How to Get Citizenship in the USA
- 1). Get a green card. Some ways to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the United States are through family petition, employment, asylum or refugee. Immediate family members of a US citizen such as spouse and minor children can get their green card within six months to a year from the date the petition has been sent. You have to get a green card in order to be a citizen.
- 2). Check your eligibility. Only those who were granted a lawful permanent resident status (green card) can be eligible for citizenship. If you obtained your green card through your US citizen spouse, you have to wait three years before you become eligible. In many cases, the green card holders have to wait five years before they can apply for citizenship. You also need to be 18 years old or older to qualify and have proof that you have been physically present in the United States for 30 months. If you are married to a US citizen, you must be physically present for 18 months.
- 3). Review the questionnaires. There are 100 civic questions you need to study. Before you even send your application, you need to have an understanding of US history and government. If you are struggling with the English language, you may need to attend a class to learn. Along with the civic questions, the immigration office will test your reading, writing and speaking ability of the English language. If you can do the self study, the resources are available in the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
- 4). Fill out the N-400 form. You can download it from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website. If you choose to, you can also request the immigration office to mail it to you. The other form you may send along with the N-400 form is the G-1145 if you want to receive an email notifications and updates regarding your application.
- 5). Mail the application form and fee. There are different addresses to mail your application depending on your situation and place of residency. Check carefully which location applies to you. Sending your application to the wrong address delays the process. As of March 2011, the total application fee is $680.00. The fee is for each applicant. You also need to enclose supporting documents such as; copy of your green card, tax returns, proof of registration to the Selective Service if you are a man between 18 and 26 years old, arrest report if you have been arrested, and two identical passport size photos taken within 30 days of the filing of your application.
- 6). Wait for interview and the test. You will receive a notification regarding the date of your interview and the test. You will be asked to report to the nearest immigration office. There is an oral and written test. You will be informed right away by the immigration agent who conducted the interview if you pass both. The interview and the test usually takes only few months after you send your application.
- 7). Participate in the Naturalization Ceremony. The last step in getting United States citizenship is to attend the Naturalization ceremony. The immigration office usually hold the ceremony in convention centers so many applicants can participate. This is the time when you will pledge allegiance to the United States of America, its flag and its Constitution.
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