How to understand the process of becoming a US citizen

In this section you will find an overview of the procedure for applying for citizenship. Before applying, make sure you meet all eligibility requirements and check to see if you qualify for any exceptions or accommodations. USCIS has also developed answers to the most common questions about citizenship and the naturalization process.

1. Check if you are already a US citizen. If you did not acquire citizenship by birth, derivation, or automatic acquisition through your parents after you were born, continue to the next step.

2. Find out if you meet the requirements to obtain United States citizenship. Review the eligibility document (PDF, 300.55 KB) to confirm if you meet the requirements to apply for citizenship.

3. Prepare Form N-400, Application for Citizenship. You can fill out this form online. Start by creating a USCIS online account. Review the instructions for completing Form N-400. Collect the essential papers to demonstrate your aptitude to obtain citizenship legally. If you reside outside the United States, obtain two passport-sized photographs. Use the document checklist to ensure you have all required documentation.

4. File Form N-400, Application for Naturalization and pay the fees online. You can submit this form electronically. You can also pay fees online. Once you submit Form N-400, USCIS will send you a receipt notice. You can check the processing time and status of your case online.

5. Attend your biometric appointment, if necessary. If biometric data collection is required, USCIS will send you a notice with the date, time, and location of the appointment to collect your biometric data. Go to the designated office at the indicated time to have your biometric data taken.

6. Complete the interview. Once all preliminary processes are completed, USCIS will schedule an appointment to interview you and complete the naturalization process. You must appear at the USCIS office on the date and time indicated on your appointment notice.

7. Receive the decision from USCIS on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. USCIS will send you a decision notice. If you filed the N-400 online, you will also be able to access the notification in your account.

• Approved: USCIS may approve your N-400 if the evidence in your record shows that you are eligible for naturalization.
• Postponed: USCIS may postpone your application if you need to provide additional evidence or documentation, do not submit the appropriate documents to USCIS, or do not pass the English and/or civics exam on the first attempt.
• Rejected: USCIS will reject your Form N-400 if evidence in your history indicates that you are not eligible for naturalization.

8. Receive a notification to take the oath of allegiance. If USCIS approves your Form N-400 in step 7, you can participate in a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview. If there is no ceremony scheduled for that day, USCIS will send you a notice with the date, time, and location of the ceremony. If you filed the N-400 online, you will also be able to access the electronic notice in your application.

9. Take the oath of allegiance to the United States. You will not be a U.S. citizen until you take the oath of allegiance during the naturalization ceremony.

• Complete the questionnaire on Form-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony.
• Attend the naturalization ceremony and register with USCIS. A USCIS officer will review the answers provided on Form N-445.
• Return your Permanent Resident Card.
• Take the oath of allegiance to become a citizen of the United States.
• Receive your Certificate of Naturalization, verify it, and notify USCIS if there are any errors on your certificate before leaving the ceremony

10. Understand your American citizenship. Citizenship is the common bond that unites Americans. Review our list of the most important rights and responsibilities that every citizen, both by birth and choice, must exercise, honor and respect.

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