Naturalization
Naturalization is the legal process by which a foreign national becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting specific residency, legal, and other requirements. Key requirements to the naturalization process include:
- Eligibility
- Permanent Residency: The applicant must have held a Permanent Resident status (Green Card) for a specified period (typically 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Continuous Residency: The applicant must have lived in the U.S. for a certain period (usually at least 30 months out of the 5 years, or 18 months for spouses of U.S. citizens).
- Physical Presence: The applicant must have been physically present in the country for at least half of the required residency period.
- Good Moral Character: Applicants must demonstrate good moral character, which means adhering to the laws and avoiding criminal behavior.
- Basic English and Civics Knowledge: Applicants are typically required to show proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) and pass a civics test covering U.S. history and government.
- Application
The process begins by submitting a Form N-400, Application for Naturalization to the USCIS. This form includes personal information, details about residency, employment, and criminal history, among other things.
- Biometrics Appointment
After submitting the application, the applicant is usually required to attend a biometrics appointment, where they provide fingerprints, photos, and other information for background checks.
- Interview
The applicant will then attend an interview with a USCIS officer. During the interview, the officer will review the application, ask questions, and test the applicant’s English skills and knowledge of U.S. history and government.
- Decision
After the interview, USCIS will make a decision on the application. If the application is approved, the applicant will move on to the final step.
- Oath of Allegiance
If approved, the applicant is required to take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. in a naturalization ceremony. This is the final step in the naturalization process, where the individual officially becomes a U.S. citizen.