Path to U.S Citizenship

This guide will help you in becoming a U.S. Citizen while answering several of the most relevant questions in your

path to Naturalization.

Follow this link to get to the homepage of becoming a U.S. citizen

http://www.welcometousa.gov/default.htm

Who is Eligible to become a US Citizen?

Follow the tab/link at the top of the page –Immigration and Citizenship

Then click on the link-Applying for Naturalization

Then about the third box down click on the link Naturalization Eligibility Requirements

There is a great handout that you can print out by following this link

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Office%20of%20Citizenship/Citizenship%20Resourc

e%20Center%20Site/Publications/PDFs/G-1151.pdf

Also see this link as well-http://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship/citizenship-through-naturalization/guide-

naturalization which gives you a complete guide to becoming a citizen.

Click on the M-476-Chapter 4. Who is Eligible for Naturalization? Read through this then go back very

carefully and make sure it is understood before going any further.

Then read through the M-476. Chap 3. Frequently Asked Questions. These two will help give you a

better understanding on how to become a citizen. By all means read the entire guide. The more you

know of the process they better educated you will become and less confused by the process.

There is a worksheet to use to determine if you are eligible to become a US Citizen found

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/article/M-476.pdf

How do I become a US Citizen?

The link - www.uscis.gov gives a step by step general guide in becoming a US Citizen. (See image

below). For starters read A Guide to Naturalization, this guide gives an ample supply of information. I

suggest reading through everything following the steps below before going any further in the

Naturalization process.

How do I apply for Naturalization?

Follow this link www.uscis.gov

You will need to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. When you are on the page

for US Citizenship ad Immigration Services click on the link for the form. This will bring you

to the form itself that you will need to download and a form that gives you instructions on

filling it out properly and what documentations you might need.

What are the fees?

On this same page as the N-400 form, on the left column there is a link to follow for the filing fees that

you will be expected to pay when filing the form(s). Here is an excerpt from the website-

http://www.uscis.gov/forms

Application for Naturalization | Form Fee: $595 (Add $85 biometric fee for a total of

$680, where applicable. See exceptions below.) You must make your check payable

to Department of Homeland Security. Fees are accepted in the form of money

order, personal check or cashier's check only. USCIS will reject your Form N-400 if

you submit the incorrect fee. In such a case, USCIS will return any filing fee you

submitted with your Form N-400.Exceptions in which the applicant is not required

to pay the entire $680:Applicants 75 years of age or older are not charged a

biometric fee, the total fee is $595.No fee is required for military applicants filing

under Section 328 and 329 of the INA- http://www.uscis.gov/forms

Are there any tests that I need to take?

One requirement for naturalization is to take a naturalization test that demonstrates you can read, write

and speak English and that you have a basic knowledge of US history and the US government.

You must prepare yourself for the test. It is broken down into several parts. There are educational

materials that can help with preparing for the test. There are videos, flashcards, booklets and other

materials to help in studying for the test.

You can also Find Help in Your Community by following this link and look for classes within your

community to help with preparing you for the naturalization test.

Is there a ceremony that I have to attend?

Yes, you will need to attend a ceremony if the

USCIS approves your application. You will take

The Oath of Allegiance to the United States and

become a U.S. Citizen.

What do I need to do after I become a US Citizen?

One of the most important things to do is update your

Social Security record if needed, then register to vote and

get yourself a U.S Passport. These steps are listed on the

link- http://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship/naturalization-

ceremonies

Further Information

Information on being a US Citizen can be found on the Welcome to the US page

http://www.welcometousa.gov/default.htm

This page has lots of information on employment, child care, health care and benefits. I feel you should

take the time and explore this page and all the pages of this site very carefully to better help you after

becoming a citizen.