How Do I Become A United States Citizen?
Naturalization is the immigration process in which an individual becomes a United States citizen. It is the only way in which an individual can become a United States Citizen if they were not born a U.S. citizen or if they did not acquire citizenship immediately after they were born.
Only a person who has a permanent visa, which is more commonly known as a green card, may apply for naturalization. Naturalization can be a lengthy and complicated process, as the applicant is required to submit various forms and documents in order to prove their eligibility.
A person is considered to be a United States citizen by birth if they were born within the boundaries of the United States, including U.S. territories such as:
- Guam
- Puerto Rico
- The Virgin Islands
Additionally, those who are born abroad may be United States citizens at birth if both of their parents are U.S. citizens at the time of their birth. The same applies if at least one of their parents lived in the States at some point during their lifetime. Further, a person may be a United States citizen at birth if one of their parents is a U.S. citizen, although this is subject to additional requirements.
There are several requirements to become a naturalized citizen of the United States. Examples include, but may not be limited to:
- The ability to read, write, and speak English
- A knowledge and understanding of United States history and government
- Good moral character
- An attachment to the ideals of the United States Constitution
- A generally favorable disposition towards the United States
- A continued physical presence or residence in the United States for a specified period, which may vary according to visa specifics
What Forms Are Required For United States Citizenship? What Is The United States Citizenship Interview?
Generally speaking, an applicant may submit their completed Application for Naturalization, or Form N-400, to the appropriate United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) center. They should also submit any documents as well as any other additional information which has been requested of them. Other forms for citizenship applications include N-600, N-600k, and N-643.
Applicants must fill out the immigration form appropriate to their situation and submit it along with:
- A copy of their green card
- Required photographs
- Any applicable fees
Prior to September 2002, the agency charged with overseeing immigration issues was the Immigration and Naturalization Service (“INS”). In September 2002, the Homeland Security Act was passed, transferring the powers of the INS to the Department of Homeland Security. The immigration and citizenship service functions of the INS are now placed under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
What Is The United States Citizenship Interview?
After applying for citizenship, the applicant will be scheduled for an interview with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration “BCIS” (formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service, or “INS”). Due to the considerable backlog of cases in the BCIS, applicants will most likely receive an interview after at least 90 days have passed since the application was filed.
It is important to note that most applicants do not receive an interview for many months after they apply. Additionally, the interview will be conducted in English, unless the applicant qualifies for a few very specific exceptions.
What Immigration Laws May Apply to Citizenship?
There are numerous immigration laws that apply to United States citizenship. One of the main immigration laws that applies to most immigration issues, including citizenship, is the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
In addition, there are executive orders and potentially other laws that may apply to an individual’s citizenship issue. Because there are various immigration laws that can apply, these laws can be updated at any time, especially when there are changes in presidential administrations, and mistakes or omissions can cause delays or even rejections, it is essential to have help from an immigration attorney with all citizenship matters.
Some executive orders that can apply to citizenship cases are discussed below.
Executive Order Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)
This order placed limits on ways to enter the U.S. However, applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
This order is not in force pending further evaluation.
Executive Order Guaranteeing the States Protections Against Invasion
This order closed entry into the United States at the southern border. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Secretary of State may admit on a case-by-case basis.
Executive Order Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship
This order terminated birthright citizenship. Those born in the U.S. are not given automatic U.S. citizenship.
At least one parent must have permanent residency or be a U.S. citizen for their child to have birthright citizenship. Children of a parent with a temporary visa are not given birthright citizenship.
This order is not being enforced due to an injunction.
Executive Order Protecting the American People Against Invasion
This order outlined policies regarding illegal entry issues, enforcement of removal and deportation, and unlawful presence in the U.S. It additionally expanded expedited removal use for immigration cases.
All immigration laws, including the executive orders previously discussed, may have an impact on an individual’s application for citizenship in the United States. All immigration laws are subject to review and update at any time, especially when a new presidential administration takes over, so having assistance from an immigration attorney is very important.
What Types of Evidence Are Required for Citizenship Issues?
When someone is applying for citizenship in the United States or has an issue with their application or case, they should have certain documents that will establish their identity and credibility as well as support the claims they are making in their application or case. There are several common categories and documents that most citizenship applicants will need, such as:
- Personal Identification:
- Proof of Physical Presence:
- employment record
- lease agreement
- utility bills
- Proof of Good Moral Character:
- certification of community service
- criminal background check
- letter of recommendation
- Proof of Family Ties:
- birth certificates of children born in the country
- marriage certificate
- Evidence of Hardship:
- a letter from a therapist
- medical records explaining that the individual or their close family member has a serious health condition
- other records that show how hardship would be caused by deportation
It is important to note that there may be other documents or evidence that may be necessary, depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant’s personal situation. Because of the possibility for updates in the laws, the need for various types of documents, and the strict requirements and deadlines in citizenship applications and cases, having an immigration lawyer is essential.
What Else Should I Know About United States Citizenship?
Depending on when you were born, and which of your parents was a United States citizen, you may have had U.S. citizenship passed to you as previously mentioned. The United States Congress and the United States Supreme Court have changed citizenship laws many times. As such, if you were born during a specific year to one U.S. citizen parent and one non-citizen parent, the laws determining whether you are a citizen can be different than if you were born the year prior.
To reiterate, the naturalization application process may take up to six months to complete from the time of application. In order to ensure that your application is not returned to you before it is fully evaluated, it is important to ensure that all requested information is included, such as:
- The naturalization application
- Having current photographs and fingerprints taken
- Being interviewed, after which you will know whether your application has been approved
- Taking the Oath of Allegiance
Honesty is an integral part of the naturalization process. If you have been convicted of a crime, even if that conviction has been expunged, the details of such a charge must be disclosed to the USCIS. If you conceal or falsify information, the USCIS may deny your application.
Your time as a lawful permanent resident (“LPR”) begins on the date that you were granted LPS status. This status is indicated on your Permanent Resident Card, which was previously known as the Alien Registration Card.
The amount of time it takes to become a naturalized citizen varies for each individual applicant, but is generally between five to seven years. This is because each applicant must wait five years from the date they received their LPR status before they may file for the naturalization process. Once their application has been filed, it can take up to two years to complete the naturalization filing process, including the required interviews and tests.
A person becomes a United States citizen on the date that they take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. This Oath is generally administered in a formal ceremony, and the date will be recorded on the citizen’s Certificate of Naturalization.
How Has COVID19 Affected The Citizenship Process?
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the U.S. naturalization process in that temporary changes have been made by the USCIS in response to the pandemic. Examples of these changes include:
- Increased health and safety precautions at USCIS facilities
- An automatic 60 days extension from the original due date for Requests for Evidence (“RFEs”), Notices of Intent to Deny (“NOIDs”), and other such responses
- An additional 60 days from the decision date in which to file an I290B Notice of Appeal or Motion, an N-336 Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings, and Motions to Reopen an N-400
Because of the pandemic, there will most likely be delays in receiving and processing naturalization applications for many years to come. Additionally, copies of certain signatures will be accepted in place of original signatures.
Additionally, temporary changes have been made to naturalization ceremonies in that the actual ceremony is considerably shorter than normal. Also, applicants will receive a flyer with links to videos that they can watch online, as they would traditionally be shown during the ceremony.
Unless the applicant has a disability and requires the assistance of another individual, no other people will be allowed to accompany the applicant to their ceremony. Applicants should visit the USCIS website regularly for updates on COVID-19 related changes.
Most entry restrictions, travel bans, and other COVID-19 related changes to immigration and citizenship proceedings have been lifted. However, there may still be some ongoing guidance provided by the CDC into the future on updated health protocols.
Have There Been Any Significant Updates to Becoming a United States Citizen?
Yes, there have been several important updates to the citizenship process in 2025, including a more challenging civics test, stricter standards used to evaluate good moral character, and a new Form N-400.
Civics Test
The civics test has been expanded from its 2020 version of 100 questions to include 128 questions that focus on constitutional principles and American history. The number of questions applicants are asked during the interview process has doubled from ten to 20.
Additionally, they must answer 12 questions correctly, instead of the previously required six to pass. The portions of the test that cover the English language, such as writing, reading, and speaking, are the same.
Good Moral Character Standards
USCIS implemented more rigorous standards for the mandatory good moral character standards requirement. It now considers a broader range of the applicant’s history, which can include their positive contributions, such as stable employment, tax compliance, and community involvement, instead of just their absence of negative behaviors.
The USCIS has also resumed its practice of making local inquiries, such as contacting employers or neighbors, to verify the applicant’s character and eligibility. There are some disqualifying factors, such as unlawfully registering to vote, unlawfully voting, and making false claims to United States citizenship that are explicitly noted as conduct that can disqualify the applicant from demonstrating good moral character.
Form N-400
A new version of the Form N-400, or the Application for Naturalization, went into effect on March 4, 2025. All applicants will not be required to use this new version.
Who is Affected?
The filing date of your N-400 form is the deciding factor for which civics test version you will take:
- If you filed before October 20, 2025, you will take the previous, shorter 2008 test version.
- If you filed on or after October 20, 2025, you will take the new 2025 test version.
Do I Need An Attorney For Citizenship Issues?
If you would like to become a United States citizen, working with an experienced and local immigration attorney can make the process easier and increase your chances of success. An immigration lawyer can help you determine which immigration process you are eligible for, as well as assist with paperwork and ensuring documents are submitted in a timely manner.
Your immigration attorney will also be able to represent you in court, should you have any citizenship issues. LegalMatch provides no-cost lawyer-client matching services that you can use today to find an immigration attorney who can assist you with all of your citizenship questions or concerns.
You can complete the online submission process, which includes being able to select your language needs and preferences, and you will be matched with local licensed and prescreened member immigration lawyers who are experienced with citizenship issues. Get started today making sure that your citizenship issue is handled the best way possible with the help of an immigration lawyer.
