How To Become a US Citizen

Citizenship of any country can be claimed in two ways – by birth or by a process of naturalization. If you were born in any state or territory of the United States of America, or your parents are natural US citizens, you automatically become a citizen as well. The other way to become a citizen of the US – naturalization – is when you need to comply with some critical formalities and regulations as formulated by legislation. The entire procedure of granting citizenship after confirming authenticity of details provided and full compliance with all regulations and all aspects of immigration is handled by the USCIS ( United States Citizenship & Immigration Services), formerly known as the Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS). The different phases, documentation and information required in order to secure citizenship are listed below.

1. Qualifications for naturalization: People who want to become US citizens and apply for naturalization should meet the following qualifications:
   • Eighteen years of age or older
   • A green-card holder or permanent resident of the US for a minimum of five years or more from the date of applying for naturalization and the stay should be continuous.

   Individuals seeking citizenship on account of marriage with a US citizen should have lived in the US for a continuous period of one year. General conditions require that people applying for naturalization should be of good character; not have any criminal records; deportation or removal proceedings pending; know and understand basic US history, governmental working and the US Constitution; and have basic knowledge of English – reading, spoken and written.

2. Application forms: Applications for naturalization should be made in the prescribed form – N400 beginning from three months prior to the completion of five or one year of continuous stays as the case maybe. Applicants will then be sent an appointment letter for getting their fingerprints taken on a specified day.
3. Literacy and general knowledge tests: Applicants will be required to take a literacy test in English to gauge their capability and knowledge of the language, and then a second test on US history and governmental traditions. Applicants who have a verified disability or meet certain pre-set criteria on age and permanent residency only can be exempt from taking these tests.
4. Interviews: Applicants who’ve completed the documentation requirements and passed the tests above will be called to attend an interview with CIS officials. The interview will consist of general verification of bona fides and information provided and questions from a pre-selected set of hundred questions from US history and civics, either as a written test as mentioned above or an oral quiz.
5. The oath taking ceremony: Once the application for naturalization has been approved, the CIS will confirm a date to successful applicants on which they will be required to appear for an oath taking ceremony. The Permanent Residence Card should be returned to the CIS office and in turn, applicants will receive a Certificate of Naturalization. The oath is administered and the process of becoming a US citizen is now complete.

One important fact to remember is that this whole process takes time, from as little as three months to two or even more years. It is important to be honest, straightforward and frank in answering CIS queries; ensure full and correct documentation is provided; and read up on language as well as US history and its principles of government and democracy. Once all this is taken care of, it should be relatively smooth sailing.