how to become a us citizen step by step course

1. Check Eligibility for US Citizenship. The first of the steps to becoming a US citizen is to determine if you are eligible to apply for US citizenship.
2. Complete Form N-400. The next step of the US citizenship process is to complete the US citizenship application. ...
3. Obtain 2 Color Photographs. The two identical photos of yourself must be U.S. ...
4. Photocopy Documents. Your application must include a photocopy of your green card (front and back sides) and other documents required.
5. Send Your Application Package. Send your application, fees, and documents to the appropriate service center. ...
Get Fingerprinted. You will be contacted by USCIS once your application has been received with a time and place to have your fingerprints taken, which will be used ...
Attend Naturalization Interview. The final steps of becoming a US citizen take place during the naturalization interview. ...
Take English and Civics Test. During your US naturalization interview, you will be tested on your ability to read, write, and speak English, and on your knowledge of ...
Wait for a Decision. After your interview, USCIS will provide you with a form with its decision and information about your results.
Take the Oath. If you are granted US citizenship, you must take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. ...

What is the first step into becoming an US citizen?

citizen

• Determine eligibility. To become U.S. ...
• Apply for naturalization. Naturalization is the process by which U.S. ...
• Complete the biometrics screening. Applicants for citizenship will receive an appointment letter from the U.S. ...
• Complete the interview. Applicants are interviewed by U.S. ...
• Take the civics and English tests. During the interview, a U.S. ...
• Take the oath. ...

What test do you take to become an US citizen?

• Appointment Letter,
• Passport or national photo identification issued by your country
• Driver's license (if you have one)
• Military photo identification (if you have one)
• State-issued photo identification card (if you have one)
• Anything else that USCIS tells you to bring in their notice

What are the two most common ways to become an US citizen?

There are four fundamental ways to obtain U.S. citizenship: citizenship by birth in the U.S., citizenship through derivation, citizenship through acquisition, and citizenship through naturalization. Most immigrants in the United States become citizens through the naturalization process.

How hard is it to become an US citizen?

Choose a language United States (English) - en United States (español) - es

• Choose a language
• United States (English) - en
• United States (español) - es

What are the 7 steps to become a U.S. citizen?

How to Become a Naturalized U.S. CitizenStep 1: Meet the Citizenship Eligibility Requirements. ... Step 2: Prepare Your Application, USCIS Processing of Form N-400. ... Step 3: Biometrics Appointment. ... Step 4: The Citizenship Interview. ... Step 5: The Citizenship Test. ... Step 6: The Naturalization Ceremony. ... U.S. Citizenship Attained.

What are the 4 steps to become a U.S. citizen?

Step 1: Application for Naturalization. The first step to becoming a U.S. citizen is to file an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) and pay the filing fee (unless you are exempt — see above for details). ... Step 2: Biometrics Appointment. ... Step 3: Citizenship Interview and Exam. ... Step 4: Oath of Allegiance.

How do I start to become a U.S. citizen?

Go through the 10-step naturalization process which includes:Determining your eligibility to become an American citizen.Completing Form N-400, the application for naturalization, and creating a free account to submit your form online.Taking the U.S. Naturalization Test and having a personal interview.

What qualifications do you need to become a citizen of the US?

Become a U.S. Citizen Through NaturalizationBe at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application;Have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which naturalization category you are applying under);Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;More items...•

What are 3 ways to become a citizen?

If you are an immigrant, there are four basic paths to citizenship in the United States: citizenship through naturalization, citizenship through marriage, citizenship through birth, and citizenship through military service.

What is the fastest way to become a U.S. citizen?

The fastest way to get a US green card is through sponsorship from an immediate relative. Unlike other permanent resident visa categories, the IR visa is not subject to quotas or lengthy waiting periods. You are eligible for this visa if you are a spouse, child under 21, or parent of a current US citizen.

How much is citizenship fee?

$725The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.

How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen in 2021?

$725How Much Will It Cost To Become A U.S. Citizen? As of February 2021, the total application fee for naturalization is $725. This fee consists of the processing fee of $640 and the biometrics fee of $85. The USCIS does not refund these filing fees regardless of the outcome of the naturalization application.

How hard is it to become a U.S. citizen?

Becoming a U.S. citizen shouldn't be so hard, but it is due to the long processing time, financial and personal costs, and the fact that most immigrants do not have a direct relative that is a citizen of the United States. The requirements of USCIS are also very complex and may not be understandable to outsiders.

How long is citizenship process?

On average, it takes anywhere from 18 months to 24 months to complete the naturalization process and become a U.S. citizen. The naturalization process has 5 general steps; beginning with filing Form N-400 and ending with taking the Oath of Allegiance.

What are the 5 duties of citizenship?

ResponsibilitiesSupport and defend the Constitution.Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.Participate in the democratic process.Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.Participate in your local community.More items...•

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen?

Total time to naturalize: 18.5 months to 24 months Completing your application right the first time — and getting started on the process as early as possible — is also crucial to a successful naturalization process.

What to expect if USCIS approves N-400?

What to expect: If USCIS approved your Form N-400 in step 7, you may be able to participate in a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview. If a same day naturalization ceremony is unavailable, USCIS will mail you a notification with the date, time, and location of your scheduled ceremony.

Is the 2020 Civics test still available?

USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide study materials for the 2020 test for those applicants who are eligible to choose between the 2008 or 2020 civics test at their re-exam or N-336 hearing. For more information about the 2020 civics test, visit The 2020 Version ...

How long do you have to be a resident to apply for naturalization?

You must have been lawfully admitted into the U.S. You must demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years immediately before you file for naturalization. For example, if you want to apply in January 2018, you must have been a resident since January 2013.

How long do you have to be a resident to apply for a stipend?

You must have been a continuous resident for the three years before you apply and have been physically present in the U.S. for at least eighteen months. You must have lived in a marriage with your U.S. citizen spouse during the three years. Your spouse must have been a citizen during the entire time.

How to get a green card for my spouse?

Obtain a green card through your spouse. Your spouse should submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative to USCIS. Your spouse will need to submit proof of the marriage, such as a marriage certificate. If you’re already living in the U.S. after entering legally, then you can adjust your status at the same time.

How old do you have to be to get a green card?

Article Summary X. To become a US citizen, you must be 18 or older, proficient in English, and a law-abiding person. If you meet those requirements, one way you can try to get a green card is by having a family member who's already a citizen sponsor you.

Is a genetic father a citizen?

The genetic father is a U.S. citizen at the time of birth. The child’s mother can be an alien. However, you must prove with clear and convincing evidence that the father is the child's biological father, and he must agree in writing to provide financial support for the child until they are eighteen years of age.

Do I need to give fingerprints to USCIS?

Most applicants will need to give their fingerprints, photograph, and signature. USCIS will notify you if you do. They will send a notice with the date, time, and location of your appointment. Your fingerprints will be sent to the FBI for a background check.

What is the process of applying for citizenship?

Citizenship can often be very complex and rigorous. It typically involves many forms and documents that will be used to determine your eligibility for naturalization. It may be helpful to work with experts for assistance in preparing your citizenship documents.

Is it possible to become a US citizen?

The US citizenship is a dream for many and an aspiration for many more which are still looking on how to become a US citizen. You have become a citizen of the United States. That comes with many responsibilities and many more privileges. You should respect the laws that your country upholds and celebrate the culture that you belong to.

What are the requirements for citizenship?

Other requirements include residency, good moral character, knowledge of the English language and U.S. civics, and an attachment to the nation and the Constitution. More details about US Citizenship and Naturalization Eligibility.

How long do you have to be a US citizen to get a green card?

If you have had a valid green card for at least five years; have been the spouse of a US citizen for at least three years; have served in the U.S. military; or are the child of a U.S. citizen, then you may be eligible for citizenship. Some applicants must have a green card on the day of their citizenship interview.

What to do after a USCIS interview?

After your interview, USCIS will provide you with a form with its decision and information about your results. The agency will either grant your citizenship request, continue your case (pending a second interview or additional documents), or deny your application. You may request a hearing with the USCIS (Form N-336) if you believe your application was unfairly denied.

What to do if you lost your green card?

If you have lost your green card and applied for a replacement, bring a photocopy of your receipt.

What is the process of becoming a citizen of the United States?

The Naturalization Process. Becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States requires commitment and dedication. The process of naturalization confers upon an individual the rights, privileges, and obligations of U.S. citizenship. It is a process by which a non-U.S. citizen chooses to become an American citizen.

How old do you have to be to become an American citizen?

The individual applying for citizenship is fully responsible for delivering information that establishes they have met the U.S. citizenship eligibility requirements. These eligibility requirements include -. Be at least 18 years of age.

What is the purpose of the naturalization test?

The naturalization test for U.S. citizenship allows those vying for citizenship to demonstrate their understanding of American civics. This includes American History, the principles of the U.S Constitution, and the ways in which the United States government operates.

How long does it take for a green card to expire?

Be physically present within U.S. borders for 30 months within the above-noted five-year requirement. Be physically present within U.S. borders for a minimum of three months, up until the filing date.

What does citizenship represent in the United States?

shores. The concept of U.S. citizenship represents the notions of opportunity and freedom.

What is the definition of citizenship?

Defining U.S. Citizenship. U.S. Citizenship bestows upon an individual certain entitlements, benefits, and obligations. Citizenship establishes the right of protection by the U.S. Constitution and the defining law of the land. A U.S. citizen has the freedom/right to: Live and work within U.S. Borders.

Why was it so hard to get citizenship in the 19th century?

citizenship in the 19th Century are difficult to find because a judge decided whether or not to approve a citizenship application.

What is the process of becoming a citizen?

Citizenship through Naturalization . Naturalization refers to the process in which a person not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen. For foreign-born persons, naturalization is the most common way to become a U.S. citizen.

How can a child become a citizen?

citizen through acquisition generally include: Both parents were U.S. citizens. Requires that both parents were U.S. citizens at the time of the child’s birth and the parents were married at the time of birth, and at least one parent lived in the U.S., or its territories, or both, prior to the child’s birth.

What is CitizenPath?

CitizenPath provides simple, affordable, step-by-step guidance through USCIS immigration applications. Individuals, attorneys and non-profits use the service on desktop or mobile device to prepare immigration forms accurately, avoiding costly delays. CitizenPath allows users to try the service for free and provides a 100% money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve the application or petition. We provide support for the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400), Application for Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600), and several other immigration services.

What is the path of citizenship?

PATH. 2. Citizenship through Acquisition. In some circumstances, a child automatically “acquires” citizenship even though that child was born outside the United States. At least one parent needs to be a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth and several other conditions must be met.

What is the citizenship of Puerto Rico?

Under United States law, any person born within the United States (including the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands) is automatically granted U.S. citizenship.

How old do you have to be to get citizenship?

There are several requirements that must be fulfilled before an individual can apply for citizenship. Generally, applicants must be 18 years old and fall into one of the following three basic eligibility categories: 5 years as a permanent resident | Learn more.

What amendment states that all citizens of the United States are citizens of the United States?

The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”. As most Americans are born on U.S. soil, this is clearly the post common of the ways to become a U.S. citizen.

Causes

See all 8 steps on www.wikihow.com

Definition

Prevention

Future

Preparation

Qualification