Naturalization – How to Become a US Citizen

Once you have a green card, how and when can you become a US citizen through naturalization?

Policy Update: On December 9, 2022, USCIS announced lawful permanent residents who file naturalization applications on or after December 12, 2022 will receive a 24-month automatic extension of their green card validity. The language on Form N-400 receipt notices will be updated to note that the applicant’s green card is automatically extended by 24 months. The receipt notice, along with their expired green card, will serve as evidence of their permanent resident status.

The process of becoming a citizen of the United States is becoming increasingly complex, lengthy and expensive.

When Attorney Carl 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. In some USCIS offices, it can take over a year to get a naturalization interview.

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.

If you have additional questions, please see our Naturalization FAQ page.

Client Reviews

U.S. citizens can sponsor the following relatives for green cards:

• Spouse
• Parents
• Children
• Unmarried Adult Sons and Daughters
• Married Sons and Daughters
• Brothers and Sisters

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR US CITIZENSHIP

1. 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);
2. Be physically present in the United States for over 50% of the required residency period;
3. Be a person of good moral character;
4. Take an oath of loyalty to the United States;
5. Be able to speak, read and write simple words and phrases in the English language (although there are certain exceptions to this rule); and
6. Pass a test in US history and government.

NATURALIZATION PROCESS

In general, the process includes the following steps:

1. Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen.
2. Determine your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen.
3. Prepare Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
4. Submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
5. Go to the biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment, if applicable.
6. Complete the interview.
7. Receive a decision from USCIS on your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
8. Receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance.
9. Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
10. Understand your rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen.

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

More success stories…

NATURALIZATION RESOURCES

• US Citizenship Test
• What to Bring to Your Interview
• When to Apply for U.S. Citizenship
• Who is Eligible for Naturalization? (USCIS)
• Naturalization: What To Expect (USCIS)
• 10 Steps to Naturalization (USCIS)
• 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
• Natz: Exceptions and Accomodations (USCIS)
• Register for Selective Service Online
• 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)
• Policy Update to Automatically Extend Green Cards for Naturalization Applicants (12-9-22)
• Veterans Residing Outside the United States and Natz (5-28-21)
• Natz Eligibility and Voter Registration Through a State’s Benefit Application Process (5-27-21)
• Preserving Continuous Residence and Physical Presence for Purposes of Natz while Engaged in Religious Duties Outside the US (5-25-21)
• Revising Guidance on Natz Civics Educational Requirement (2-22-21)
• Public Charge and US Citizenship – ILRC (11-21-18)
• The Administration Plans to Strip Citizenship from Thousands of Americans – ILRC (9-17-18)
• Assisting Naturalization Applicants Who Have Disabilities by Using Form N-648 Understanding the Disability Exception _ILRC (May 2018)
• 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 Natz Application (10-23-13)
• Conditional Permanent Residents and Natz 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)