Overview On Steps Involved To Apply For Us Citizenship

By Author: Nancy Mervin
Total Articles: 56
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Naturalization is the process by which one acquires citizenship and nationality of the country of which the person is not a citizen at the time of birth. The basic requirements for naturalization includes that the applicant holds a legal status as a full-time resident for a minimum period of 5 years time and that the applicant promise to obey and uphold that country's laws, and also an oath or pledge of commitment is added.

It’s a must for a naturalized national in some countries to renounce any other citizenship that they currently hold, forbidding dual citizenship. Depending on the laws of the countries involved this renunciation actually causes loss of the person's original citizenship.

When you apply for US citizenship it involves various steps as follows:

• Reading a guide to naturalization is the foremost and important step to ensure your eligibility and also the procedures involved while applying for US citizenship.

• All guides do provide a worksheet in order to check eligibility and thus ensures that you save money and time ...
... if you find that you are not eligible. Applicant can seek help by calling 1-800-375-5283, get help from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) information counter, contact a immigration assistance organization or even hire an attorney.

• Next step is to get Form N-400, application for naturalization once you have ensured your eligibility.

• Filling in details on the form carefully and honestly is the next step and also hence to ensure that the application processing is not further delayed if USCIS find the form incomplete and asks for additional information later.

• Next step is to get two passport style color photographs. Photos must have been taken and sent within 30 days to USCIS. Photos should have enough white margins so there is space to sign when application is approved.

• Next step is to collect the required documents. Photocopies (front and back) of the Form I-551, permanent resident card should be sent by lawful permanent residents. Any proof for a change in name or as per applicant’s circumstances the documents that are required will vary. Originals of the documents are needed only at the time of interview.

• The application next has to be sent to the lockbox facility of USCIS that serves your area of residence. A money order or check of the current filing fee also should be sent.

• After filing USCIS will sent you a letter with details of where and when you need to take fingerprints.

• The USCIS notice letter should be taken along for fingerprinting along with permanent resident card and also an identity proof which has applicant’s photo in it. The fingerprints are sent to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a background check.

• If requested applicant would be asked to send additional documents.

• Next a mail will be sent by USCIS with details of date, time and where the interview is scheduled. Applicant need to keep up with the date and time and also take along additional documents if requested for to the interview. Question about background and information in application would be asked. Also a test to check your English knowledge to read, write and speak and a civics test will be conducted.

• After the interview a Form N-652 will be given where you can find the results of the interview taken. Based on information provided either citizenship would be granted, continued asking for additional information at a later date or denied.

• If granted you would have the oath ceremony the same day or will be informed of a later date via mail. If denied and if you feel it’s wrong decision you can use Form N-336 to request for hearing on a decision in naturalization
proceedings else the denial mail will explain the reason for denial.

• Once you receive notice to take the oath of Allegiance to the US according to the Form N-445, notice of naturalization oath ceremony sent, you need to arrive 30 minutes before scheduled time in decent dress code for a solemn oath ceremony. You have to return your permanent resident card, answers question about from the time of interview to the oath date, you will be asked to take the oath and be given the naturalization certificate which is the proof for your US citizenship. If you return Form N-445 with a letter of explanation the ceremony will be rescheduled.

• Lastly you would have to update your information at a Social Security administration (SSA) office to ensure to enjoy benefits as a citizen and also apply for US passport to help you with your trips abroad.