have documents that are not in English, you should have them translated first and then provide a photocopy.
Step 5: Send Your Application
It's time to submit all the collected documents to the USCIS office. Make sure to provide the proper address while sending. You must also submit an application fee of around $725, which includes the biometric verification fee. For this purpose, you can use a money order or a cheque.
Step 6: Get Fingerprinted
After your application has been approved, you will be scheduled for biometric verification at a USCIS office. You will be required to submit your fingerprints. Various law enforcement agencies in the United States will use these to check your criminal history. If a severe crime is discovered, your application will be refused immediately.
Step 7: Meet with a USCIS officer for an interview
During your interview, the USCIS officer will inquire about your eligibility for citizenship as well as your knowledge of US history and government. They will also look into your criminal background to see if you have decent moral character.
Step 8: Pass the naturalization examination.
Officials from USCIS will assess your abilities to understand, read, write, and speak English. This has no direct impact on the application procedure, but it is critical for officials. The civics examination is more significant. You will be quizzed on US rules and regulations ranging from paying taxes to driving regulations.
Step 9: Await the Decision
Following the interview, the USCIS will decide whether or not to give you citizenship based on the facts you supplied and the questions you answered during the interview.
Step 10: Take the Oath
If your application is approved, you will be required to participate in an oath ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. Following this, you will be given your Certificate of Naturalization, indicating that you are now a U.S. citizen.
These are the steps you must follow to become a naturalized citizen of the United States and enjoy all of the privileges and liberties that come with it.