The naturalization process allows people to become a US citizen. The naturalization process has strict eligibility criteria and a set of rules to ensure only the sincere become US citizens. In this article, we will look at the naturalization process in great detail to give you an idea of what to expect.
1. Who Is Eligible For Naturalization?
To even begin the naturalization process, you need to meet some eligibility criteria as set by USCIS. The applicant must be:
- Legally residing in the US for at least five years as a permanent resident
- 18 years or older
- Have a good moral character (no criminal record)
- Able to speak and understand English well
- Have been in the US for at least five years when they start applying for naturalization
Someone applying for naturalization must have been in the US for a continuous 5 years prior to applying. The law does allow for some exceptions; ask your attorney to explain the exceptions and discuss any time you may have spent abroad in the last 5 years. We recommend hiring an immigration lawyer to help you with the naturalization process. They will help you to prepare a strong application and prepare for the test and interview.
You can only apply for the naturalization process if you meet all of the above requirements. The naturalization application is expensive, and application fees are not refundable if you do not meet the requirements.
2. The Application For Naturalization
Your immigration lawyer can help you with the naturalization application, but you will need the following things:
- Two clear photos as per the immigration service requirements
- A complete Application for Naturalization form (Form N-400)
- Supporting documents as necessary
- Filing fees
You will need to send your application for naturalization all to your local Naturalization Service Center. Once you have filed your naturalization application, you will need to stay in the US until after you have taken the Oath of Allegiance.
3. The Naturalization Filing Fee
You will need to send your filing fee in with your completed naturalization application. The filing fee is $725, $85 of which is a biometrics fee. If your naturalization application is denied, your filing fee will not be refunded. The naturalization filing fee should be sent in the form of a money order or check.
4. Biometrics
Along with your naturalization application, you will need to be fingerprinted to prevent fraudulent applications. The USCIS will send you a letter with the information about your appointment. You will not be able to continue the naturalization process without getting your fingerprints taken.
5. Interview and Naturalization Test
You will receive a letter with information about your interview appointment. You will need to bring identification and be on time for your appointment. The interviewer will ask questions about your background and clarify information on your naturalization application.
After the interview, you will take your naturalization test where you answer questions about civics and test your English understanding. Your test will be checked, and you will learn if your naturalization is successful or not.
6. The Oath of Allegiance
If your application is successful, you need to take the oath of allegiance before you receive your citizenship. You will have to show up to your ceremony and hand in your Permanent Residence Card. The interviewer will ask you questions about what you have been doing since the interview to check you have not had criminal charges or left the country. Then you will take the oath of allegiance and receive your citizenship documents.