10 Steps to Naturalization

Depending on your situation, there may be different ways to obtain Naturalization or Citizenship.

Naturalization: is the process by which a U.S. citizen is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). 

Acquisition: of citizenship is obtained through U.S. citizenship parents either at birth or after birth, but before the age of eighteen (18). 

Here are ten (10) easy steps to get you started on your Naturalization process: 

1.Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen 

• You can be a U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization. 

• Were you born in the U.S. or territory of the U.S? If yes, you may already be a U.S. citizen

• Was at least one of your parents a U.S. citizen before you turned 18? If yes , you may already be a citizen. 

2.Determine if you are eligible to become a U.S. citizen

• In general you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least five (5) years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S citizen) and meet all other requirements. 

  
  

3.Prepare your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

• When you meet all requirements to become a U.S. citizen, complete Form N-400 to apply for naturalization. You can create an account and file your N-400 online, which allows you to receive case status alerts, send secure messages, see all case correspondence, check your case status, update personal information, and upload evidence

  
  

4.Submit your Form N-400 and pay your fees

• Submit your application, documents, and fees to USCIS. Once submitted and you have  received your receipt notice, you can check the status of your application by visiting uscis.gov

5.Go to the biometrics appointment, if applicable 

• USCIS requires applicants to be fingerprinted and photographed for the purpose of conducting a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal background checks. 

• All applicants must have background checks completed before USCIS will schedule an interview.

6.Complete the interview

• Once all the preliminary process on your case is completed, USCIS will schedule an interview with you. 

• You must report to the USCIS office at the date and time on your appointment notice.

7.Receive a decision from USCIS on your Form N-400

• You will be issued a written notice of the decision. 

• Granted- USCIS may approve your Form N-400 if evidence on record establishes your eligibility for naturalization.

• Denied- USCIS will deny your Form N-400 if the evidence on record establishes you are not eligible for naturalization.

8.Receive a notice to take the Oath Allegiance 

• USCIS will mail you a notification with the date, time, and location of your scheduled Oath ceremony.

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. The oath is administered by USCIS at an administrative ceremony or by a judge. 

• You receive your Certificate of Naturalization after taking the Oath of Allegiance.

10.Understanding U.S. Citizenship

Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. Below is a 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.

Rights 

                    • Freedom to express yourself.  

                    • Freedom to worship as you wish. 

                    • Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury. 

                    • Right to vote in elections for public officials.

                    • Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.

                    • Right to run for elected office.

Contact our office at Askew & Associates, P.A. by calling 954-546-2699.

*Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns.