Citizenship is granted either through birth or through naturalization. Those individuals wishing to be U.S. citizens through naturalization must begin the process by filing an application for naturalization, also known as Form N-400.
There are eligibility requirements which must be met before your application can be approved. It is good to know if you meet those requirements before you submit your form because the fees are non-refundable if you application is denied.
Requirements for Naturalization
The general requirements are as follows:
People have to be permanent residents for 5 years before naturalizing, but there are exceptions to that rule.
All people seeking to apply for naturalization must be at least 18 years old. Below is a list of the basic requirements:
- You must have lived continuously in the U.S. - That means that while you may have traveled outside the United States, you have not been out of the country for more than 6 months.
- Be of Good Moral Character
- Pass English and Civics Test
- Applicants must read, write, and speak English and must demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government (also known as “civics”).
- Attachment to the Constitution - All applicants must take an oath and promise an “attachment to the constitution of the United States” which means they will live by, defend, and support the principles stated in the constitution.
Naturalization Application Process
When you complete the Form N-400 you will need to also provide evidence of meeting the above requirements. After you file the Form N-400, USCIS will contact you and set up a personal interview. All applicants for naturalization must appear for a personal interview. Sometimes the immigration official conducting the interview will inform you at the end of the interview if you will be granted naturalization or if they need more information. You will be informed by mail if your application is denied. You will then need to take the oath of citizenship.
Consulting a Lawyer about Naturalization
There is extensive free information available on the USCIS website regarding the naturalization process, including information about Form N-400. The website is www.uscis.gov.
Many immigrants applying for citizenship will do so without any problems and do not need the added expense of a lawyer. Some immigrants have minor criminal charges, or perhaps have been associated with people in the past who create a suspicious profile for the Department of Homeland Security. For these immigrants, it would be advisable to consult a citizenship lawyer before submitting your Form N400 and before paying the non-refundable fees. A citizenship lawyer can give you a realistic opinion about your chances of being approved for citizenship and can help you frame your circumstances in the most favorable light.
