How to Get Naturalized in the United States.

Introduction To Naturalization

“Naturalization” is the term in immigration law that refers to the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Commencing naturalization proceedings is a major step in making the United States one's home. However, not every person physically present in the United States is eligible to apply for naturalization. In order to apply for naturalization, one must first become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) and then meet many other extensive eligibility requirements. Furthermore, there are many cases where one may already be a U.S. citizen and not realize it.

This article will explain how to make sure that you are not already a U.S. citizen, and then explain the requirements for applying for naturalization from confirming your eligibility for naturalization to taking the Oath of Allegiance.

Am I Already A U.S. Citizen?

There are three ways that a person may be a citizen of the United States:

If you believe that you may already be a U.S. citizen, you should consult with an experienced immigration attorney before beginning the naturalization process. If you find out that you are in fact a U.S. citizen, you are a U.S. citizen regardless of whether or not you have documentation. However, you will want to have proof of citizenship readily available. In order to obtain proof of citizenship, you will need to file either a Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship or a Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of a Certificate under INA § 322. The form that you will need to choose depends on your circumstances and eligibility, so you would be well advised to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney to learn more.

Am I Eligible For Naturalization?

Assuming that you are not already a U.S. citizen, you must determine whether or not you are eligible for naturalization before beginning your application. This section will explain the requirements that you must satisfy in order to commence your naturalization process.

I Am Eligible For Naturalization. Where Do I Begin?
Congratulations! You may now apply for naturalization.

Before you begin, it is important for you to be aware that once you file for naturalization, you must reside continuously in the United States from the date you file the application to your admission as a U.S. citizen.28 If you are absent for 6 months to 1 year, there is a presumption that your continuity of residence has been interrupted,29 although in such a case, you may present evidence that your residence in the United States was not interrupted.30 Any absence in excess of 1 year will result in you failing to meet this residency requirement. Our list for exemptions from the physical presence requirements also hold as exemptions for this continuous residency requirement.

In order to begin your naturalization process, you must complete the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. You must take great care to complete the form accurately, because any discrepancies may be used against you during the adjudication or your naturalization application. You may review the instructions for properly filling out [link] and filing [link] the Form N-400 courtesy of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Along with your Form N-400 and its filing fee, you will need to submit a clear copy of your Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), two passport-sized photos, and any other applicable evidence supporting your eligibility for naturalization.

I Have Filed The Naturalization Application. What Happens Next?

Approximately 15 days after you have filed your Form N-400, you should expect to receive a Form I-797C Receipt Notice from USCIS. The notice serves as confirmation that USCIS has received your application, but does not tell you anything about whether your application will ultimately be successful. Your application will then be processed by a USCIS Service Center. In the meantime, you should receive an appointment notice to report to your local USCIS Service Center and have your biometrics taken.

When you go to your appointment, you must take your appointment notice with you, and a USCIS official will stamp it once your biometrics have been taken. Failure to attend or reschedule your biometrics appointment may result in the delay, or outright denial, of your naturalization application.

What Happens If I Fail The Citizenship Test?

If you fail the citizenship test, you will be afforded an opportunity to retake the test within sixty to ninety days from the date of your naturalization interview. In this event, we encourage you to thoroughly prepare for retaking the test in order that you may pass it the second time.

Should you fail your first attempt at the citizenship test, it may be in your best interest to retain an experienced Lawyer for US Citizenship who is familiar with situations just like yours so that he or she can help you avoid any undue delays of your application, or a denial of your application on account of it being deemed improperly filed. If you have any prior arrests or convictions, we very strongly advise you to retain experienced immigration counsel in this situation.

Naturalization Interview And Naturalization Ceremony
Next, you will receive a notice with the date of your naturalization interview. The notice will include instructions explaining what you will be required to bring to your interview. At the naturalization interview, you will be required to take a citizenship test where you will be expected to answer a certain number of questions correctly about American history and civics.

After you pass your citizenship test, you will be issued a notice to appear to at your Naturalization Ceremony where you will take the Oath of Allegiance, unless USCIS requires additional evidence from you to finish adjudicating your naturalization application. Please note that your naturalization process will not be complete if you do not attend the Naturalization Ceremony.

At the Naturalization Ceremony, you will return your Permanent Resident Card (green card), take the Oath of Allegiance, and then receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Your Certificate of Naturalization will serve as proof that you are now a citizen of the United States.

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