Naturalization refers to the process through which an immigrant to the United States becomes a citizen, benefiting from the full rights and subject to all of the responsibilities that U.S. citizenship offers. The naturalization process is open to immigrants with legal permanent resident (LPR) status who have lived in the U.S., in most cases, for at least 5 years. The process begins with submission of Form N-400 for immigrants over the age of 18, or through Form N-600 for children immigrants whose parents are U.S. Citizens. All forms are processed through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. (USCIS), a division of the Department of Homeland Security A thorough background check is conducted and the information sent to the USCIS is verified. Following a successful background check, once the form has been processed, the USCIS notifies applicants of their scheduled interviews at which applicants will be questioned, tested and possibly, depending on the jurisdiction, granted citizen status. The tests are used to verify the applicant's ability to read, write and speak English and the applicant's knowledge of the U.S. government and history. Once the applicant has successfully passed through the interview and tests, he will be given the opportunity to take the Oath of Allegiance. Once this Oath has been pledged, the immigrant is a naturalized citizen of the United States.