Continue... Page 2 US Citizenship Faq's...

< Back to Previous Page

Continue... Page 2 US Citizenship Faq's

When you call, please have your A-number, any receipt number issued to you after the USCIS received your application, and the last notice you received about your case.

The National Customer Service Center Customer Service Representatives use information provided by each local office to answer questions about case status and processing times.
Writing or visiting the USCIS Office:

While calling can be more convenient, you may instead choose to request an update by writing or going to your local USCIS office.

If you write, please provide the following in your letter:

Your current name and address, and, if different, your name as it appears on your application;
 
Your A-number, which is an 8 or 9 digit number following the letter "A", assigned to you or to your application. 
Your date of birth.
 
The date and place where your application was filed.
Any receipt number from any receipt notice issued by INS or USCIS for your application.
 
A copy of the most recent notice sent to you by the USCIS on your case, if you have received one.
 
The date and office where you were fingerprinted and where you were interviewed, if this has been done.
Sign your request, or, if you are preparing the request for the applicant, have him or her sign the request. Please mark your envelope: ATTN: Status Inquiry.

If you have NOT been scheduled for a naturalization interview:
Calling:
You may obtain case status by calling the USCIS, and following the automated instructions. Please have your receipt number ready.
Writing:
While calling can be more convenient, you may instead choose to request an update by writing the Service or Benefits Center where your case is pending. Please note that the Texas Service Center prefers that customers fax their inquiries.

If you write, please provide the following in your letter:

Your current name and address, and, if different, your name as it appears on your application.
 
Any A-number, which is an 8 or 9 digit number following the letter "A", assigned to you or to your application, Your date of birth.
 
The date and place where your application was filed.
Any receipt number from any receipt notice issued by the USCIS for your application.
 
A copy of the most recent notice sent to you by the USCIS on your case, if you have received one.
The date and office where you were fingerprinted and where you were interviewed, if this has been done.
If you filed electronically, include a copy of your Confirmation Receipt notice.

Sign your request, or, if you are preparing the request for the applicant, have him or her sign the request. Please mark your envelope:

ATTN: Status Inquiry.

What if I cannot make it to my scheduled interview?
 
It is very important not to miss your interview. If you are to miss your interview, you should notify the office where your interview is scheduled by mail as soon as possible.

In your letter, you should ask to have your interview rescheduled. Rescheduling an interview may add several months to the naturalization process, so try not to change your original interview date.

If an emergency arises and you absolutely cannot make your appointment, you should contact the National Customer Service Center to request rescheduling.

The USCIS will record the information, and pass it on to your local office, they will make the final decision when to reschedule your appointment.

If you miss your scheduled interview without notifying the USCIS, USCIS will "administratively close" your case. Unless you contact the USCIS to schedule a new interview within 1 year after the USCIS closes your case, they will deny your application.

The USCIS will NOT notify you if they close your case because you missed your interview. 
If the USCIS grants me naturalization, when will I become a citizen?
 
You become a citizen as soon as you take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. In some places, you can choose to take the Oath the same day as your interview.
If that option is not available, or if you prefer a ceremony at a later date, the USCIS will notify you of the ceremony date with a "Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony" (Form N-445). 
What should I do if I cannot go to my oath ceremony? 
If you cannot go to the oath ceremony, you should return the "Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony" (Form N-445) that the USCIS sent to you. You should send the N-445 back to your local office.
Include a letter saying why you cannot go to the ceremony. Make a copy of the notice and your letter before you send them to USCIS.
Your local office will reschedule you and send you a new "Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony" (Form N-445) to tell you when your ceremony will take place.
Can I reapply for naturalization if the USCIS denies my application? 
In many cases, you may reapply. If you reapply, you will need to complete and resubmit a new N-400 and pay the fee again. You will also need to have your fingerprints and photographs taken again.
If your application is denied, the denial letter should indicate the date you may reapply for citizenship. If you are denied because you failed the English or civics test, you may reapply for naturalization as soon as you want.
You should reapply whenever you believe you have learned enough English or civics to pass the test. 
How do I register with selective services? 
Selective Service registration allows the United States Government to maintain a list of names of men who may be called into military service in case of a national emergency requiring rapid expansion of the U.S. Armed Forces.
By registering all young men, the Selective Service can ensure that any future draft will be fair and equitable.
Federal law requires that men who are at least 18 years old, but not yet 26 years old, must be registered with Selective Service.
This includes all male non-citizens within these age limits who permanently reside in the United States. All men with "Green Cards" (lawful permanent residents) must register. Men living in the United States without Immigration documentation (undocumented aliens) must also register. But men cannot register after reaching age 26. 

Why Do I Need to Register with the Selective Service? 
Failure to register for the Selective Service may (in certain instances) make you ineligible for certain immigration benefits, such as citizenship

I am a United States citizen. How do I obtain a copy of my Certificate of Citizenship?

 A Certificate of Naturalization is a document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) since October 1, 1991 and the Federal Courts or certain State Courts on or before September 30, 1991 as proof of a person obtaining U.S. citizenship through naturalization (a legal process to obtain a new nationality).

Obtain a copy/replacement of your Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
You should apply for a replacement certificate if your current certificate is lost, mutilated, or destroyed.
 
You may also apply for a new certificate if subsequent to issuance of your current certificate, your name has been legally changed either through court order or marriage or divorce.

Form N-565 is used to apply for a replacement certificate of citizenship or naturalization.
Form N-565 must be filed in person or by mail with the local USCIS office having jurisdiction over your place of residence. Except if you live in Maryland; file with the Vermont Service Center.
You must apply with appropriate identification to establish your identity.
 
Processing Fee must be submitted with the application form (instructions on application form)
Photo must also be provided (instructions on application form)
Sign up for Unlimited Download Access ($19.95) and download Form N-565

Top of Page