Welcome to the United States of America! Naturalization is the process enabling foreign citizens or nationals to become citizens of the U.S. Naturalization guidelines have been established and periodically modified by the U.S. Congress and are detailed in the country’s Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The naturalization process is regulated by the Department of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), formerly known as the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Service or INS.

There are seven essential criteria for prospective applicants.

1. Applicants must establish a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.

2. The residence must be in a particular USCIS District prior to applying and processing should take place through that district office.

3. Applicants must have the ability to read, write and speak English. The process will involve testing and an interview.

4. Applicants must have an understanding of U.S. history and government. The USCIS will furnish suggested study and reading materials.

5. Applicants must show good moral character. Applicants should enlist willing references.

6. Applicants must accept the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

7. Applicants must have a favorable disposition toward the United States.

In some, cases, applicants with good moral character and who are favorably disposed to the U.S. may be entitled to modifications of the basic requirements. This usually applies to family members and persons who have served in the U. S. Armed Forces.

To become a citizen, the Naturalization process includes four general steps:

1. Submit a completed application – Applicants may go to the USCIS website or visit a regional office to obtain the application booklet. Make sure all accompanying documents are completed and submitted according to the instructions.

2. Get Fingerprinted – When the applicant receives the confirmation letter acknowledging receipt of the application, go to the fingerprinting site in the letter. Applicants should check the letter to make sure all requested forms have been completed.

3. Attend the USCIS Interview and Testing – Applicants will receive an appointment letter from USCIS with a scheduled date, time and location. Applicants must provide valid identification and any requested documents. At the interview, the applicant will be asked about the application and answer background questions. All applicants will also be required to take an English test and a Civics test. After completing the interview and the tests, applicants will be notified of the results and the USCIS determination.

4. Once applicants have met all the requirements, they will receive a letter from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The notice will include notice of the naturalization ceremony with a location and date. Applicants must return their Permanent Resident Card and answer updated questions about events since the interview. To formalize the procedure, applicants will then take the Oath of Allegiance. A Certificate of Naturalization is then presented and new citizens are welcome to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

To be eligible for naturalization, applicants must:

- Applicants18 years of age

- use form N-400

- Applicants under 18 years of age

- must acquire Citizenship through their parents. Use form N-600

- Adopted children

- may also acquire Citizenship through their parents. Use form N-643, the Application for a Certificate of Citizenship on Behalf of an Adopted Child. (more…)