Citizenship Naturalization is the legal process by which a foreign citizen or national can become a US citizen. To be able to naturalize, the applicant must first meet the requirements to apply for citizenship. Then, you must complete the application, attend an interview and pass an exam of English and civics. Once you successfully complete these steps, the applicant makes an oath of allegiance and becomes a citizen. These legal requirements help the immigration service to ensure that only naturalization of those whose desire to become american citizens is sincere.
Who is Eligible?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS) states that people applying for naturalization must:
- be at least eighteen years of age;
- be a legal permanent resident of the United States;
- be a resident and have been physically present in the United States for at least five years at the time of application;
- have a good moral conduct.
The requirement for residence has some exceptions for time outside the country that your attorney can explain in detail. The USCIS also provides a work sheet on eligibility for naturalization that helps potential applicants determine if they can submit the application. Your most important resource is an experienced immigration lawyer can prepare your application and guide you during the process of the examination and the interview.
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for US Citizenship naturalization. The government provides a series of publications that explain in detail the process of naturalization. A guide to US Citizenship naturalization, available through the USCIS, may be a useful starting point for their queries.
How to Complete the Naturalization Application
When working with your lawyer, you should:
- complete the form N-400, Application for naturalization;
- get two photographs of you that meet the requirements of the immigration service (pose, size, lighting, etc);
- gather the necessary documents;
- send the application, documents and fee ($320 application concept/$70 in fees biometric for obtaining fingerprints, updated to August 2004) at the centre of services.
Obtaining Fingerprints
As part of its application, it is required to provide the applicant’s fingerprints. Keep the following in mind:
- You will receive a letter with the appointment on the part of the USCIS.
- You will need to attend to the establishment indicated.
- We shall take the fingerprints.
- You must mail the additional documents, in the event that they are requesting.
This security step ensures that you do not commit fraud on the USCIS.
Interview and Examination
The next step is the most important: the interview and the exams. Keep the following in mind:
- You will receive an appointment for the interview.
- You must attend the local office at the scheduled time.
- You must bring identification.
- You must answer questions about your application and your background.
- You must take a test of English and civics.
- Then will inform the decision.
How to Do the Pledge of Allegiance
If you get a satisfactory result, you can proceed with the final step: take the oath of allegiance. Keep the following in mind:
- You will receive a date for the ceremony.
- Shall be present at the ceremony.
- You must return your permanent resident card.
- You must answer questions about what you’ve been doing since your interview.
- Shall take the oath of allegiance.
Legal assistance with the Naturalization Process
You need to know the steps that involves meticulous preparation for each stage of the immigration process. If you or a loved one are considering live in the United States or become a citizen should contact an experienced immigration lawyer who can guide you at every stage of the process and protect your rights.
