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pdfA Guide to
Naturalization
M-476 (rev. 03/12)
Table of Contents
Welcome
Page 1
What Are the Benefits and Responsibilities of
Citizenship?
Page 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Page 5
Who Is Eligible for Naturalization?
Page 17
Table of Eligibility Requirements
Time as a Permanent Resident
Continuous Residence
Physical Presence in the United States
Time as a Resident in a USCIS District or State
Good Moral Character
English and Civics
Attachment to the Constitution
Page 18
Page 22
Page 22
Page 23
Page 24
Page 25
Page 26
Page 28
What Should I Expect From the Naturalization
Process?
Page 31
Preparing to Apply
Completing Your Application and Getting Photographed
Getting Fingerprinted
Being Interviewed
Taking the Oath
Page 32
Page 33
Page 35
Page 36
Page 38
What Kind of Customer Service Can I Expect?
Page 41
Where Do I Go for Help?
Page 43
Glossary of Terms
Page 45
A Guide to Naturalization
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Welcome
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E Pluribus Unum - Out of Many, One
-Motto inscripted on the Great Seal of the United States
Welcome
We are very pleased that you want to
become a U.S. citizen. The United
States is a nation of immigrants.
Throughout our history, immigrants
have come here seeking a better way of life
and have strengthened our Nation in the
process.
For more than 200 years, the United
States has remained strong because of our
citizens and the common civic values we
share. Deciding to become a U.S. citizen
is one of the most important decisions in
a person’s life. If you decide to apply for
naturalization, you will be showing your
permanent commitment to the United
States. You will also be showing your
loyalty to its Constitution and its people.
What Is Naturalization?
Naturalization is commonly referred to as
the manner in which a person not born in
the United States voluntarily becomes a
U.S. citizen.
What Is This Guide for?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS) created this Guide to provide
better and more consistent information
to people interested in naturalization. It
is written mainly for people 18 years or
older who want to become citizens. Please
take the time to review this information
to make sure that you are eligible to apply
for naturalization. You can find more
information at www.uscis.gov or by calling
Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 or
1-800-767-1833 (for hearing impaired).
When you are naturalized, you agree
to accept all of the responsibilities of
being a citizen. You agree to support the
United States, its Constitution, and its
laws. In return, you are rewarded with all
the rights and privileges that are part of
citizenship. We welcome your interest and
hope you will read on to learn more about
naturalization.
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What Are the Benefits and
Responsibilities of Citizenship?
Benefits
The Constitution and laws of the United
States give many rights to both citizens
and non-citizens living in the United
States. However, some rights are only for
citizens, such as:
• Voting. Only U.S. citizens can vote
in Federal elections. Most States
also restrict the right to vote, in most
elections, to U.S. citizens.
• Bringing family members to the
United States. Citizens generally
get priority when petitioning to bring
family members permanently to this
country.
• Obtaining citizenship for children
born abroad. In most cases, a child
born abroad to a U.S. citizen is
automatically a U.S. citizen.
• Traveling with a U.S. passport.
A U.S. passport allows you to get
assistance from the U.S. government
when overseas.
• Becoming eligible for Federal jobs.
Most jobs with government agencies
require U.S. citizenship.
• Becoming an elected official. Many
elected offices in this country require
U.S. citizenship.
• Showing your patriotism. In addition,
becoming a U.S. citizen is a way to
demonstrate your commitment to your
new country.
The above list does not include all the
benefits of citizenship, only some
of the more important ones.
A Guide to Naturalization
Responsibilities
To become a U.S. citizen you must take
the Oath of Allegiance. The oath includes
several promises you make when
you become a U.S. citizen, including
promises to:
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• Give up all prior allegiance to any other
nation or sovereignty;
• Swear allegiance to the United States;
• Support and defend the Constitution
and the laws of the United States; and
• Serve the country when required.
U.S. citizens have many responsibilities
other than the ones mentioned in the
Oath. Citizens have a responsibility
to participate in the political
process by registering and voting in
elections. Serving on a jury is another
responsibility of citizenship. Finally,
America becomes stronger when all of
its citizens respect the different opinions,
cultures, ethnic groups, and religions
found in this country. Tolerance for
differences is also a responsibility of
citizenship.
When you decide to become a U.S.
citizen, you should be willing to fulfill
the responsibilities of citizenship. We
hope you will honor and respect the
freedoms and opportunities citizenship
gives you. At the same time, we hope
you become an active member of your
community. It is by participating in your
community that you truly become
an American.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1.
A
Q 2.
A
How can I become a U.S. citizen?
You may become a U.S. citizen (1) by birth or (2) through naturalization.
Who is born a U.S. citizen?
Generally, people are born U.S. citizens if they are born in the United States or if they
are born to U.S. citizens:
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(1) If you were born in the United States:
Normally you were a U.S. citizen at birth.1 (Including, in most cases, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands,
and after November 4, 1986, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands),
(2) If you were born abroad to TWO U.S. citizens:
And at least one of your parents lived in the United States at some point in his or
her life, then in most cases you are a U.S. citizen.
(3) If you were born abroad to ONE U.S. citizen:
In most cases, you are a U.S. citizen if all of the following are true:
•
One of your parents was a U.S. citizen when you were born;
•
Your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the United States before you
were born; and
•
At least 2 of those 5 years in the United States were after your citizen
parent’s 14th birthday.2
Your record of birth abroad, if registered with a U.S. consulate or embassy, is proof
of your citizenship. You may also apply for a passport to have your citizenship
recognized. If you need additional proof of your citizenship, you may file an
“Application for Certificate of Citizenship” (Form N-600) with USCIS to get a
Certificate of Citizenship. Call the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676 to request
Form N-600, or download the form at www.uscis.gov.
1The exception is persons who were born not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, such as
children of foreign diplomats.
2If you were born before November 14, 1986, you are a citizen if your U.S. citizen parent lived in the
United States for at least 10 years and 5 of those years in the United States were after your citizen
parent’s 14th birthday.
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Q
A
3. How do I become a naturalized citizen?
If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth or did not acquire/derive U.S. citizenship
automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the
naturalization process. Eligible persons use the “Application for Naturalization”
(Form N-400) to apply for naturalization.
Persons who acquired citizenship from parent(s) while under 18 years of age
use the “Application for Certificate of Citizenship” (Form N-600) to document
their citizenship. Qualified children who reside abroad use the “Application for
Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate under Section 322” (Form N-600K) to
document their naturalization. You may call the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-8703676 to request a Form N-400, N-600, or N-600K; or you may download all of
these forms at www.uscis.gov.
Q
A
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4. What are the requirements for naturalization?
Please see Section 4, “Who Is Eligible For Naturalization?,” beginning on page 17
for more details on the eligibility requirements for naturalization. You should also
complete the Eligibility Worksheet in the back of this Guide to help you find out if
you meet the eligibility requirements.
Q
A
5. When does my time as a Permanent Resident begin?
Your time as a Permanent Resident begins on the date you were granted permanent
resident status. This date is on your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as an Alien
Registration Card or “Green Card”). The sample cards on this page show where you can find
important information such as the date your Permanent Residence began.
Front
Back
“A–number”
This card does
not have Portof-Entry on it.
Date you became a
Permanent Resident
(January 1, 1980)
“A–number”
Date you
became a
Permanent
Resident
(April 3, 1980)
Port-of-Entry or
office where you
were granted
adjustment of
status
“A–number”
Port-of-Entry
or office
where you
were granted
adjustment of
status
Date you
became a
Permanent
Resident
(July 12, 1991)
NOTE: The “A–number” is the Alien Registration Number
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Q 6.
A
What form do I use to file for naturalization?
You should use an “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400). Call the USCIS
Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676 to request Form N-400. You may also download the
form at www.uscis.gov.
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
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7. If I have been convicted of a crime but my record has been
expunged, do I need to write that on my application or tell a
USCIS officer?
Yes. You should always be honest with USCIS about all:
•
•
•
•
Arrests (even if you were not charged or convicted);
Convictions (even if your record was cleared or expunged);
Crimes you have committed for which you were not arrested or convicted; and
Any countervailing evidence, or evidence in your favor concerning the
circumstances of your arrests, and/or convictions or offenses that you would like
USCIS to consider.
Even if you have committed a minor crime, USCIS may deny your application if you
do not tell the USCIS officer about the incident. Note that unless a traffic incident was
alcohol or drug related, you do not need to submit documentation for traffic fines and
incidents that did not involve an actual arrest if the only penalty was a fine less than
$500 and/or points on your driver’s license.
8. Where do I file my naturalization application?
You should send your completed “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400) to the
appropriate USCIS Lockbox Facility that serves your area, see page 34 for detailed
instructions. Also see page 34 for separate filing instructions for members of the Armed
Forces and the spouses of active members of the Armed Forces. Remember to make a
copy of your application. Do not send original documents with your application unless
the Document Checklist included with this Guide states that an original is required.
Always make copies of documents that you send to USCIS.
9. Will USCIS help me, or make accommodations for me, if I have a
disability?
USCIS will make every effort to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with
disabilities who need modifications to the naturalization process in order to demonstrate
their eligibility. For example, if you use a wheelchair, we will make sure you can be
fingerprinted, interviewed, and sworn in at a location that is wheelchair accessible. If
you are hearing impaired, the officer conducting your interview will speak loudly and
slowly, or we will work with you to arrange for an American sign language interpreter.
If you require an American sign language interpreter at the oath ceremony, please
indicate that in your Form N-400 in the section where you are asked if you need an
accommodation for a disability. If you use a service animal such as a guide dog, your
animal may come with you to your interview and oath ceremony.
We are continuing to work on better ways to make the naturalization process easier
for applicants with disabilities. If you know in advance that you will need some
kind of accommodation, write a letter explaining what you will need and send it to
the USCIS district office that will interview you after you receive your interview
notice. If you have a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment so
severe that you cannot acquire or demonstrate the required knowledge of English and
civics, you may be eligible for an exemption of those requirements. To request an
exemption, you must file a “Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions” (Form
N-648). See page 26 of this Guide for more information.
Q 10.
A
Q 11.
A
Where is my local USCIS office?
To find the local USCIS office that serves your area, please use the field office
locator at www.uscis.gov.
What is the fee for processing an application?*
The current fee for processing a naturalization application can be found on the single
page titled “Current Naturalization Fees” in the back of this Guide. If you are under
75 years old, you must also pay a fee to have your fingerprints taken.**
Q
A
12. How can I pay my application fee?
You must send the fee with your application. Pay the fee with a check or money
order drawn on a U.S. bank payable to the Department of Homeland Security. Do
not use the initials DHS or USDHS. Do Not Send Cash.
Residents of Guam should make the fee payable to the “Treasurer, Guam,”
and residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands should make the fee payable to the
“Commissioner of Finance of the Virgin Islands.”
Fees for biometric services, which include your photograph and signature, are
separate from your application fee. Remember that your application fee is not
refundable even if you withdraw your application or if your case is denied.
* If you are applying for naturalization based on your own service in the Armed Forces of the United
States, no filing fee is required. Please see “Naturalization Information for Military Personnel” (Form
M-599) for more information.
** If you are 75 years or older, or if you are filing on the basis of your service in the Armed Forces
of the United States, or if you are filing from abroad, do not send the biometric services fee for
fingerprinting with your application.
A Guide to Naturalization
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Q
A
13. How long will it take to become naturalized?
The time it takes to be naturalized varies by location. USCIS is continuing to
modernize and improve the naturalization process and would like to decrease the
time it takes to an average of 6 months after the Form N-400 is filed.
Q 14.
A
Q 15.
A
Where can I be fingerprinted?
After we receive your application, we will tell you where you should get
fingerprinted. For more information about fingerprinting, see page 35.
How do I find out the status of my naturalization application?
You may check the status of your naturalization application by visiting
www.uscis.gov or by calling Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283
(TTY: 1-800-767-1833).
Q
A
16. What if I cannot go to my scheduled interview?
It is very important not to miss your interview. If you have to miss your interview,
you should write the office where your interview is to be conducted as soon as
possible and ask to have your interview rescheduled. Rescheduling an interview may
add several months to the naturalization process, so make all attempts to attend your
original interview date.
If you miss your scheduled interview without notifying USCIS, we will
“administratively close” your case. If we close your case because you missed your
interview, we will notify you at your last address of record. Unless you contact us to
schedule a new interview within 1 year after we close your case, we will deny your
application.
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Q
A
17.
What do I do if my address has changed?
It is important that USCIS has your most current address. If we do not, you may not
receive important information from us. For example, we may not be able to notify you
about the date and time of your interview or about additional documents you may need to
send or bring.
If you move after filing your “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400), call
Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY: 1-800-767-1833) to change your address
on your pending Form N-400. Every time you move, you are required by law to inform
USCIS of your new address. To meet this legal requirement, you must file an “Alien’s
Change of Address Card” (Form AR-11), in addition to calling Customer Service. You
must file the Form AR-11 within 10 days of your move. There is no fee to file this form.
You should also notify the U.S. Postal Service of your new address to help ensure that any
mail already on its way may be forwarded to you.
Q
A
18. Can I change my name when I naturalize?
Congress did not give USCIS legal authority to change a person’s name when that person
naturalizes. Therefore, there are only two ways that USCIS can issue your Certificate of
Naturalization under a new name:
1. If you present proof that you have already changed your name according to the legal
requirements that apply to persons living in your State, USCIS can issue the Certificate
of Naturalization with your new name. Such proof might include a marriage certificate
or divorce decree showing that you changed your name when you married or divorced. It
might also include some other State court order establishing that you changed your name.
2. If you are going to take the Oath of Allegiance at a Naturalization Ceremony that
is held in Court, you may ask the Court to change your name. If the Court grants your
request, your new name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization.
Q
A
19. If USCIS grants me naturalization, when will I become a citizen?
You become a citizen as soon as you take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in a
formal naturalization ceremony. In some places, you can choose to take the oath the same
day as your interview. If that option is not available, or if you prefer a ceremony at a later
date, USCIS will notify you of the ceremony date with a “Notice of Naturalization Oath
Ceremony” (Form N-445).
A Guide to Naturalization
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Q
A
20. What should I do if I cannot go to my oath ceremony?
If you cannot go to the oath ceremony, you should return the “Notice of Naturalization
Oath Ceremony” (Form N-445) that you received to your local USCIS office. Include
a letter saying why you cannot go to the ceremony. Make a copy of the notice and your
letter before you send them to USCIS. Your local USCIS office will reschedule you and
send you a new “Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony” (Form N-445) to tell you
when your ceremony will be.
Q 21.
A
What can I do if USCIS denies my application?
If you think that USCIS was wrong to deny your naturalization application, you may
request a hearing with an immigration officer. Your denial letter will explain how to
request a hearing and will include the form you need. The form for filing an appeal is
the “Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings under Section
336 of the INA” (Form N-336). You must file the form, including the correct fee, to
USCIS within 30 days after you receive a denial letter.
If, after an appeal hearing with USCIS, you still believe you have been wrongly denied
naturalization, you may file a petition for a new review of your application in U.S.
District Court.
Q
A
22. Can I reapply for naturalization if USCIS denies my application?
In many cases, you may reapply. If you reapply, you will need to complete and resubmit
a new Form N-400 and pay the fee again. You will also need to have your fingerprints
and photographs taken again. If your application is denied, the denial letter should
indicate the date you may reapply for citizenship.
If you are denied because you failed the English or civics test, you may reapply for
naturalization as soon as you want. You should reapply whenever you believe you have
learned enough English or civics to pass both tests.
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Q 23.
What do I do if I lose my Certificate of Naturalization? What do I
use as proof of citizenship if I do not have my certificate?
A
You may get a new Certificate of Naturalization by submitting an “Application for
Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document” (Form N-565) to USCIS. You
may request Form N-565 by calling the USCIS Forms Line (1-800-870-3676), or by
downloading the form at www.uscis.gov. Submit this form with the appropriate fee to the
Nebraska or Texas Service Center, depending on which Service Center has jurisdiction
over your residence.
If you have one, you may use your U.S. passport as evidence of citizenship while you wait
for a replacement certificate. It is strongly recommended that you apply for a passport as
soon as you become a citizen.
Q 24.
If my Permanent Resident Card expires while I am applying for
naturalization, do I still need to apply for a new card?
A
If you apply for naturalization 6 months or more before the expiration date on your
Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as an Alien Registration Card or “Green
Card”), you do not have to apply for a new card. However, you may apply for a renewal
card if you wish by using an “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card” (Form I90) and paying the appropriate fee. Call the USCIS Forms Line or visit www.uscis.gov.
If you apply for naturalization less than 6 months before the expiration date on your
Permanent Resident Card, or do not apply for naturalization until your card has already
expired, you must renew your card.
Q 25.
A
If I am a U.S. citizen, is my child a U.S. citizen?
A child who is born in the United States, or born abroad to a U.S. citizen(s) who lived in
(or came to) the United States for the required period of time prior to the child’s birth, is
generally considered a U.S. citizen at birth.
A child who is:
•
b
orn to a U.S. citizen who did not live in (or come to) the United States for the
required period of time prior to the child’s birth, or
•
b
orn to one U.S. citizen parent and one alien parent or two alien parents who
naturalize after the child’s birth, or
•
Adopted (stepchildren cannot derive or acquire citizenship through their stepparents)
A Guide to Naturalization
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and is permanently residing in the United States can become a U.S. citizen by action of
law on the date on which all of the following requirements have been met:
•
The child was lawfully admitted for permanent residence*; and
•
Either parent was a United States citizen by birth or naturalization**; and
•
The child was still under 18 years of age; and
•
The child was not married; and
•
he child was the parent’s legitimate child or was legitimated by the parent before
T
the child’s 16th birthday (children born out of wedlock who were not legitimated
before their 16th birthday do not derive United States citizenship through their
father); and
•
I f adopted, the child met the requirements of section 101(b)(1)(E) or (F) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and has had a full and final adoption; and
•
he child was residing in the United States in the legal custody of the U.S. citizen
T
parent (this includes joint custody); and
•
he child was residing in the United States in the physical custody of the U.S.
T
citizen parent.
If you and your child meet all of these requirements, you may obtain a U.S. passport for the
child as evidence of citizenship. If the child needs further evidence of citizenship, you may
submit an “Application for Certificate of Citizenship” (Form N-600) to USCIS to obtain a
Certificate of Citizenship. (Note: A child who meets these requirements before his or her
18th birthday may obtain a passport or Certificate of Citizenship at any time, even after he or
she turns 18.)
*NOTE – Children who immigrated under the “IR-3” or “IR-4” categories must have had an
immigrant petition filed on their behalf before their 16th birthday; see answers to Question
26. All adoptions for any other type of immigration benefit, including naturalization, must
be completed by the child’s 16th birthday, with one exception: A child adopted while under
the age of 18 years by the same parents who adopted a natural sibling who met the usual
requirements.
**NOTE – The “one U.S. citizen parent” rule applies only to children who first fulfilled the
requirements for automatic citizenship (other than at birth abroad) on or after February 27,
2001. In order to qualify for automatic citizenship (other than at birth abroad) on or before
February 26, 2001, both of the child’s parents must have been United States citizens either
at birth or through naturalization—both parents if the child had two parents; the surviving
parent if a parent had died; the parent with legal custody if the parents were divorced or
legally separated; or the mother only, if the child had been born out of wedlock and the child’s
paternity had not been established by legitimation.
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Q 26.
A
If I am a U.S. citizen, but my child does not meet the requirements listed above,
can I still apply for citizenship for my child?
A child who is regularly residing in the United States can become a citizen of the United States only
by meeting the requirements listed in the answer to Question 25. If a child regularly resides in the
United States and is not a lawful permanent resident, he or she cannot acquire citizenship automatically
until he or she is granted lawful permanent residence. If a child who has been lawfully admitted for
permanent residence fails to qualify for citizenship under the provisions of law, he or she may apply
for naturalization after reaching 18 years of age by filing Form N-400, provided that he or she has the
required 5 years of lawful permanent residence.
U.S. citizens with children by birth or adoption (stepchildren do not qualify) who do not regularly reside
in the United States, may apply for citizenship for such a child if all of the following conditions are met:
•
The child is under 18 years of age; and
•
The child is not married; and
•
The child regularly resides outside the United States; and
•
he child is temporarily present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission and is
T
maintaining such lawful status; and
•
The child is in legal and physical custody of a parent who is a U.S. citizen; and
•
he child is the U.S. citizen’s legitimate child, or was legitimated before the child’s 16th birthday
T
(children born out of wedlock who were not legitimated before their 16th birthday may be eligible
for this procedure through his or her mother); and
•
I f adopted, the child meets the requirements of section 101(b)(1)(E) or (F) of the INA and had a full
and final adoption; and
•
either of the following is true:
–
he citizen parent has lived at least 5 years in the United States, and at least 2 of which were
T
after the citizen parent’s 14th birthday; or
–
If the child’s citizen parent has not lived in the United States for at least 5 years, 2 of which were
after that parent’s 14th birthday, the citizen parent currently has a parent (the child’s grandparent)
who:
•
is also a U.S. citizen; and
•
l
ived in the United States for 5 years, at least 2 of which were after the citizen grandparent’s
14th birthday; and
•
i s living or deceased at the time of the adjudication of the application and the taking of the
oath.
If the foregoing conditions are met, the citizen parent can apply for citizenship and a Certificate of
Citizenship on behalf of the child using an “Application for Citizenship and Issuance of a Certificate
under Section 322” (Form N-600K). Both the citizen parent and the child must appear at an interview
with a USCIS officer in the United States. The child must meet all of the required conditions at the time
he or she takes the Oath of Allegiance. (Note: The oath may be waived if the child is too young to
understand it.)
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15
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Who Is Eligible for
Naturalization?
Naturalization is how immigrants
become citizens of the United States.
If you wish to apply for naturalization,
you should use the “Application for
Naturalization” (Form N-400).
If you want to apply for citizenship
for a child who is under 18 years old,
you should use the “Application for
Certificate of Citizenship” (Form
N-600) or “Application for Citizenship
and Issuance of a Certificate under
Section 322” (Form N-600K). For
more information about applying
for citizenship for your children, see
questions 25-26 on pages 13-15.
A Guide to Naturalization
In the next few pages, we describe the
naturalization eligibility requirements for
persons who will use Form N-400.
The following table summarizes the
naturalization requirements for most
types of applicants. After the table is a
section that provides more information
on each requirement. If you still have
questions about your eligibility, you
should consult an immigrant assistance
organization or USCIS.
4
17
Time as
Permanent
Resident
REQUIREMENTS
If you are at least 18 years old and:
Have been a Permanent Resident for the past 5
years and have no special circumstances.
Continuous Residence
5 years
5 years as a Permanent Resident without leaving the
United States for trips of 6 months or longer.
3 years
3 years as a Permanent Resident without leaving the
United States for trips of 6 months or longer.
Note: Over 90% of applicants fall into this category.
T Y P E O F A P P L IC A N T
If you are at least 18 years old and:
Are currently married to and living with a U.S. citizen;
and
Have been married to and living with that same U.S.
citizen for the past 3 years;
and
Your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the past 3 years.
If you:
Are in the U.S. Armed Forces (or will be filing your
application within 6 months of an honorable discharge);
and
Have served for at least 1 year.
If you are at least 18 years old and:
You must be a
Permanent Resident
on the day of your
interview.
5 years
Were in the U.S. Armed Forces for less than 1 year
or
If you are at least 18 years old and:
If you are at least 18 years old and:
ere married to a U.S. citizen who died during a period of
W
honorable active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces.
5 years as a Permanent Resident without leaving the
United States for trips of 6 months or longer.
Note: If you were out of the country as part of your
service, this time out of the country does not break your
continuous residence. It is treated just like time spent in
the United States. See “Naturalization Information for
Military Personnel” (Form M-599) for more information.
Were in the U.S. Armed Forces for 1 year or more, but you
were discharged more than 6 months ago
If you:
Performed active duty military service during:
• World War I (April 6, 1917-November 11, 1918);
• World War II (September 1, 1939-December 31, 1946);
• Korea (June 25, 1950-July 1, 1955);
• Vietnam (February 28, 1961-October 15, 1978);
• Persian Gulf (August 2, 1990-April 11, 1991); or
• On or after September 11, 2001.
Not Required
You are not required
to be a Permanent
Resident.
Note: If you did not
enlist or reenlist in the
United States or its
outlying possessions,
you must be a
Permanent Resident on
the day you file your
application.
Not Required
You must be a
Permanent Resident
on the day of your
interview.
Not Required
ote: You must have been married to and living with
N
your U.S. citizen spouse at the time of his/her death.
If you are at least 18 years old and:
• Are a U.S. national (a non-citizen who owes permanent
allegiance to the United States); and
• Have become a resident of any State; and
• Are otherwise qualified for naturalization.
Where to go for more information.
18
You are not required
to be a Permanent
Resident.
Page 22
The same requirements as any other applicant for
naturalization, depending on your qualifications.
NOTE: Any time you resided in American Samoa or
Swains Island counts the same as the time you resided
within a State of the United States.
Pages 22-23
Physical Presence in the United States
Time in USCIS
District or State
Good Moral
Character
English & Civics
Knowledge
Attachment
to the
Constitution
30 months
3 months
Required
Required
Required
18 months
3 months
Required
Required
Required
Not Required
Not Required
Required
Required
Required
30 months
3 months
Required
Required
Required
Not Required
Not Required
Required
Required
Required
Not Required
Not Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
Page 25
Pages 26-27
Pages 28-29
Note: Time in the U.S. Armed Forces counts
as time physically present in the United States
no matter where you were. See “Naturalization
Information for Military Personnel” (Form M-599)
for more information.
The same requirements as any other applicant for
3 months or not
required, depending
naturalization, depending on your qualifications.
Note: Any time you resided in American Samoa or on your qualifications.
Swains Island counts the same as the time you
resided within a State of the United States.
Pages 23-24
Page 24
A Guide to Naturalization
19
REQUIREMENTS
If you are at least 18 years old and:
Time as a
Permanent
Resident
5 years
Served on a vessel operated by the United States
or
If you:
S
erved on a vessel registered in the United States and owned
by U.S. citizens or a U.S. corporation.
If you are at least 18 years old and:
Note: If you were out of the country while serving on a vessel,
this time out of the country does not break your continuous
residence. It is treated just like time spent in the United States.
5 years
re an employee or an individual under contract to the U.S.
A
Government.
T Y P E O F A P P L ICA N T
If you are at least 18 years old and:
5 years
re a person who performs ministerial or priestly functions
A
for a religious denomination or an interdenominational
organization with a valid presence in the United States.
If you are at least 18 years old and:
Are employed by one of the following:
• An American institution of research recognized by the
Attorney General;
• An American-owned firm or corporation engaged in the
development of foreign trade and commerce for the United
States; or
• A public international organization of which the United
States is a member by law or treaty (if the employment
began after you became a Permanent Resident).
5 years
If you are at least 18 years old and:
H
ave been employed for 5 years or more by a U.S. nonprofit
organization that principally promotes the interests of the
United States abroad through the communications media.
5 years
5 years as a Permanent Resident without leaving the United
States for trips of 6 months or longer.
Note: An absence from the United States for 1 year or more will
break your continuous residence. You may keep your continuous
residence if you have had at least 1 year of unbroken continuous
residence since becoming a Permanent Resident and you get an
approved Form N-470 before you have been out of the United
States for 1 year.
5 years as a Permanent Resident without leaving the United
States for trips of 6 months or longer.
Note: An absence from the United States for 1 year or more
will break your continuous residence. You may keep your
continuous residence if you have had at least 1 year of unbroken
continuous residence since becoming a Permanent Resident and
you get an approved Form N-470 at any time before applying
for naturalization.
5 years as a Permanent Resident without leaving the United
States for trips of 6 months or longer.
Note: An absence from the United States for 1 year or more will
break your continuous residence. You may keep your continuous
residence if you have had at least 1 year of unbroken continuous
residence since becoming a Permanent Resident and you get an
approved Form N-470 before you have been out of the United
States for 1 year.
If you are at least 18 years old and:
You must be
Are the spouse of a U.S. citizen who is one of the following:
a Permanent
• A member of the U.S. Armed Forces;
Resident at
• An employee or an individual under contract to the U.S.
the time of
Government;
your USCIS
interview.
• An employee of an American institution of research
recognized by the Attorney General;
• An employee of an American-owned firm or corporation
engaged in the development of foreign trade and commerce
for the United States;
• An employee of a public international organization of which
the United States is a member by law or treaty; or
• A person who performs ministerial or priestly functions for a
religious denomination or an interdenominational
organization with a valid presence in the United States
and You will be proceeding to join your spouse whose work
abroad under orders of the qualifying employer will
continue for at least 1 year after the date you will be
naturalized. Form N-400 should be filed prior to departing.
Page 22
Where to go for more information.
20
Continuous Residence
5 years as a Permanent Resident without leaving the United
States for trips of 6 months or longer.
Not Required
Not Required
Pages 22-23
Physical Presence in the United States
Time in USCIS
District or State
Good Moral
Character
English & Civics
Knowledge
Attachment
to the
Constitution
30 months
3 months
Required
Required
Required
3 months
Required
Required
Required
3 months
Required
Required
Required
30 months
3 months
Required
Required
Required
Not Required
Not Required
Required
Required
Required
Not Required
Not Required
Required
Required
Required
Page 24
Page 25
Pages 26-27
Pages 28-29
Note: Time served on the vessel counts as time
“physically present” in the United States no
matter where you were.
30 months
Note: Time spent in this type of employment
counts as time physically present in the United
States no matter where you are as long as you get
an approved Form N-470 before you have been
out of the United States for 1 year.
30 months
Note: Time spent in this type of employment
counts as time physically present in the United
States no matter where you are as long as you get
an approved Form N-470 before you apply for
naturalization.
Pages 23-24
A Guide to Naturalization
21
Time as a Permanent Resident
Permanent Residents are people who
have “permanent resident” status in the
United States as provided for under U.S.
immigration laws. Permanent Residents
are normally given Permanent Resident
Cards, also known as “Green Cards.”
(Note: These cards used to be called
Alien Registration Cards.)
In most cases, you must be a Permanent
Resident for a certain number of years
before you may apply for naturalization.
But, it is not enough to be a Permanent
Resident for the required number of years;
you must also be in “continuous residence”
during that time.
Continuous Residence
“Continuous residence” means that you
have not left the United States for a long
period of time. If you leave the United
States for too long, you may interrupt
your continuous residence.
What if I was outside the United States
between 6 and 12 months? If you leave
the United States for more than 6 months,
but less than 1 year, you have broken
or disrupted your continuous residence
unless you can prove otherwise. Read the
“Document Checklist” in the back of this
Guide to find out what information you
must give to prove you did not break your
continuous residence.
What if I was outside the United States
for 1 year or longer? In almost all cases,
if you leave the United States for 1 year or
more, you have disrupted your continuous
residence. This is true even if you have a
Re-entry Permit.
If you leave the country for 1 year or
longer, you may be eligible to re-enter as a
Permanent Resident if you have a Re-entry
Permit. But none of the time you were in
the United States before you left the country
counts toward your time in continuous
residence.
If you return within 2 years, some of your
time out of the country does count. In
fact, the last 364 days of your time out of
the country (1 year minus 1 day) counts
toward meeting your continuous residence
requirement.
You may file Form N-400 ninety (90) calendar days before you complete your permanent residence requirement if your eligibility
for naturalization is based upon being a:
• Permanent resident for at least 5 years; or
• Permanent resident for at least 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen.
To determine your 90-day early filing date, begin by identifying your 5-year or 3-year date as a permanent resident. For example,
if the date on your Permanent Resident Card says “July 4, 2006,” you meet the 5 year permanent resident requirement on
“July 4, 2011.” If you have met all other eligibility requirements, you may file your completed Form N-400 90 days before
“July 4, 2011.” The earliest date you may apply for naturalization would be “April 5, 2011.”
Locate the USCIS Early Filing Calculator on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/n-400. The calculator will help you verify
that you file your Form N-400 with USCIS no more than 90 days prior to your permanent resident anniversary date. USCIS will
deny your Form N-400 if you file your Form N-400 more than 90 days prior to your anniversary date.
22
The continuous residence requirement
does not apply to certain types of
applicants, such as members of the U.S.
Armed Forces serving during designated
periods of conflict.
Other provisions allow a few other types
of applicants to remain abroad more
than 1 year without disrupting their
continuous residence status. To maintain
their continuous residence while out of
the country, these people must file an
“Application to Preserve Residence for
Naturalization Purposes” (Form N-470).
See the table at the beginning of this
section for more information on who can
use Form N-470 and when it must be
filed.
Physical Presence
in the United States
“Physical presence” means that you
have actually been in the United
States. Most applicants must be
physically present in the United
States for a certain number of months to
be eligible for naturalization.
What is the difference between
“physical presence” and “continuous
residence”? Physical presence concerns
the total number of days you were in the
United States during the period required
for your naturalization. Continuous
residence concerns the time you resided
lawfully in the United States without
any single absence long enough to
“break” that continuity for naturalization
purposes.
“Continuous Residence” Example
•
An applicant became a Permanent Resident on January 1, 1994.
• She lived in the United States for 3 years, then returned to her native country for 1 year and 3
months.
•
She got a Re-entry Permit before leaving the United States so that she could keep her Permanent
Resident status.
•
The applicant re-entered the United States with Permanent Resident status on April 1, 1998.
Question: When is the applicant eligible for naturalization?
Answer: On April 2, 2002, 4 years and 1 day after she returned to the United States. The last 364
days the applicant was out of the United States count toward her time as a Permanent
Resident in “continuous residence,” but the 3 years in the United States before leaving do
not.
A Guide to Naturalization
23
When counting the total number of
days you have been out of the country,
include all trips you have taken outside
the United States. This includes short
trips and visits to Canada and Mexico.
For example, if you go to Canada for a
weekend, you must include that trip when
you are counting how many days you
have spent out of the country. Generally,
partial days spent in the United States
count as whole days spent in the United
States.
Effect of Removal Proceedings
If you have been ordered removed, you are
no longer eligible for naturalization. Your
naturalization application also cannot be
approved if a removal proceeding is pending
against you. These restrictions apply to all
naturalization applicants, except for those
who are eligible for naturalization based on
service in the Armed Forces.
Certain types of applicants may count
time abroad as time physically present
in the United States. An example of this
exception is an applicant who is abroad in
the employment of the U.S. Government.
See the table at the beginning of this
section for more information.
Time as a Resident in a
USCIS District or State
Most people must live in the USCIS
district or State in which they are
applying for at least 3 months before
applying. A district is a geographical area
defined by USCIS and served by one of
the USCIS “District Offices.”
Students may apply for naturalization
either where they go to school or where
their family lives (if they are still
financially dependent on their parents).
Important Information for Military Personnel
If you are applying for naturalization based on your own service in the Armed Forces of the United States, you may be eligible to
apply under special provisions provided for in the Immigration and Nationality Act. For more information, request “Naturalization
Information for Military Personnel” (Form M-599) from the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676.
24
Good Moral Character
Please note that if you have committed
certain serious crimes, USCIS may decide
To be eligible for naturalization you must
be a person of good moral character. USCIS to remove you from the United States.
If you have questions, you may want to
will make a determination on your moral
character based upon the laws Congress has seek advice from an immigrant assistance
passed. In the following section, we describe organization or an immigration attorney
before applying.
some of the things USCIS may consider.
Lying. If you do not tell the truth during
your interview, USCIS will deny your
application for lacking good moral character.
If USCIS grants you naturalization and you
are later found to have lied during your
interview, your citizenship may be taken
away.
Criminal Record. Committing certain
crimes may cause you to be ineligible for
naturalization (USCIS calls these “bars” to
naturalization). You cannot establish that
you are a person of good moral character if
you have been convicted of murder, at any
time, or of any other aggravated felony, if
you were convicted on or after November
29, 1990.
Other offenses may be temporary bars to
naturalization. Temporary bars prevent an
applicant from qualifying for citizenship
for a certain period of time after the
offense.
The “Application for Naturalization” (Form
N-400) asks several questions about crimes.
You should report all offenses that you have
committed including any that have been
expunged (removed from your record) and
any that happened before your 18th
birthday. If you do not tell USCIS about
these offenses and we find out about them,
you may be denied naturalization (even
if the original offense was not a crime for
which your case would have been denied).
Examples of Things that Might
Demonstrate a Lack of Good Moral Character
• Any crime against a person with intent to harm.
• Any crime against property or the Government that involves “fraud” or
evil intent.
• Two or more crimes for which the aggregate sentence was 5 years or
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
If you have been arrested or convicted of a
•
crime, you must send a certified copy of the •
arrest report, court disposition, sentencing,
and any other relevant documents, including
any countervailing evidence concerning
the circumstances of your arrest and/or
conviction that you would like USCIS to
consider. Note that unless a traffic incident
was alcohol or drug related, you do not need
to submit documentation for traffic fines and
incidents that did not involve an actual arrest
if the only penalty was a fine of less than
$500 and/or points on your driver’s license.
A Guide to Naturalization
more.
Violating any controlled substance law of the United States, any State,
or any foreign country.
Habitual drunkenness.
Illegal gambling.
Prostitution.
Polygamy (marriage to more than one person at the same time).
Lying to gain immigration benefits.
Failing to pay court-ordered child support or alimony payments.
Confinement in jail, prison, or similar institution for which the total
confinement was 180 days or more during the past 5 years (or 3 years if
you are applying based on your marriage to a United States citizen).
Failing to complete any probation, parole, or suspended sentence before
you apply for naturalization.
Terrorist acts.
Persecution of anyone because of race, religion, national origin, political
opinion, or social group.
25
English and Civics
According to the law, applicants must
demonstrate:
• “an understanding of the English
language, including an ability to read,
write, and speak...simple words and
phrases...in ordinary usage in the
English language....”
• “a knowledge and understanding of the
fundamentals of the history, and of the
principles and form of government, of
the United States....”
This means that to be eligible for
naturalization, you must be able to read,
write, and speak basic English. You must
also have a basic knowledge of U.S.
history and government (also known as
“civics”).
What if I cannot meet the English or
civics requirements? Certain applicants,
because of age and time as a permanent
resident; or others because of a disability,
have different English and civics
requirements.
Age — There are three important exemptions
for English testing based on an applicant’s
age and time as a Permanent Resident:
(a) If you are over 50 years old and
have lived in the United States as
a Permanent Resident for periods
totaling at least 20 years, you do
not have to take the English test. You
do have to take the civics test in the
language of your choice.
(b) If you are over 55 years old and
have lived in the United States as
a Permanent Resident for periods
totaling at least 15 years, you do
not have to take the English test. You
do have to take the civics test in the
language of your choice.
26
(c) If you are over 65 years old and
have lived in the United States as
a Permanent Resident for periods
totaling at least 20 years, you do
not have to take the English test. You
do have to take the civics test in the
language of your choice. Designated test
questions have been selected for you to
study and are identified within the list of
100 civics test questions, which can be
found at www.uscis.gov under Education
and Resources.
To qualify for one of these exceptions, your
time as a Permanent Resident does not
have to be continuous. You are eligible for
the exemption as long as your total time
residing in the United States (as a
Permanent Resident) is at least 15 or 20
years. You may not count time when you
were not a Permanent Resident.
You must meet these requirements for age
and time as a Permanent Resident at the
time you file your application to qualify for
an exemption.
If you qualify for an exemption of English
testing based on age and time as a
Permanent Resident, an interpreter, who
is proficient in English and the language
of your choice, must accompany you to the
interview.
Disability — If you have a physical or
developmental disability or a mental
impairment so severe that it prevents
you from acquiring or demonstrating the
required knowledge of English and civics,
you may be eligible for an exception to
these requirements. To request an exception,
you must file a “Medical Certification for
Disability Exceptions” (Form N-648). If
you believe you qualify, contact a licensed
medical or osteopathic doctor or licensed
clinical psychologist who will need to
complete and sign your Form N-648.
To apply for a disability exception, your
disability:
• must be at least 1 year old (or be
expected to last 1 year); and
• must not have been caused by illegal
drug use.
If you qualify for this exception, an
interpreter, who is proficient in English
and the language of your choice, must
accompany you to the interview.
Disability Accommodations — Under
section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, USCIS provides accommodations
or modifications for applicants with
physical or mental impairments that
make it difficult for them to complete the
naturalization process. In order for USCIS
to have enough advance notice to respond
to accommodation requests, applicants
are encouraged to state their needs on the
place provided in the “Application for
Naturalization” (Form N-400).
How can I prepare for the English and
civics tests? Many schools and community
organizations help people prepare for their
naturalization tests.
USCIS has a variety of study materials
available for the naturalization test at
www.uscis.gov. These materials include
the 100 civics (history and government)
questions and answers; reading and writing
vocabulary lists; Civics Flash Cards; and
the study booklet, Learn About the United
States: Quick Civics Lessons. In addition,
you can find links to other Internet sites that
can help you get more information on U.S.
history and government and help you find
English classes in your area.
If you qualify for a medical exception from
the English and civics requirement, you
must still be able to take the Oath of
Allegiance to the United States. If you
cannot communicate an understanding of
the meaning of the oath because of a
physical or mental disability, USCIS may
excuse you from this requirement.
A Guide to Naturalization
27
Attachment to the Constitution
All applicants for naturalization must be
willing to support and defend the United
States and our Constitution. You declare
your “attachment” to the United States and
our Constitution when you take the Oath of
Allegiance. In fact, it is not until you take
the Oath of Allegiance that you actually
become a U.S. citizen. If you are unwilling
or unable to take the Oath of Allegiance
in its entirety please see Page 38 for more
information.
What does the Oath require? When you
take the oath, you must promise to do
three things:
The Oath of Allegiance
I hereby declare, on oath,
that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all
allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince,
potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I
have heretofore been a subject or citizen;
that I will support and defend the Constitution and
laws of the United States of America against all
enemies, foreign and domestic;
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States
when required by the law;
that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed
Forces of the United States when required by the
law;
that I will perform work of national importance under
civilian direction when required by the law; and
that I take this obligation freely without any
mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help
me God.
28
(1) Renounce Foreign Allegiances. As
stated in the oath, you must renounce
all foreign allegiances to become a U.S.
citizen.
(2) Support the Constitution. You must
also be willing to support and defend the
principles of the Constitution and the laws
of the United States.
(3) Serve the United States. When
required by law, you must be willing to
(a) fight in the U.S. Armed Forces, (b)
perform noncombatant service in the
U.S. Armed Forces, and (c) perform
civilian service for the United States.
What else will USCIS consider about
my promise to serve the United States?
In addition to your promise to serve the
United States when required, USCIS also
considers the following three things when
determining if you are truly willing to
serve the United States:
(1) Selective Service — If you are male,
you generally need to register with the
Selective Service System before applying
for naturalization. If you are male and lived
in the United States (in any status other
than as a lawful nonimmigrant) during ages
18 through 25, you must be registered with
the Selective Service System. If you are
male and entered the United States after
you turned 26 years old, you do not have
to register with the Selective Service.
If you were required to register, you will
need to provide your Selective Service
number to USCIS when you apply. You
may get your Selective Service number by
calling 1-847-688-6888. For men born prior
to 1960, this information can be obtained
by writing the Selective Service, Records
Division at:
Selective Service System
National Headquarters
Arlington, VA 22209-2425
(2) Alien Discharge from the U.S. Armed
Forces — If you ever received an
exemption or discharge from the U.S.
Armed Forces because you are an alien,
you may not be eligible for naturalization.
(3) Desertion from the U.S. Armed
Forces — If you were ever convicted of
desertion from the U.S. Armed Forces, you
are not eligible for naturalization. Desertion
means that you left military service before
you were discharged.
If you have not registered, you must
register at a United States Post Office or
on the Selective Service System’s Internet
site to receive a Selective Service number.
The Selective Service System Internet site
can be reached at www.sss.gov or through
the USCIS Internet site at www.uscis.gov.
You must have a Social Security number to
register on the Internet.
If you were required to register, but did not
register before you turned 26, you must do
the following:
• Call 1-847-688-6888 or register
online at www.sss.gov and complete
the Selective Service System’s
Questionnaire Form. Note that
registering online may speed up the
process;
• Receive a “status information” letter
from the Selective Service; and
• Send the “status information” letter
with your application.
A Guide to Naturalization
29
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What Should I Expect From
the Naturalization Process?
Preparing to Apply
•
•
•
•
Read A Guide to Naturalization.
Complete the Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet.
Get an “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400).
Visit our website at www.uscis.gov.
Completing Your Application and Getting Photographed
•
•
•
•
Complete your application.
Get two passport-style photographs taken.
Collect the necessary documents.
Send your application, passport-style photographs, documents, and fee (DO
NOT SEND CASH) to the appropriate Lockbox Facility or Service Center.
• Keep a copy of everything you send to USCIS.
Getting Fingerprinted
•
•
•
•
•
Receive an appointment letter from USCIS.
Go to the fingerprinting location.
Get your fingerprints taken.
Mail additional documents if USCIS requests them.
Wait for USCIS to schedule your interview.
Being Interviewed
• Receive an appointment for your interview.
• Go to your local USCIS office at the specified time.
• Bring state-issued identification, Permanent Resident Card, and any
additional documents specific to your case.
• Answer questions about your application and background.
• Take the English and civics tests.
• Receive case status.
5
Taking the Oath
•
•
•
•
•
•
Receive a ceremony date.
Check in at the ceremony.
Return your Permanent Resident Card.
Answer questions about what you have done since your interview.
Take the Oath of Allegiance.
Receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
31
Preparing to Apply
1. Read A Guide to
Naturalization
Reading A Guide to
Naturalization is the first step in
the naturalization process. We
realize that some naturalization
requirements may be difficult to
understand. If you read this
Guide before beginning the
naturalization process, many of
your questions will be answered.
We hope that the information in
this Guide will help you prepare
your application. If you are well
prepared, and send us the
necessary information and
documents, we can process your
application more quickly. It is
your responsibility to begin
the naturalization process fully
informed and ready to provide
the necessary information and
documents.
2. Complete the
Naturalization
Eligibility Worksheet
3. Get an “Application
for Naturalization”
(Form N-400)
Complete the Eligibility
Worksheet in the back of
this Guide to decide if you
are eligible to apply for
naturalization. If you do not meet
all the requirements, you may
save both time and money by
waiting until you are eligible to
apply.
Once you have completed the
eligibility worksheet and believe
that you are eligible for
naturalization, you should obtain
an application. The application
is called the “Application for
Naturalization” (Form N-400).
You may obtain Form N-400 by
calling the USCIS Forms Line
(1-800-870-3676) or by
downloading it from the Internet
at www.uscis.gov.
If you complete the Eligibility
Worksheet and have questions
about your eligibility, you should
seek advice by:
• calling Customer Service at
1-800-375-5283;
• reviewing the information on
the USCIS website at
www.uscis.gov;
• going to a USCIS
information counter;
• contacting a community
immigrant assistance
organization; or
• talking to an immigration
attorney.
USCIS has developed educational materials, such as Civics Flash Cards and Learn About
the United States: Quick Civics Lessons, to help you prepare for the naturalization interview.
You can find these resources and other study materials for the naturalization test at
www.uscis.gov.
32
Completing Your Application
and Getting Photographed
1. Complete your
application
Once you have Form N-400,
you must fill it out completely.
USCIS may ask for additional
information if your application is
incomplete. This will delay the
processing of your naturalization
application.
You will be required to answer
questions about your application
at your interview. When
completing your application, you
should answer all questions
honestly. Be sure to keep a copy
of your completed application for
your records.
2. Get two photographs
taken
You must include two standard,
passport-style, color photographs
with your application.
Be sure there is enough white
space in the margin of the
photographs so you will have
room to sign your full name if
your application is approved. The
photographs must also be:
• unmounted and printed
on thin paper, on a white
background with a full frontal
view of your face; and
• taken within 30 days of the
date they are sent to USCIS.
A Guide to Naturalization
Finally, your head should be
bare (unless you are required by
your religious beliefs to wear a
headcovering). In all cases, your
facial features must be visible.
You should print your name and
“A–number” lightly in pencil on
the back of each photograph. For
more information on photograph
requirements, see the single page
titled “USCIS is Making Photos
Simpler,” at www.uscis.gov.
For more information on photo
standards, visit the Department
of State’s website at www.travel.
state.gov or contact Customer
Service at 1-800-375-5283.
3. Collect the
necessary documents
Applicants who are lawful
permanent residents of the United
States must submit photocopies
(front and back) of Form I-551
(Permanent Resident Card).
Depending on the circumstances,
some applicants must send
certain documents with their
application. For more information
on the documents you must
send with your application, see
the Document Checklist located
at the back of this Guide. If
you do not send the necessary
documents with your application,
the processing of your application
may be delayed. In most cases,
you should send a copy of a
document, but you should be
prepared to bring the originals
with you to your interview. We
may also ask you to send other
documents to us before your
interview, or to bring additional
documents with you to your
interview.
Be sure to send an English
translation with any document
that is not already in English.
The translation must include a
statement from the translator that
he or she is competent to translate
and that the translation is correct.
If you do not have a required
document and cannot get a
certified copy of the original,
submit a certification from the
original recording authority
explaining why it cannot be
provided. In that case we will
consider other evidence such as
notarized affidavits.
The Document Checklist will
tell you when you need to send
original documents and when
you may send copies. Remember
to make and keep copies of all
documents you send to USCIS.
33
4. Send your application,
documents, and fee to the
USCIS Lockbox Facility
Send your application directly to
the USCIS Lockbox that serves
your area. If you try to take or
mail your application to a local
USCIS office, it will be returned
to you.
The current fee you must send
with your application is on the
one-page insert titled “Current
Naturalization Fees” in the back
of this Guide. Military applicants
filing for citizenship under
Sections 328 and 329 of the INA
do not require a fee.
If you reside in Alaska, Arizona,
California, Colorado, Hawaii,
Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota,
Missouri, Montana, Nebraska,
Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio,
Oregon, South Dakota, Utah,
Washington, Wisconsin,
Wyoming, Territory of Guam, or
Northern Mariana Islands, send
your application to:
USCIS Lockbox Facility
USCIS
P.O. Box 21251
Phoenix, AZ 85036
Private Courier (non-USPS)
Deliveries:
USCIS
Attention: N-400
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S.
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
34
If you reside in Alabama,
Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware,
District of Columbia, Florida,
Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,
Mississippi, New Hampshire,
New Jersey, New Mexico, New
York, North Carolina, Oklahoma,
Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode
Island, South Carolina, Tennessee,
Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West
Virginia, or U.S. Virgin Islands,
send your application to:
USCIS Lockbox Facility
USCIS
P.O. Box 660060
Dallas, TX 75266
Private Courier (non-USPS)
Deliveries:
USCIS
Attention: N-400
2501 S. State Hwy 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067
Military Members and Spouses:
If you are a veteran or an active
member of the U.S. Armed
Forces and are eligible to apply
for naturalization under Section
328 or 329 of the INA, or are
the spouse of a current member
of the U.S. Armed Forces, send
your application to:
USCIS Service Center
Nebraska Service Center
P.O. Box 87426
Lincoln, NE 68501-7426
Private Courier (non-USPS)
Deliveries:
Nebraska Service Center
850 S Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
What if I live overseas? If
you are overseas and filing
Form N-400, you should send
your application to the USCIS
Lockbox Facility that serves the
USCIS office where you want to
be interviewed.
What if I am currently serving
in active duty status in the
military? If you are applying for
naturalization based on qualifying
military service, and are currently
serving in an active duty status,
you may go to your service’s
personnel office for information
on how to prepare your
application. You should speak to
your personnel office even if you
are stationed overseas. For more
information, see “Naturalization
Information for Military
Personnel” (Form M-599).
Getting Fingerprinted
1. Receive an appointment 3. Get your fingerprints
letter from USCIS
taken
Once you have filed your
application, USCIS will
send you a letter telling you
where and when to have your
fingerprints taken.
In most cases, the letter will tell
you to go to an Application
Support Center. A van may be
available in certain areas of
Alaska and Hawaii to fingerprint
applicants who are located far
from the nearest fingerprinting
location. Your notice from
USCIS will tell you if a van
serves your area.
2. Go to the
fingerprinting location
Take your notice letter from
USCIS, your Permanent
Resident Card, and another form
of identification (driver’s license,
passport, or State identification
card) with you. Your second
form of identification should
have your photograph on it.
If you are 75 years or older
at the time you file your
application, you do not have
to be fingerprinted. If you are
living overseas, USCIS will tell
you to have your fingerprints
taken at a U.S. consular office.
A Guide to Naturalization
Currently, all sites take
fingerprints electronically.
However, manual workstations
are available for applicants
whose prints cannot be taken
electronically.
In order to do a criminal
background check, USCIS will
send your fingerprints to the
Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI). In some cases, the FBI
may reject your fingerprints
because of the quality of the
prints.
If the FBI rejects your
fingerprints, USCIS will notify
you and schedule a second visit
to the fingerprinting site. You
will not be asked to pay again.
If the FBI rejects your
fingerprints twice, you will be
asked to provide police
clearances for each place you
have lived in the past 5 years.
You will need to contact the
police departments in the places
you have lived to get these
clearances.
4. Mail additional
documents if USCIS
requests them
While the FBI is checking
your background, USCIS will
locate your immigration file.
Sometimes USCIS may need
additional documents from you
before we can schedule your
interview. If USCIS needs more
information from you, we will
send you a letter telling you
what information we need and
where to send it.
5. Wait for USCIS to
schedule your interview
Once everything is ready,
USCIS will schedule you for an
interview. USCIS will send you
an interview notice in the mail
that will tell you the date, time,
and place of your interview.
35
Being Interviewed
1. Receive an appointment
for your interview
USCIS will send you a notice in the
mail telling you when and where
you must appear for your
interview. You will not receive a
second notice.
What if I cannot go to my
interview? If you must reschedule
your interview, you should write to
the office where your interview is
scheduled as soon as possible. You
should explain your situation and
ask to have your interview
rescheduled. When a new date has
been set, USCIS will send you a
new interview notice.
To make sure you get your interview
notice, you must notify USCIS every
time your address changes.
2. Go to your local USCIS
office at the specified time
You should go to the office where
you are to be interviewed at least
30 minutes before the time of your
interview. Many USCIS offices are
crowded, so unless you need to, you
may not want to bring other people
with you to your interview.
If you do not go to your
interview and do not contact
USCIS beforehand, we will
“administratively close” your case.
If we administratively close your
case and you do not contact USCIS
within 1 year to reopen your case,
we will deny your application.
36
Rescheduling an interview may add
several months to the naturalization
process, so try to attend your
original interview date.
• Your character;
3. Bring identification
and provide additional
documents if USCIS
requests them
• Your willingness to take an
Oath of Allegiance to the United
States.
You should bring the following
identification to your interview: (a)
your Permanent Resident or Alien
Registration Card, (b) your passport
(even if it has expired), (c) State
Identification Card, and (d) any Reentry Permits you have.
In some cases, USCIS may ask
you to bring additional documents
to the interview. These documents
will be listed on your appointment
letter. If you don’t bring the
necessary documents, your case
may be delayed or denied. USCIS
strongly recommends that you
also bring two additional passportstyle photographs with you to the
interview.
4. Answer questions
about your application
and background.
At your interview, a USCIS
officer will explain the purpose
of the interview, ask to see your
identification, and place you under
oath. He or she will ask you about:
• Your background;
• Evidence supporting your case;
• Your place and length of
residence;
• Your attachment to the
Constitution; and
In addition, the USCIS officer
may ask you some other questions
to make sure that you meet all
the eligibility requirements. Be
prepared to explain any differences
between your application and the
other documents you provided to
USCIS.
Remember that you are under oath.
Always tell the truth during your
interview. If you lie during your
interview, you will be denied
citizenship. If you are granted
citizenship, but then USCIS
finds out that you lied on your
application or during your
interview, your citizenship may be
taken away.
If you want a representative to
accompany you to your interview,
you must first send us a “Notice of
Entry of Appearance as Attorney
or Representative” (Form G-28)
with your application. Also, if
you are exempt from the English
requirements, you may bring an
interpreter to the interview or
USCIS may select one for you.
If you have any disabilities, you
may bring a family member or
legal guardian to be present with
you during the interview at the
discretion of the USCIS officer.
5. Take the English and
civics tests
During your interview, a USCIS
officer will also test your ability to
read, write, and speak English
(unless you are exempt from the
English requirements). You will
also be given a civics test in
English (to test your knowledge
and understanding of U.S. history
and government) unless you are
exempt. Even if exempt from the
English test, you will need to take
the civics test in the language of
your choice or qualify for a waiver.
English. Study materials have
been publicly released by USCIS
and are available at www.uscis.gov
under Education and Resources.
Your English skills will be tested
in the following ways:
(1) Reading. To test your ability
to read in English, you must
read one sentence, out of
three sentences, in a manner
suggesting to the USCIS
officer that you understand the
meaning of the sentence.
(2) Writing. To test your ability
to write in English, you must
write one sentence, out of three
sentences, in a manner that
would be understandable as
written to the USCIS officer.
questions. You must answer six (6)
out of 10 civics questions correctly
to achieve a passing score. All 100
civics questions have been publicly
released by USCIS and are
available at www.uscis.gov under
Education and Resources.
6. Receive a decision
After your interview, we will give
you a Form N-652 that gives you
information about the results of
your interview. Based on all the
information you have given us, we
will either grant, continue, or deny
your naturalization application
after your interview.
Granted. Sometimes USCIS can
tell you if you will be granted
citizenship at the end of your
interview. In some cases, you may
be able to attend an oath ceremony
the same day as your interview
(where available). Otherwise,
you will receive a notice telling
you when and where your oath
ceremony will be.
Continued. The USCIS officer
may also “continue” your case.
This means your case is put on
hold. If your case is continued, it
will add time to your naturalization
process. The most common reasons
for continuation are (a) failing the
English and civics tests, and (b)
failing to give USCIS the correct
documents.
(3) Speaking. Your ability to speak
English is determined by your
answers to questions normally
When your case is continued, you
asked by USCIS officers during
will be asked to do one of two
the naturalization eligibility
things:
interview on Form N-400.
Civics. During your interview,
the USCIS officer will ask you
to orally answer a set of civics
A Guide to Naturalization
(1) Come back for a second
interview. If you fail one or both
of the tests, we will reschedule you
to come back for another
interview, usually within 60-90
days of the first interview. At that
time, you will be tested again. If
you fail the test(s) a second time,
we will deny your application.
(2) Provide additional
documents. If USCIS needs
more information from you, we
will give you a Form N-14. This
form explains what information
or documents you must provide
us, and tells you when and how
you should return the information
to us. If you do not follow the
instructions, we may deny your
application.
Denied. USCIS may also deny
your application for naturalization.
If USCIS denies your application
for naturalization, you will receive
a written notice telling you why.
What can I do if USCIS denies
my application? If you feel that
USCIS was wrong to deny you
citizenship, you may request a
hearing with a USCIS officer. Your
denial letter will explain how to
request a hearing and will include
the form you need. The form for
filing an appeal is the “Request
for Hearing on a Decision in
Naturalization Proceedings under
Section 336 of the INA” (Form N336). You must file the form with
USCIS, including the correct fee,
within 30 days after you receive a
denial letter.
If, after an appeal hearing with
USCIS, you still believe USCIS
was wrong to deny you citizenship,
you may file a petition for a new
review of your application in U.S.
District Court.
37
Taking the Oath
1. Receive a
ceremony date
If USCIS approves your
application for naturalization,
you must attend a ceremony and
take the Oath of Allegiance to
the United States. USCIS will
notify you by mail of the time
and date of your ceremony.
The notice USCIS sends
you is called the “Notice of
Naturalization Oath Ceremony”
(Form N-445). In some cases,
USCIS may give you the option
to take the oath on the same day
as your interview.
If you arrange to take a “sameday” oath, USCIS will ask you
to come back to the office later
that day. At this time, you will
take the oath and receive your
Certificate of Naturalization.
2. Check in at
the ceremony
When you arrive at the
ceremony, you will be asked
to check in with USCIS. You
should arrive at least 30 minutes
before your scheduled ceremony.
Remember that there are often
many other people being
naturalized with you who must
also be checked in with USCIS.
If you cannot attend the
ceremony on the day you are
scheduled, you should return
the USCIS notice (Form N-445)
38
to your local USCIS office.
You should include a letter
explaining why you cannot be at
the ceremony and asking USCIS
to reschedule you.
The naturalization ceremony is
a solemn and meaningful event.
Please dress in proper attire to
respect the dignity of this event
(please no jeans, shorts, or flip
flops).
3. Return your Permanent
Resident Card
You must return your Permanent
Resident Card to USCIS when
you check in for your oath
ceremony. You will no longer
need your Permanent Resident
Card because you will get your
Certificate of Naturalization at
the ceremony.
4. Answer questions about
what you have done since
your interview
If more than a day has passed
between your interview and
the ceremony, we will ask
you several questions. These
questions will be on the back of
the notice (Form N-445) USCIS
sends you.
Some questions on the back
of the N-445 include: “Have
you traveled outside the United
States?” and “Have you claimed
exemption from military
service?” You should read the
questions carefully and mark
your answers before you arrive
at the ceremony.
Answer the questions on the
back of Form N-445 only for the
time since your interview.
5. Take the oath
Every naturalization candidate
is required to recite the Oath of
Allegiance to become a U.S.
citizen. The words of the Oath
of Allegiance can be found on
Page 28. The Oath of Allegiance
must be recited at a formal
naturalization ceremony in
front of a USCIS official. Once
recited, USCIS will issue you a
Certificate of Naturalization.
Waiver or Modification of
the Oath of Allegiance. In
certain circumstances there can
be a modification or waiver of
the Oath of Allegiance. These
circumstances are as follows:
• I f you are unable or unwilling
to promise to bear arms or
perform noncombatant service
because of religious training
and belief, you may request
to leave out those parts of
the oath. USCIS may require
you to provide documentation
from your religious
organization explaining its
beliefs and stating that you are
a member in good standing.
• I f you are unable or unwilling
to take the oath with the
words “on oath” and “so help
me God” included, you must
notify USCIS that you wish
to take a modified Oath of
Allegiance. Applicants are
not required to provide any
evidence or testimony to
support a request for this type
of modification. See 8 CFR
337.1(b).
• U
SCIS can waive the Oath of
Allegiance when it is shown
that the person’s physical or
developmental disability, or
mental impairments, makes
them unable to understand,
or to communicate an
understanding of, the meaning
of the oath. See 8 USC 337.
Hereditary Titles. If you have
any hereditary titles or positions
of nobility, you must renounce at
the oath ceremony.
6. Receive your Certificate
of Naturalization
Once you have taken the oath,
you will receive your Certificate
of Naturalization. You may use
this document as proof that you
are a U.S. citizen.
We strongly recommend that
you go to your nearest Social
Security Administration (SSA)
office to update your Social
Security record soon after your
naturalization ceremony.
A Guide to Naturalization
This is important because your
Social Security record will be
used to establish eligibility for
benefits and to demonstrate
authorization to work. The
nearest SSA office can be found
by calling 1-800-772-1213 or at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
To Update your Citizenship
with SSA. In order to update
your citizenship status in your
SSA record, you will need
to present your Certificate of
Naturalization or your U.S.
passport to the SSA.
To Change your Name in SSA’s
Records. If at the oath ceremony
you also changed your name
from that shown in your SSA
record, and your Certificate of
Naturalization does not show
your old and new names, you
will also need to present:
• A
State driver’s license or
other acceptable form of
identification in your old name
as shown in your SSA record.
This identity document in your
former name can be unexpired
or expired. It must contain
your photo and/or biographical
information about you.
• I f you changed your name
more than two years ago,
you will also need to present
a recently issued identity
document showing your new
legal name as shown on your
Certificate of Naturalization or
U.S. passport.
by all employers who use
E-Verify. In order to prevent
name-related mismatches in
E-Verify, the name that you
provide on your “Employment
Eligibility Verification” (Form
I-9) must match the name that
is in SSA’s records. Therefore,
we encourage you to update
your records with SSA as soon
as possible.
Apply for a U.S. Passport. We
strongly recommend that you
apply for a U.S. passport soon
after your oath. You will not be
able to travel abroad until you
have your U.S. passport. Please
allow sufficient time between
your ceremony and any planned
travel to receive your passport.
• I n addition to your Certificate
of Naturalization, a passport
serves as evidence of
citizenship. If you lose your
Certificate of Naturalization,
you may request a replacement
by filing an “Application for
Replacement Naturalization/
Citizenship Document” (Form
N-565).
• Y
ou can get an application
for a passport at your
oath ceremony in the U.S.
Citizenship Welcome Packet
or at most United States Post
Offices. On the web, visit
http://travel.state.gov.
• E
-Verify Program. SSA’s
records will be used to verify
your employment eligibility
39
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40
What Kind of Customer Service
Can I Expect?
You should expect USCIS staff to be:
• Professional.
• Courteous.
• Knowledgeable.
You should expect the naturalization process to be:
• Fair.
• Consistent.
• Timely.
You should expect information on the naturalization process and on the status
of your application to be:
• Accurate.
• Readily available.
USCIS also expects certain things from you. You should:
• Treat USCIS employees with courtesy.
• Read A Guide to Naturalization.
• Read and follow the instructions on your application.
• Be prepared at each step of the process.
Making a Customer Service Complaint
USCIS realizes that in some offices it takes a long time to process applications. We are
currently working to reduce processing times. If you have a question about processing,
please visit www.uscis.gov or call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY: 1-800-7671833).
If you have a complaint about the way that a USCIS employee treated you, you should
speak with that employee’s direct supervisor if possible. If your complaint is not handled to
your satisfaction, or if you could not speak with the supervisor, you may write a letter to the
director of your USCIS District Office. Filing a complaint will not affect your eligibility for
naturalization.
A Guide to Naturalization
6
41
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Where Do I Go for Help?
There are many resources
available to naturalization
applicants. Some of these are:
Customer Service. If you need
more information about the
naturalization process and you
live in the continental United
States, you may call Customer
Service at no charge (1-800375-5283) for help. Not all
services may be available to
callers from all areas.
Community-Based
Organizations (CBOs). In
most communities, there
are organizations that assist
immigrants who want to become
citizens. These organizations
often offer classes to prepare
immigrants for the English and
civics requirements. They may
also help immigrants complete
their applications. CBOs may
charge a fee or they may offer
their services free of charge.
You may locate a CBO by
contacting your local USCIS
office. You may also look in the
phone book under “Immigration
and Naturalization” or
“Immigration and Naturalization
Consultants” or talk to other
immigrants who have been
naturalized.
A Guide to Naturalization
Adult Education Classes. In
many communities, there are
adult education classes to help
you learn English. Some classes
can teach you English and U.S.
civics and history at the same
time. To find these classes, you
can call your local community
college or public school district
office. Look in the blue pages
of your phone book under
“Schools - Public.” Some CBOs
and public libraries also offer
English classes.
You should be certain that the
organization or attorney you
contact is reliable and has a
good reputation. One way to
be sure of the quality of a CBO
is to ask them for references
or if the Board of Immigration
Appeals (BIA) accredits them.
USCIS Internet Site. You can
learn more about immigration
and naturalization, download
relevant forms, including
Form N-400, and A Guide
to Naturalization, and get
other information, including
educational materials to help
you prepare for the English and
civics tests, from the USCIS
website at www.uscis.gov.
Immigration Attorneys. If
you have questions about your
eligibility for naturalization,
you may want to talk to an
immigration attorney. Attorneys
are usually listed in the phone
book under “Lawyers” or
“Attorneys.” In many cases, the
phone book also has a directory
of attorneys by the type of law
they practice. You may be able
to find attorneys who assist
immigrants by looking in the
directory under “Immigration
and Naturalization.”
USCIS Information Counters.
If you have questions that have
not been answered either by this
Guide or by the other resources
listed here, you may always go
to the information counter at
your local USCIS office. There
you may speak directly to a
USCIS representative. To make
an appointment at your local
USCIS office, visit our website
at www.uscis.gov and click on
InfoPass.
7
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Glossary of Terms
A Guide to Naturalization – The
booklet you are reading.
Aggravated Felony – Usually
refers to particularly serious
crimes. If you have committed
an aggravated felony, you may
be permanently ineligible for
naturalization. The Immigration
and Nationality Act and the laws
in each State determine what is
considered an aggravated felony.
Application Support Center
(ASC) – USCIS offices where
applicants usually have their
fingerprints taken. Once you have
filed your application with USCIS,
you will receive a notice telling
you which ASC serves your area.
AR-11, “Alien’s Change of
Address Card” – This is the form
you use to tell USCIS when you
have moved to a new address. The
AR-11 is pre-printed with USCIS’
address. It is very important to tell
USCIS when your address changes.
This way, you will receive any
information USCIS sends you,
including interview notices and
requests for additional documents.
Certificate of Naturalization –
A certificate given at the oath
ceremony. It serves as evidence of
your citizenship. USCIS also
recommends getting a United
States passport as evidence that
you are a U.S. citizen.
A Guide to Naturalization
Community-Based Organization
(CBO) – Organizations that assist
immigrants who are new to the
United States or who are going
through the naturalization process.
Many CBOs will help you
complete your application and
guide you through the
naturalization process. CBOs may
charge a fee or offer their services
free of charge.
Constitution – The supreme law
of the United States. It may be
changed only through amendment
by Congress and ratification by
three-fourths of the States.
Continued – One of three things
that may happen to your case after
your interview (granted, denied, or
continued). If your case is
continued, it is put on hold until
further action is taken by you or
USCIS. If your case is continued,
USCIS may ask you to provide
more documents or to come to an
additional interview.
Continuous Residence – An
important requirement for
naturalization. Continuous
residence may be broken if you
take a single trip out of the country
that lasts for 6 months or more.
Districts – The geographic
divisions of the United States used
by USCIS.
G-28, “Notice of Entry of
Appearance as Attorney or
Representative” – The form you
must file with your Form N-400 if
you wish to bring a representative
with you to your USCIS interview.
Good Moral Character – Good
moral character is an important
eligibility requirement for
naturalization. When determining
if an applicant has good moral
character, USCIS considers such
things as honesty and criminal
records.
Granted – One of three things that
may happen to your case after your
interview (granted, denied, or
continued). If USCIS determines
that you are eligible, your
application will be approved or
“granted.” After you take the Oath
of Allegiance, you will be a United
States citizen.
Denied – One of three things that
may happen to your case after your
interview (granted, denied, or
continued). If your application is
denied, USCIS has determined that
you have not met the eligibility
requirements for naturalization.
8
45
N-400, “Application for
Naturalization” – The N-400 is
the form that all people 18 years
of age or older use to apply for
naturalization.
N-445, “Notice of Naturalization
Oath Ceremony” – If you are
approved for naturalization, you
will receive an N-445 telling you
when and where to attend your
oath ceremony. On the back of the
form will be several questions that
you must answer before you check
in at the ceremony.
N-470, “Application to Preserve
Residence for Naturalization
Purposes” – The N-470 is a form
that certain types of applicants
who plan to remain longer than
a year outside the United States
may file to preserve “continuous
residence” status.
N-565, “Application for
Replacement Naturalization/
Citizenship Document” – If
you lose your Certificate of
Naturalization, or your Certificate
of Citizenship, you may file an
N-565 to get a replacement.
USCIS advises naturalized citizens
to also obtain a United States
passport as evidence of their U.S.
citizenship.
N-600, “Application for
Certificate of Citizenship” –
Qualified U.S. residents born
outside the United States to U.S.
citizen parents, or parents who
became citizens, may file a Form
N-600 to get a Certificate of
Citizenship.
46
N-600K, “Application for
Citizenship and Issuance of
Certificate under Section
322” – Qualified children born to
U.S. citizen parents, and currently
residing outside the United States,
may obtain naturalization and a
Certificate of Citizenship by filing
Form N-600K.
N-648, “Medical Certification
for Disability Exceptions” –
The form used to apply for a
disability exemption. If you have
a qualifying medical disability that
prevents you from fulfilling the
English and civics requirement,
you must have a licensed medical
or osteopathic doctor, or licensed
clinical psychologist complete
and sign an N-648. Applicants are
encouraged, but not required, to
submit the N-648 at the time of
filing the N-400 to ensure timely
adjudication of both applications.
Naturalization – Naturalization is
the process by which immigrants
apply to become U.S. citizens.
Naturalization Eligibility
Worksheet – This is a worksheet
in the back of this Guide that you
may use as a tool to determine
whether you are eligible for
naturalization. Do not send this
worksheet to USCIS at any time;
it is for your use only.
Oath Ceremony – To become a
naturalized citizen of the United
States, you must attend an oath
ceremony where you take the Oath
of Allegiance to the United States.
Oath of Allegiance to the United
States – The oath you take to
become a U.S. citizen. When you
take the Oath of Allegiance to the
United States, you are promising
to give up your allegiance to other
countries and to support and
defend the United States and its
Constitution and laws. Ability
to take and understand the
Oath of Allegiance is a normal
requirement for becoming a
naturalized U.S. citizen.
Outlying Possessions – The
current outlying possessions of the
United States are American Samoa
and Swains Island.
Permanent Resident – A
Permanent Resident is a person
who has been granted permanent
resident status in the United States
and has (or is waiting for) a
Permanent Resident Card.
Permanent Resident Card –
The Permanent Resident Card is a
USCIS document that identifies a
person as a Permanent Resident.
The Permanent Resident Card
may be identified as Form I-551.
The Permanent Resident Card
used to be known as the Alien
Registration Card and/or “Green
Card.”
Physical Presence – Physical
presence in the United States is an
important eligibility requirement.
Most naturalization applicants
must spend a specified amount of
time in the United States in order
to meet the physical presence
requirement for naturalization.
Except in a few cases, time spent
outside of the United States, even
brief trips to Canada and Mexico,
does not count toward your
“physical presence.”
Port-of-Entry – The Port-ofEntry is the place where you
legally entered the country as a
Permanent Resident.
Selective Service – The Selective
Service System is the Federal
agency responsible for providing
manpower to the U.S. Armed
Forces in an emergency. Male
applicants generally are required
to have registered with the
Selective Service before applying
for naturalization. See pages
28-29 for information on who
is required to register, how to
register, and what to do if you
were required to register but did
not, or call the Selective Service
System at 1-847-688-6888 for
more information.
Service Center – USCIS Service
Centers handle and adjudicate
most applications for immigration
services and benefits. There are
four USCIS Service Centers in the
United States.
Information Officers (IIOs). IIOs
are available to answer questions
you have about naturalization.
Remember to use InfoPass to
make an appointment to talk to an
IIO. Visit our website at
www.uscis.gov for instructions on
how to use InfoPass.
USCIS Lockbox Facility – There
are four Lockbox Facilities in
the United States that handle the
receipting of applications for
immigration services and benefits.
U.S. National (but not U.S.
Citizen) – A person who, because
of his or her birth in American
Samoa or on Swains Island,
owes permanent allegiance to
the United States, and who may
naturalize based on residence
in an outlying possession of the
United States.
United States Passport – A U.S.
passport is an official document
that identifies you as a U.S.
citizen. All naturalized citizens
are encouraged to get a passport
as soon as possible after they are
naturalized.
USCIS Forms Line – The
USCIS Forms Line distributes
all forms for immigration and
naturalization. You can call the
Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676
to have any USCIS forms sent to
you, including the “Application
for Naturalization” (Form N-400).
USCIS Information Counter –
USCIS offices have information
counters staffed by USCIS
employees called Immigration
A Guide to Naturalization
47
M-477
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Document Checklist
All applicants must send the following 3 items with their N-400 application:
1.
A photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as the Alien Registration Card or “Green Card”).
If you have lost the card, submit a photocopy of the receipt of your Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident
Card; and
2.
2 identical color photographs, with your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) written lightly in pencil on the back
of each photo. For details about the photo requirements, see Part 5 of Form M-476, A Guide to Naturalization, and the Form
N-400, Application for Naturalization instructions. If your religion requires you to wear a head covering, your facial features
must still be exposed in the photo for purposes of identification; and
3.
A check or money order for the application fee and the biometrics services fee for fingerprinting, as stated in the M-479,
Current Naturalization Fees, enclosure in the Guide. (Applicants 75 years of age or older are exempted from fingerprinting and
the biometrics services fee). Write your A-Number on the back of the check or money order.
Send copies of the following documents, unless we ask for an original.
If an attorney or accredited representative is acting on your behalf, send:
A completed original Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative.
If your current legal name is different from the name on your Permanent Resident Card, send:
The document(s) that legally changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court document).
If you are applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen, send the following 4 items:
1.
Evidence that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the last 3 years:
a. Birth certificate (if your spouse never lost citizenship since birth); or
b. Certificate of Naturalization; or
c. Certificate of Citizenship; or
d. The inside of the front cover and signature page of your spouse’s current U.S. passport; or
e. Form FS-240, Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America; and
2.
Your current marriage certificate; and
3.
Proof of termination of all prior marriages of your spouse (divorce decree(s), annulment(s), or death certificate(s)); and
4.
Documents referring to you and your spouse:
a. Tax returns, bank accounts, leases, mortgages, or birth certificates of children; or
b. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-certified copies of the income tax forms that you both filed for the past 3 years; or
c. An IRS tax return transcript for the last 3 years.
If you were married before, send:
Proof that all earlier marriages ended (divorce decree(s), annulment(s), or death certificates(s)).
If you are currently in the U.S. military service and are seeking citizenship based on that service, send:
A completed original Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service.
If you have taken any trip outside the United States that lasted 6 months or more since becoming a Lawful Permanent
Resident, send evidence that you (and your family) continued to live, work and/or keep ties to the United States, such as:
An IRS tax return “transcript” or an IRS-certified tax return listing tax information for the last 5 years (or for the last 3 years if
you are applying on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen).
Rent or mortgage payments and pay stubs.
Form M-477 (Rev. 02/10/2011 N)
If you have a dependent spouse or child(ren) who do not live with you, send:
Any court or government order to provide financial support; and
Evidence of your financial support (including evidence that you have complied with any court or government order), such as:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Cancelled checks;
Money and receipts;
A court or agency printout of child support payments;
Evidence of wage garnishments;
A letter from the parent or guardian who cares for your child(ren).
If you have ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason, and no charges were filed, send:
An original official statement by the arresting agency or applicant court confirming that no charges were filed.
If you have ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason, and charges were filed, send:
An original or court-certified copy of the complete arrest record and disposition for each incident (dismissal order, conviction
record or acquittal order).
If you have ever been convicted or placed in an alternative sentencing program or rehabilitative program (such as a drug
treatment or community service program), send:
An original or court-certified copy of the sentencing record for each incident; and
Evidence that you completed your sentence:
a. An original or certified copy of your probation or parole record; or
b. Evidence that you completed an alternative sentencing program or rehabilitative program.
If you have ever had any arrest or conviction vacated, set aside, sealed, expunged or otherwise removed from your record, send:
An original or court-certified copy of the court order vacating, setting aside, sealing, expunging or otherwise removing the arrest
or conviction, or an original statement from the court that no record exists of your arrest or conviction.
NOTE: If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime, you may send any countervailing evidence or evidence in your favor
concerning the circumstances of your arrest and/or conviction that you would like U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to
consider.
If you have ever failed to file an income tax return since you became a Lawful Permanent Resident, send:
All correspondence with the IRS regarding your failure to file.
If you have any Federal, state or local taxes that are overdue, send:
A signed agreement from the IRS or state or local tax office showing that you have filed a tax return and arranged to pay the
taxes you owe; and
Documentation from the IRS or state or local tax office showing the current status of your repayment program.
NOTE: You may obtain copies of tax documents and tax information by contacting your local IRS offices, using the Blue
Pages of your telephone directory, or through its Web site at www.irs.gov.
If you are applying for a disability exception to the testing requirement, send:
An original Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, completed less than 6 months ago by a licensed
medical or osteopathic doctor or licensed clinical psychologist.
If you did not register with the Selective Service and you (1) are male, (2) are 26 years old or older, and (3) lived in the United
States in a status other than as a lawful nonimmigrant between the ages of 18 and 26, send:
A “Status Information Letter” from the Selective Service (Call 1-847-688-6888 for more information).
Form M-477 (Rev. 02/10/2011 N) Page 2
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
M-479
Current Naturalization Fees
The fee for filing your naturalization application is:*
$595.00
The biometric services fee for having your fingerprints taken is:**
$ 85.00
Total:
$680.00
You must send the $680.00 fee with your application. Pay the fee with a check or money
order drawn on a U.S. bank payable to the Department of Homeland Security. Do not
use the initials DHS or USDHS. Do Not Send Cash.
Residents of Guam should make the fee payable to the “Treasurer, Guam,” and residents of
the U.S. Virgin Islands should make the fee payable to the “Commissioner of Finance of the
Virgin Islands.”
If required, USCIS may also take your photograph and signature as part of the biometric services.
Remember that your application fee is not refundable even if you withdraw your application
or if your case is denied.
* If you are applying for naturalization based on your own service in the Armed Forces of the United
States, no filing fee is required.
** If you are 75 years or older, or if you are filing on the basis of your service in the Armed Forces
of the United States, do not send the biometric services fee for fingerprinting with your application.
Form M-479 (Rev. 03/10/14)N
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
M-480
Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet
Instructions
What Is the Purpose of This Worksheet?
The attached “Eligibility Worksheet” will help you decide if you are eligible to apply for naturalization. Do not send the
completed worksheet to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Who Should Complete This Worksheet?
If you are 18 years of age or older and are thinking about applying for naturalization based on your years as a Permanent
Resident, you should complete this worksheet.
Who Should Not Use This Worksheet?
You should not use this worksheet to decide your eligibilty to apply if you are:
18 years of age and want to apply for naturalization based on your parents’ or adopted parents’
• Under
citizenship (see Questions 25 and 26 on pages 13-15 in A Guide to Naturalization for information on how
to obtain citizenship).
Permanent Resident whose spouse was a U.S. citizen who died while on active duty in the U.S.
• AArmed
Forces (see pages 18 and 19 in A Guide to Naturalization for information on your naturalization
requirements).
for naturalization based on active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces (see pages 18 and 19 in A
• Applying
Guide to Naturalization for information on your naturalization requirements).
of a U.S. citizen who is (a) a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, (b) an employee or contractor of
• Athespouse
U.S. Government, (c) an employee of an American institution of research, (d) an employee of an American
owned firm, (e) an employee of a public international organization, or (f) a clergy member (see pages 20 and
21 in A Guide to Naturalization for more information).
Directions for the Eligibility Worksheet:
1. Answer the questions on the worksheet by checking “True” or “Not True.” If you answer “Not True” to
certain questions, you may be asked to answer additional questions on pages 3 and 4. Most applicants will
not need to answer the questions on pages 3 and 4.
2. If you have completed the worksheet and believe you are eligible for naturalization, please call the USCIS
Forms Line (1-800-870-3676) to request an application (Form N-400), or download the form from the
Internet at www.uscis.gov.
3. If you have completed the worksheet and you still have questions regarding your eligibility, you
should read A Guide to Naturalization. You may also wish to get advice from an immigrant assistance
organization or immigration attorney.
Form M-480 (Rev. 06/15/06)N
Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet
True
Not True
STOP
1. I am at least 18 years old.
2. I am a Permanent Resident
of the United States, and I have been issued a
Permanent Resident Card (formerly
called Alien Registration Card).
STOP
3. I have been a Permanent Resident for:
five years
or more*
three to five
years*
You are not eligible to
apply for naturalization.
Exception: You do not
need to be at least 18
years old for military naturalization under section
329 of the INA.
You are not eligible to
apply for naturalization.
less than
three years
STOP
See Attachment A
on Page 3
True
You are not eligible to
apply for naturalization.
Not True
4. During the last five years, I have not
STOP
For exceptions, see
Attachment B on page 3.
5. During the last five years (or the last three
STOP
For exceptions, see
Attachment C on page 3.
6. I have resided in the district or state in
STOP
7. I can read, write and speak basic English.
STOP
For exceptions, see
Attachment D on page 4.
8. I know the fundamentals of U.S. history
STOP
For exceptions, see
Attachment E on page 4.
been out of the United States for 30
months or more.
years if I qualify under Attachment A),
I have not taken a trip out of the
United States that lasted one year or more.
which I am applying for citizenship for
the last three months.
and the form and principles of the U.S.
government.
You must wait until you
have lived in the state or
district for three months
to apply.
Go to Question 9.
*Naturalization applicants may file their applications 90 days before they have satisfied the “continuous residence” requirement.
Form M-480 (Rev. 03/31/06)N Page 1
Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet
9.
I am a person of good moral character.
True
Not True
STOP
You are not eligible to
apply for naturalization.
STOP
You are not eligible to
apply for naturalization.
STOP
You are not eligible to
apply for naturalization.
STOP
You are not eligible to
apply for naturalization.
STOP
You are not eligible to
apply for naturalization.
14. I will support the Constitution of the
United States.
STOP
You are not eligible to
apply for naturalization.
15. I understand and am willing to take an oath
of allegiance to the United States.
STOP
You are not eligible to
apply for naturalization.
10. One of the following is true:
(a) I am female, or
(b) I am a male registered with the Selective
Service, or
(c) I am a male who did not enter the United States
under any status until after my 26th birthday, or
(d) or
I am a male who was in the United States
the who
ageswas
of 18
26 but States
who did
(d) between
I am a male
in and
the United
not register
between
thewith
agesthe
of Selective
18 and 26Service,
but whoand
did
Inot
willregister
send awith
“Status
Information
Letter”
from
the Selective Service, and I
the send
Selective
Service
explaining
why Ifrom
did not
will
a “Status
Information
Letter”
register
with my
application.
the
Selective
Service
explaining why I did not
(e) register
I am a male
who
was
in the United States
with my application.
between the ages of 18 and 26 as a lawful
nonimmigrant.
11. I have never deserted from the U.S.
Armed Forces.
12. I have never received an exemption or
discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces on
the grounds that I am an alien.
13. I am willing to perform either military or
civilian service for the United States if required
by law. (NOTE: If your religious teachings and
beliefs prohibit you from performing military
service, you must be willing to perform
non-military service.)
STOP HERE: You are probably eligible to apply for naturalization. Please call the Forms Line (1-800-870-3676)
for an “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400) and be sure to read A Guide to Naturalization.
Form M-480 (Rev. 06/04/12
06/15/06)N Page 2
Attachment A - Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet
I have been a Permanent Resident for three to five years
True
Not True
I am married to, and living with, a U.S.
citizen.
STOP
You are not eligible to apply
for naturalization.
I have been married to that U.S. citizen
for at least the past three years.
STOP
You are not eligible to apply
for naturalization.
My spouse has been a U.S. citizen
for at least the past three years.
STOP
You are not eligible to apply
for naturalization.
During the past three years, I have not been
out of the country for 18 months or more.
STOP
You are not eligible to apply
for naturalization.
If you answered “True” to all four questions, go to Question 5 on page 1.
Attachment B
I have been out of the country for 30 months or more
I am: (a) A person who has served on board a
vessel operated by or registered in the
United States, or
True
Not True
STOP
You are not eligible to apply
for naturalization.
(b) An employee or an individual under contract
to the U.S. Government, or
(c) A person who performs ministerial or priestly
functions for a religious denomination or an
interdenominational organization with a valid
presence in the United States.
If you answered “True,” see pages 20 and 21 in A Guide to Naturalization to get more
information and go to Question 5 on page 1.
Attachment C
I have been out of the country for one year or more
Since becoming a Permanent Resident,
I have not taken a trip out of the United
States that lasted for one year or more without an
approved “Application to Preserve Residence
for Naturalization Purposes” (Form N-470).
True
Not True
STOP
You are not eligible to apply
for naturalization.
NOTE: Only certain persons can use Form N-470.
See Pages 18-21 in A Guide to Naturalization for
more information.
If you answered “True,” go to Question 6 on page 1.
Form M-480 (Rev. 06/15/06)N Page 3
Attachment D - Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet
I cannot read, write or speak basic English
True
Not True
I am over 50 years old and have lived in the
United States for at least 20 years since I became a Permanent Resident, or
STOP
You are not eligible to apply
for naturalization.
I am over 55 years old and have lived in the
United States for at least 15 years since I became a Permanent Resident, or
STOP
You are not eligible to apply
for naturalization.
STOP
You are not eligible to apply
for naturalization.
I have a disability that prevents me from
fulfilling this requirement and will be filing a
“Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions”
(Form N-648) completed and signed by a doctor with
my application.
NOTE: Only certain people can use this exemption.
See pages 26 and 27 in A Guide to Naturalization for
more information.
If you answered “True” to one of these questions, go to Question 8 on page 1.
Attachment E
I have a disability that prevents me from fulfilling the civics requirement
True
I have a disability that prevents me from fulfilling the
civics requirement, and I will be filing “Medical
Certification for Disability Exceptions” (Form N-648)
completed and signed by a doctor with my application.
Not True
STOP
You are not eligible to apply
for naturalization.
NOTE: Only certain people can use this exemption.
See pages 26 and 27 in A Guide to Naturalization for
more information.
If you answered “True” to the question, go to Question 9 on page 2.
Form M-480 (Rev. 06/15/06)N Page 4
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Modified | 2014-03-10 |
| File Created | 2014-03-10 |