The United States is a nation of immigrants. Throughout the history, immigrants have come here seeking a better way of life and have strengthened the nation in the process. 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 for naturalization, you will be showing your commitment to the United States. You will also be showing your loyalty to its Constitution and its people. When you are naturalized, you agree to accept all of the responsibilities of being a citizen. In return, you are rewarded with all the rights and privileges that are part of citizenship.

Naturalization is the way immigrants become citizens of the United States. If you were not born a citizen, you must be naturalized to become one.

This Guide is to help people understand the naturalization process. It is for people 18 years or older who want to become citizens.

Before you decide to apply, please review Benefits and Responsibilities of Citizenship.

It is very important to apply as early as you become eligible as citizenship rules and the exam is scheduled to change in 2006. It is predicted that the exam will be much more complicated and tough than current one.

Naturalization guide is also available in

• Chinese
• Spanish
• Tagalog
• Vietnamese

Preparing to Apply

• Read this guide to naturalization
• Check Naturalization Eligibility and Complete the Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet
• Get an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400)

Completing Your Application and Getting Photographed

• Complete your application
• Get two photographs taken
• Collect the necessary documents
• Send your application, documents, and fee to the appropriate Service Center

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 CIS to schedule your interview

Being Interviewed

• Receive an appointment for your interview
• Go to your local office at the specified time
• Bring identification and provide additional documents if USCIS requests them
• Answer questions about your application and background
• Take the English and civics tests
• Receive a decision

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

Preparing to Apply

1. Read this guide to naturalization
   Reading this guide to naturalization is the first step in the naturalization process. 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.
   
   The information in the Guide will help you prepare your application. If you are well prepared, and send the necessary information and documents, USCIS can process your application more quickly. It is your responsibility to enter the naturalization process fully informed and ready to provide the necessary information and documents.
   
   
2. Complete the Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet
   Complete the eligibility worksheet 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.
   
   If you complete the eligibility worksheet and have questions about your eligibility, you should seek advice by:
   • calling the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283;
   • reviewing the information on this web site, http://www.immihelp.com/citizenship;
   • going to an USCIS information counter;
   • contacting a community immigrant assistance organization; or
   • talking to an immigration attorney.
   
   
3. Get an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400)
   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).
   
   Download fillable Form N-400.