Gaining U.S. citizenship can afford many opportunities for a resident of the United States. Among these are an entrance to a U.S. passport, the right to vote in public elections, and protection from deportation. However, becoming an American Citizen needs a few steps, from establishing your eligibility to a filing, fingerprinting, attending an interview, passing tests of your knowledge of English and of U.S. civics, and attending an oath ceremony.
Step 1: Find Out if You Are Eligible.
The primary question is whether you have a U.S. green card (lawful permanent residence). With very few limitations, you must obtain a green card before you become eligible to apply for citizenship. So if you haven't yet approached this point, learn about your eligibility by reading "Eligibility for a U.S. Green Card."As a legitimate permanent resident, you must meet additional requirements to be eligible for U.S. citizenship. This consideration the length of time you've spent in the U.S. as a green card holder, your good moral character, your ability to pass a test in English, and on U.S. history and government, and more. To check on whether you are eligible.
Step 2: Overcome Limitations to Your Ineligibility:
You may determine that you are not eligible to become a citizen just now. Perhaps you can't show good moral character because you committed a minor crime (though not a major enough one to make you deportable). Or maybe you broke the continuity of your residence by spending too long outside the United States. It may be that merely waiting longer will make you eligible for citizenship, or you may require taking other steps to make you suitable. Consult an immigration attorney for a full analysis.Step 3: File USCIS Form N-400
Once you have discovered your eligibility, you need to file some paperwork with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The N-400 is the form to receive the process started. As of 2015, it cost $595 to file the application for naturalisation, plus an $85 biometrics fee. You will require attaching a copy of your green card.Once your application has been accepted, you will be mailed a date for your fingerprinting and biometrics.
Step 4: Get Fingerprinted
To process your application, a background check will have to be performed. You will be furnished a date and address to a local office where you will be fingerprinted. Your fingerprints will be run over the FBI for a background check.Step 5: Attend a Citizenship Interview
Subsequent your fingerprinting, you should receive an appointment date and address for an interview with a UCSIC officer. During this interview, the officer will go over your N-400 and confirm your answers to all the questions. The officer will also test your awareness of English and of U.S. civics.