Naturalization Process Steps

Naturalization is the process of acquiring citizenship and nationality of the country where the person is currently residing but is originally not a citizen or national of that country. There are certain basic requirements which the candidate has to fulfill before he/she can become a naturalized citizen of the country. The most common requirements include that the person has to be a full-time resident for a minimum period of time, that the applicant promises to obey and uphold the laws of the country, etc. Sometimes, an oath or pledge of allegiance can also be added. Some countries demand that the person renounce the other citizenship they currently hold while others do allow dual citizenship. Before you opt for dual citizenship, you will have to weigh its pros and cons. In this article, we will focus on naturalization steps for the United States of America. Let's see how to become a US citizen.

Steps of the Naturalization Process

One of the first questions that people who want to undergo the process of naturalization ask is how long will it take to become a US citizen. The time taken for naturalization can vary anywhere between five months to more than two years. It depends on where you file the application for naturalization and when you choose to file the application. The period is dependent upon the number of applications received by the particular office in each state. At the same time, if your application has any mistake, it will be directly proportional to the amount of time required for the processing of your application. After the entire process has been completed, the swearing-in ceremony will take between 1 to 180 days. However, this should not be considered as the standard as in some immigration offices it can also take as long as one or two years.

Fill the Form
The first step is to fill out form N-400. It is also called application for naturalization. Make sure you fill the form completely and not leave anything unfilled. If your application is incomplete it will delay the process of naturalization. The most important tip at this point is to be honest when you are filling the form because during your interview, there are chances that you will be asked questions based on your application form. Any discrepancy in the details may turn out to be the reason for you not getting through the naturalization process. Keeping a photocopy of the application form is advisable.

Color Photographs
You will require two passport size color or black and white photographs for the application. Make sure you have the correct size photographs. The correct size is 2" x 2" or 5 x 5 cm. Wrong size of photos can mean your application is rejected. The photographs should not have head coverings unless it is done for religious reasons. The photograph should be clear and must give a full frontal view of your face and the size of the head from chin to top of head should not be smaller than 2 cm. It should be a latest photograph that has been taken in the last 6 months.

Appropriate Documents and Mailing
You will have to furnish all the appropriate documents when you apply for naturalization. In case certain documents you have are not in English, then you will need a translated copy of the document and attach it to the photocopy of the original. You should send in the photocopy of your Green Card and the other documents required. Make sure you always have the originals of the documents that you are dispatching. Your original documents have to be preserved as you may have to produce them at the time of the interview. Once all the documents are in place, you will have to mail your documents to the correct immigration office location. On failing to do so, the process may take longer than expected. Along with all the documents, you will also have to send in a money order or check towards fee. You cannot make the payment in any other form.

Fingerprint
After you have sent in all the documents, you will receive an acknowledgment letter from the office. You will now have to visit the designated fingerprinting location on the scheduled date and time for the fingerprints to be taken. In case there are additional documents that you have been asked for, you will have to procure them and send them.

Attend Interview and Tests
After all the documents are in place, you will receive an appointment letter for the interview after which you will have to go to the designated location on the scheduled date and time for the interview process. It is recommended that you carry an identification proof with you when you go for the interview. After the interview, you will have to take the English and Civics tests. Remember, you will have to prepare for this test. Then you will have to wait till you hear from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Oath Taking
If you have become eligible for naturalization, you will receive an intimation from the Immigration Services. It will also mention the ceremony date, location and time. Do not forget to take the Permanent Resident Card with you when you go for the ceremony. You will be asked questions pertaining to activities that you have undertaken, after the interview. After you have answered the questions, you will have to take the oath of allegiance to the US Constitution. Then you will receive the Certificate of Naturalization, upon which you would become a United States Citizen.

There are a number of procedures which a person will have to undergo before he/she can become a naturalized citizen. Make sure all the information you provide in the form as well as at the interview is true. All the best with your naturalization process.