Many people wish to have US citizenship, but not many know how to become a US Citizens. Oftentimes people imagine how difficult it could be to become a US citizen, but the truth is that becoming a US citizen is not as difficult as you imagine just that it requires a rigorous process if you are mostly naturalizing.

Therefore, this article will take you through a thorough but simple guide to becoming a US citizen. Covering for you the US citizenship application process, how long it takes to get it, the cost, and other relevant information you need to know.

Who is a U.S citizen?

A US citizen is a legal member of the United States of America with full constitutional backup.

Moreover, a US citizen is considered an individual:

• Who was born in the United States?
• Or who was born in Puerto Rico?
• Who was born in Guam?
• Or who was born in the US? Virgin Islands.
• Who was born in the Northern Mariana Islands?
• Whose parents are from the US Citizen?
• Who has been naturalized as a US Citizen?

Why Become a US Citizen?

There are many reasons why people want to become US citizens. These reasons are more of benefits and multiple opportunities open for people holding US citizenship. Hence people seek to know how to become a US citizens in order to enjoy these benefits. Therefore these benefits are:

#1. Protection from deportation

Becoming a US citizen protects you and your children from deportation. However, as a lawful permanent resident, certain criminal convictions could make you deportable, and some actions put LPRs at risk for permanent consequences such as deportation.

#2. Citizenship for your children

Children under 18 who are lawful permanent residents automatically become US citizens when their parents naturalize. Since individuals cannot apply to naturalize until they turn 18, this is truly a gift from parents to their children.

#3. Family reunification

US citizens can file immigration petitions with the government to reunite with family members. Although LPRs can file petitions only for their spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult sons and daughters, US citizens can petition for additional family members such as parents, siblings, and married adult sons and daughters.

#4. Eligibility for government jobs

Some jobs are available only to US citizens, such as those in the federal government. Additionally, naturalized citizens, on average, do better economically than noncitizens. They earn between 50 and 70 percent more than noncitizens, have higher employment rates, and are less likely to live below the poverty line. New citizens could also see earnings increases of 8 to 11 percent, directly tied to more job preparation, better employment matches, and a greater ability to switch jobs.

#5. Freedom to travel

LPRs’ travel time during a given year is restricted. However, US citizens have the freedom to travel without these restrictions. They also have the opportunity to seek the help and protection of US embassies and consulates abroad in the event of a personal crisis or civil unrest.

#6. Ability to vote

The right to vote is also a benefit of US citizenship. Only citizens have the opportunity to elect the leaders they believe will best represent themselves, their families, and their communities.

Requirements to become a US Citizen

If you are living in the US with a Green Card and want to become a citizen, then there are specific US citizenship requirements.

To become a US citizen, you must fulfill the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old when you apply.
• And be a Green Card holder for at least five years.
• Have continuous US residency for at least five years before applying.
• You must have lived physically in the US for at least 30 months from the five years you have had the Green Card.
• Prove that you have lived in the state you are applying for at least three months.
• Be able to speak, read, and write basic English.
• Understand US history and government.
• Show that you respect the US Constitution.
• Be a person of good moral character, which means you have not committed any serious crimes.

If you do not fulfill any of these requirements above, you will not be allowed to apply for US citizenship. Instead, applications must go through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Even if you apply without meeting the American citizenship requirements, USCIS will deny it.

7 Simple Steps to become a US Citizen

How to become a US citizen is easy with these seven simple steps we explained below. However, before you start your application for US citizenship, first make sure you are not already a citizen. If you were born in the US or were born abroad to US parents, you may already be a citizen and do not need to apply.

Moreover, if you have a parent who is a US citizen with IR5, then you must only file Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, or N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate.

However, to apply for US citizenship, you must go through these simple steps:

1. Complete and submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
2. Give your biometric information.
3. Complete the citizenship by naturalization interview.
4. Complete the English language test.
5. Complete the civics test.
6. Receive the decision of USCIS.
7. Take the Oath of Allegiance.

#1. Complete and submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

This form is the primary one for you to file for naturalization or citizenship. You can find it on the USCIS website here. You can follow the instructions on the form, complete it, and sign it. In addition, attach two passport-style photos to it if you are living outside of the US.

Also, review the instructions to check if you need to attach other supporting documents. These may include medical certifications, proof of disability or developmental impairments, and other documents which show you are eligible for citizenship. If you do not attach the necessary documents, USCIS will request them after you have submitted them. This will make your processing time longer than necessary.

Before you apply, attach proof that you paid the required fees. Without paying the fees, your application is not processed. Finally, keep a copy of your application for your interview.

#2. Give your biometric information

In case USCIS wants to do a background check on you, they might ask you to give biometric information. USCIS will send you a notification with your appointment time, date, and location. You must show up at the appointment. There, you will give your fingerprints, and they will take a photograph of you.

#3. Complete the citizenship by naturalization interview

After processing your application, USCIS will schedule an interview appointment with you. It is extremely important to attend this interview, so you must notify them to reschedule if you cannot make it. Be aware that rescheduling the interview adds a few months to getting citizenship.

When you go to the interview, a USCIS officer will ask questions about your application and background. You must answer truthfully and accurately.

#4. Complete the English language test

Then, you will have an English test that has three sections, speaking, reading, and writing.

The USCIS officer will determine your speaking abilities from your communication. Then, the officer will give you three sentences to read out loud for the reading test. You can look at some practice sentences here.

You must write three sentences for the writing test, and you can practice from this document. The reading and writing test content will be from various historical and civic topics.

#5. Complete the civics test

After the English test, you will have the civics test. This test is on the history and values of the US. The officer will ask ten questions, and you must answer 6 of them correctly. This document has around 100 questions with which you can practice.

If you fail any of these tests, you can retake them 60 to 90 days after the first time. Failing any of them for the second time means that you have to restart your application.

#6. Receive the decision of USCIS

Following the processing of the application and the results of the interview, USCIS will make a decision. They will send a notice which can either be a denial or approval of the application for citizenship.

If you receive a denial, they will explain why you are not eligible for citizenship. However, in case you think the decision was incorrect, you can appeal it. For an appeal, you have to file Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings. File the document within 30 days of the USCIS decision, or you cannot appeal anymore.

If USCIS approves your application, you can go on to the next step.

#7. Take the Oath of Allegiance

It is impossible to become a US citizen without completing the Oath of Allegiance. You might be able to complete it on the same day as your interview, but if not, USCIS will send you a notice about when you can take it. It is best to attend the ceremony when USCIS schedules it, but if you cannot, you must notify them. To do this, file Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony. Attach a letter explaining why you cannot attend the ceremony at that time. USCIS will then review it and reschedule the ceremony.

You can take the oath only from a judge in a court. After you complete it, you receive the Certification of Naturalization. You are officially a US citizen when you receive this certification and must return your Green Card.

FAQs

Do I Have to Take the English Language Test to become a US citizen?

In specific cases, USCIS might grant waivers for the English test. For example, if you are 50 or older and have been a permanent resident for 20 years, you can choose not to take the test (the 50/20 rule). Also, if you are 55 or older and have been a permanent resident for 15 years, you can be exempt from it (the 55/15 rule).

Despite these, you will still need to take the civics test. Only if you are 65 years or older and have been a permanent resident for 20 years will USCIS consider you for exemption from the civics test.

What is the difference between a US Citizen and a US National?

All US citizens are automatically US nationals, but not all US nationals are automatically US citizens.

For people outside the United States, the difference between a US national and a US citizen might seem unimportant, or one might not even spot there’s a difference at all. However, for those living or linked to the US, this status is of special importance to their everyday life since privileges and duties depend a lot on one’s status in the United States.

How Long Does it Take to Become a US Citizen?

It takes around six months to become a US citizen from the time you submit your application. However, since there are so many steps to complete to become a US citizen, the US citizenship processing time can be quite long. That is why it is essential to start the process as soon as you are eligible.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a US Citizen?

It costs $725 to become a US citizen. There are two main fees that you must pay when you apply for US citizenship. One fee is the citizenship application fee of $640, and the other is the biometric services fee of $85.

What if I cannot afford to pay the fees?

Since this fee is relatively high, USCIS allows applicants to pay it by credit card. You can do this by filing Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transaction. Military applicants are exempt from paying the fees, and applicants over 75 years old are exempt from the biometrics fee.

You can apply to USCIS for a waiver if you cannot afford the fee. You should file Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, with your citizenship application and explain why you cannot afford it. Those on government assistance, such as Medicaid, are more likely to be exempted.

How much does US citizenship cost?

$725. The current naturalization fee for the US. Citizenship application is $725. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are non-refundable, regardless of whether the US government approves or rejects an application

Do I need a lawyer to apply for US citizenship?

No. You can file USCIS forms yourself, including Form N-400 and Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online. However, some people seek assistance from a lawyer or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)-accredited representative.