Naturalization – How to Become a US Citizen
Once you have a green card, how and when can you become a US citizen through naturalization?
The process of becoming a citizen of the United States is becoming increasingly complex, lengthy and expensive.
When Attorney Shusterman worked for the INS as a Naturalization Attorney, the N-400 citizenship application was just 4 pages long and the government filing fee was $15. It took about 90 days to get an interview.
Today, the N-400 form is 20-pages long with 18 pages of instructions. The government filing is $725 and will be increased to $1,170 on October 2, 2020.
It is our intention here to simplify the process so that immigrants are able to understand the requirements and the process of becoming American citizens.
We provide articles and links explaining who is eligible for naturalization as well as the application procedures. We link to an online, self-correcting history and government test.
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“I would like to thank the team of Carl Shusterman’s Office who took care of my application for naturalization. Everything went well and very fast! Very efficient and professional!”
- Jennie Kil, San Francisco, California
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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR US CITIZENSHIP
- Be a lawful permanent resident of the United States for 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen for a minimum of the 3 years (although there are certain exceptions to this requirement for persons who have honorable service in the U.S. Armed Forces);
- Be physically present in the United States for over 50% of the required residency period;
- Be a person of good moral character;
- Take an oath of loyalty to the United States;
- Be able to speak, read and write simple words and phrases in the English language (although there are certain exceptions to this rule); and
- Pass a test in US history and government.
Once you become a citizen of the United States, you may sponsor your spouse, parents, sons and daughters as well as your brothers and sisters for lawful permanent residence in the U.S.
NATURALIZATION PROCESS
In general, the process includes the following steps:
- Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen.
- Determine your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen.
- Prepare Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Go to the biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment, if applicable.
- Complete the interview.
- Receive a decision from USCIS on your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
- Understand your rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen.
NATURALIZATION RESOURCES
- US Citizenship Test
- What to Bring to Your Interview
- Download Citizenship Forms
- How Do I Apply for U.S. Citizenship? (USCIS)
- A Guide to Naturalization (USCIS)
- Naturalization for Spouses of U.S. Citizens (USCIS)
- History/Government Self Test (USCIS)
- The Citizenship Interview and Test (USCIS)
- Results of US Citizenship Examination (USCIS)
- Interpretations of Citizenship Laws and Court Decisions (USCIS)
- USCIS Policy Manual: Citizenship and Naturalization
- Naturalization: Exceptions and Accomodations (USCIS)
- Register for Selective Service Online
- Expedited Citizenship Program through the US Army
- Filing an I-130 Petition Abroad for a Petitioner in the U.S. Military
- Effect of Failure to Register for Selective Service on Eligibility for US Citizenship
- Interpretations of Citizenship Laws and Court Decisions (USCIS)
- Public Charge and US Citizenship – ILRC (11-21-18)
- The Administration Plans to Strip Citizenship from Thousands of Americans – ILRC (9-17-18)
- USCIS Expands Efforts to Highlight Citizenship and Immigrant Integration (9-17-15)
- How to Get Judicial Relief Under 8 USC 1447(b) for a Stalled Naturalization Application (10-23-13)
- Conditional Permanent Residents and Naturalization under Section 319(b) of the Act (USCIS) (8-04-09)
- Procedures for Handling Citizenship Applications of Aliens Who Voted Unlawfully or Falsely Represented Themselves as U.S. Citizens by Voting or Registering to Vote (USCIS) (5-07-02)
SUCCESS STORIES
- Notice of Appeal: From Denial to Approval in 2 Weeks
- Deportation? No. US Citizenship? Yes!
- Fabio Becomes a US Citizen
- From Deportation Proceedings to US Citizenship
- Helping A Client Become a US Citizen
