The Procedures for U.S. Citizenship Application start with the submission of an application form and fingerprinting, which you must have before you can be approved to apply for citizenship. You will also have to submit a photo and two forms of ID with a photograph. In some cases, you may need to provide additional documents. Your fingerprints will be sent to the FBI, and you will need to produce a police clearance certificate if you have any.
Form N-400
The procedures for U.S. citizenship applications are quite similar to those for other nationalities. The applicant must bring two forms of government-issued photo identification, one original and one photocopy, as well as a passport or birth certificate. A photo of the applicant at different ages is also required. If the applicant has no American citizen parent, he or she must bring evidence of Legitimation. In order to submit a valid application, the applicant must present a copy of the passport or naturalization certificate of his or her father or mother.
Interview with USCIS
During your interview with the USCIS, you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for citizenship in the U.S. During the interview, the USCIS officer will ask you questions about your past, work experiences, travel, and knowledge of U.S. civics and history. He or she will also test your English writing and speaking skills. After assessing your English skills, the officer will schedule the interview.
Fees
The fee for US citizenship can vary widely. You can use your credit card or pay by check (not shortened to DHS!). The payment must be in U.S. currency drawn from a U.S. financial institution. If you plan to pay by credit card, you must submit Form G-1450, authorizing USCIS to charge your credit card. If you cannot pay by credit card, contact your local US embassy or consulate to get instructions on how to pay by credit card.
Requirements
To be eligible for U.S. citizenship, an applicant must be at least 18 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident in the country for five years. Other requirements for applying for citizenship include marriage to a U.S. citizen, having knowledge of the English language, and attachment to the nation. In some cases, a green card is not required. For more information, see the requirements for U.S. citizenship.
Oath of Allegiance ceremony
If you have been refused admission to an Oath of Allegiance ceremony, you should contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to find out why. Failure to attend the ceremony can lead to denial of your application. Depending on the circumstances, USCIS may grant you a YES or NO modification. A YES or NO response to the questionnaire is necessary before you can take the oath.
