6 Steps to Becoming a Naturalized US Citizen
Foreign-born residents who have lived in the US for at least five years have the opportunity to apply to become naturalized US citizens. Naturalization applications are handled by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, also known as USCIS. US citizenship status will give you certain rights:
* The right to vote in US elections
* The right to participate in federal programs (for example, Social Security)
* The right to obtain a US passport
* The right to obtain certain security clearances
1. You must gain admission to the US as a lawful permanent resident.
What this means is that you will need to obtain “green card” status. There is one exception: if an applicant has served in the US military (army, navy air force, marines) during a period of active warfare, they can obtain naturalization status without taking the usual steps required to become a permanent citizen, as long as you already lived in the US before joining the military.
2. You must live in the US continuously for five years after applying for naturalization
Once an applicant has applied for naturalization, they are expected to establish and maintain continuous residence.
3. Establish royal residence
When you file your naturalization petition in your state, you must have lived in that state for at least three months prior to filing.
4. Acquire a basic knowledge of US government and history.
When you file an N-400 application for naturalization, you can request study materials to help you learn what you need to know about the English language, the US government, and history. This information will help you with the naturalization test. The test includes a naturalization self-assessment section and a section for the comprehensive naturalization test.
5. Must exemplify moral character and understanding of the US Constitution.
6. You must be at least 18 years old
To qualify for naturalization, you must be at least 18 years of age at the time you apply. Exceptions are allowed for children of permanent residents.
When their application is approved, applicants are asked to take a formal allegiance oath to the United States by declining allegiance to other parties and states.
