Who is Eligibile?

• There are several eligibility requirements for applying to become a naturalized citizen. Those 18 or older and who have been a permanent resident for at least five years can apply. If you are married to a citizen and have been living with him or her for the past three years, or if you are serving or have served in the U.S. military, you may apply for citizenship sooner than five years. Other requirements include showing that you have a basic knowledge of U.S. history by being able to pass the history test, being able to speak, read and write basic English, and being a person of good moral character.
  
  

What is the Process of Naturalization?

• The process can be a lengthy one, taking more than six months in some cases, from the time you first file your paperwork to the time you take the Oath of Allegiance. You submit an application and associated paperwork by mail and wait for an appointment for an interview. The interview letter will tell you where to get yourself fingerprinted. While you are waiting for the interview, the government will perform a background check. At your interview, you will be asked about your application and background, then asked to take the English and civics tests. If you pass, you will receive a ceremony date to appear to take the Oath of Allegiance. Once you take the Oath of Allegiance, you will become a U.S. citizen. You will at that point receive your certificate of Naturalization.
  
  

What Paperwork is Required?

• To complete the process, you will need to fill out form N-400, the "Application for Naturalization." With the form, you will need to attach a photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card, two identical, passport-type photos and a check that covers both the application fee and the biometrics fee. For those with special circumstances such as being married to a U.S. citizen, you will need to send additional documents such as evidence that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for at least three years.
  
  

What is Required of Me on the English and Civics Tests?

• The English test will test your reading and writing skills. At your interview, you will need to read one sentence out of three to the interviewing officer in a way that shows that you understand the meaning of the sentence. You will also need to write one out of three sentences correctly such that the officer would be able to understand it. The civics test will test your knowledge of American government and history. The interviewing officer will ask you 10 questions and you must answer six of them correctly to pass the test. The 10 questions are drawn from a pool of 100 possible questions; these questions are available online for you to study.