Becoming a Naturalized U.S. Citizen

Free Information Sessions

USCIS regularly holds information sessions for the public. These sessions will help permanent residents and others interested in naturalization learn about naturalization eligibility, testing, and citizenship rights and responsibilities. See the table below for upcoming events in your area. Each session is free of charge and open to the public. Topics covered at these sessions will include:

• naturalization eligibility requirements
• the naturalization process
• the naturalization test
• rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship

Find a citizenship class by going to http://www.literacydirectory.org/

Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities

Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. We are a nation bound not by race or religion, but by the shared values of freedom, liberty, and equality.

Throughout our history, the United States has welcomed newcomers from all over the world. The contributions of immigrants have helped shape and define the country we know today. More than 200 years after our founding, naturalized citizens are still an important part of our democracy. By becoming a U.S. citizen, you too will have a voice in how our nation is governed.

The decision to apply is a significant one. Citizenship offers many benefits and equally important responsibilities. By applying, you are demonstrating your commitment to this country and our form of government.

Below you will find several rights and responsibilities that all citizens should exercise and respect. Some of these responsibilities are legally required of every citizen, but all are important to ensuring that America remains a free and prosperous nation.

Rights:

• Freedom to express yourself.
• Freedom to worship as you wish.
• Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.
• Right to vote in elections for public officials.
• Right to apply for federal employment.
• Right to run for elected office.

Responsibilities:

• Support and defend the Constitution.
• Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.
• Participate in the democratic process.
• Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.
• Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
• Participate in your local community.
• Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
• Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state, and local authorities.
• Serve on a jury when called upon.
• Defend the country if the need should arise.

Preparing for the Naturalization/Citizenship Test

Studying for the Test:

During your naturalization interview, a USCIS Officer will ask you questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver. The English test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking. The civics test covers important U.S. history and government topics. See below to learn more about the test and the free study tools available to help you prepare.

Speaking Test – Your ability to speak English will be determined by a USCIS Officer during your eligibility interview on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

Reading Test – You must read one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English.

Writing Test – You must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English.

Civics Test – There are 100 civics questions on the naturalization test. During your naturalization interview, you will be asked up to 10 questions from the list of 100 questions. You must answer correctly at least six (6) of the 10 questions to pass the civics test.

You have two opportunities to take the English and civics tests per application. If you fail any portion of the test during your first interview, you will be retested on the portion of the test that you failed within 90 days.

Find Help in Your Community:

Many community organizations and social service providers offer citizenship classes and assistance with the naturalization process. Classes are often held in the evenings and on weekends. In many cases, these programs provide additional support and referral services as well.

If you need help with an immigration issue, you can use the services of a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative of a Board of Immigration Appeals recognized organization.

Other resources may be available in your community. The NALEO Educational Fund's directory of Citizenship Centers has a selection of service providers in each state.

Steps for Becoming a Naturalized U.S. Citizen

To apply for naturalization, you will need to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Be sure that you meet all eligibility requirements before you apply. Certain exceptions and modifications are available to those who qualify. Below you will find a general description of the application process. Items such as a naturalization eligibility worksheet and document checklist are available to help you prepare.

General Steps in the Process
• Determine if you are eligible to apply for citizenship.
• Download Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
• Complete your application.
• Have two passport-style photographs taken.
• Collect the necessary documents.
• Send your application package and filing fee to the appropriate Lockbox Facility or Service Center.
• Receive an appointment letter for biometric services from USCIS.
• Visit a USCIS fingerprinting location and have fingerprints taken.
• Receive an appointment for an interview with a USCIS Officer.
• Go to your local USCIS office at the specified time.
• Bring state-issued identification, Permanent Resident Card, and any additional documents specific to your case.
• Answer questions about your application and background.
• Take the English and civics tests.
• Await a decision on your case.

USCIS Improves Processing for Naturalization and Citizenship Forms

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is enhancing the filing process for select forms dealing with naturalization and citizenship (N-Forms). Beginning Oct. 30, 2011, the new process will allow individuals to file N-Forms at a secure Lockbox facility instead of our local offices. This change streamlines the way forms are processed, accelerates the collection and deposit of fees and improves the consistency of our intake process.

Individuals should begin submitting affected forms directly to the appropriate Lockbox beginning Oct. 30, 2011. Forms received by local USCIS offices during a transition period between Oct. 30 and Dec. 2, 2011, will be forwarded to the USCIS Lockbox facility for processing. Forms received at local USCIS offices after Dec. 2, 2011, will no longer be forwarded but will be returned to the individual with instructions on how to re-file at a designated USCIS Lockbox facility. USCIS will centralize intake of Forms N-336, N-600 and N-600K at the Phoenix Lockbox facility. The Dallas Lockbox facility will handle the Form N-300. Individuals filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, already file at a Lockbox facility.

The following table lists N-Forms affected by this filing change:

Affected N-Forms	Date that Lockbox starts accepting N-Forms	Last receipt date that local offices will forward N-forms to Lockbox
N-300, Application to File Declaration of Intention           N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings            N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship            N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322	Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011	Friday, Dec. 2, 2011

USCIS has updated the information on our N-Form Web pages regarding filing forms at a Lockbox to clearly identify this change in procedure. Please carefully read the form instructions before filing your form to ensure that you are filing the correct form type at the correct location. Any individual submitting the wrong form type for the benefit sought will not receive a fee refund. Instead, individuals will have to re-apply using the correct form and pay a new fee.

Naturalization – Becoming a Citizen

Naturalization is the manner in which a person not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen. Before you apply for naturalization, you must meet a few requirements. Depending on your situation, there are different requirements that may apply to you. General requirements for naturalization are below.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
• Be a permanent resident (have a “green card”) for at least 5 years.
• Have lived within the state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over your place of residence for at least 3 months prior to the date of filing Form N-400.
• Have continuous residence in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
• Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
• Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
• Be a person of good moral character.
• Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.