Becoming a US citizen is not that hard if you know the right process. I’ll guide you step by step through the entire citizenship process, including what forms you need to file and when.
If you are a permanent resident in the United States of America and are eager to acquire your U.S Citizenship, then there are a few criterions to follow in order to obtain a U.S citizenship by naturalization. The primary requirements include permanent residency, continuous residence, physical presence within the U.S, age & good moral character, attachment to the Constitution, English language proficiency and civics and knowledge of U.S history and government.
You might be an outstanding person, but unfortunately, many of us look at what is ‘legal’, instead of what is moral. One fine day you find yourself being married to a foreigner. Now, there are two ways for you to stay in the country. According to the first one, you’ll need to sneak into the country using a visa and then get married. This might not always pan out well. The second option you have will take your husband and wife through a long process of getting legal documents which should ensure their stay goes on without any hindrance. And they should be able to call themselves citizens of this country…
How To Become A Us Citizen Legally
How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship
Learn the steps for becoming a U.S. citizen including how to apply, sample test questions and what is the naturalization process. Also, find information on dual citizenship, how to get proof of your U.S. citizenship if you were born abroad or replace your lost or stolen citizenship certificate.
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U.S. Citizenship through NaturalizationCertificates of Citizenship and NaturalizationDual Citizenship or NationalityEstablish Citizenship Without a Birth CertificateU.S. Citizenship for People Born Abroad or in U.S. Territories
U.S. Citizenship through Naturalization
Becoming a citizen through naturalization is a process in which a non-U.S. citizen voluntarily becomes an American citizen. U.S. citizens:
Owe their allegiance to the United States
Are entitled to its protection
Should exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens
Review this visual overview (PDF, Download Adobe Reader) about the general naturalization process.
To become a U.S. citizen, you must:
Have had a Permanent Resident (Green) Card for at least five years, or for at least three years if you’re filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen.
You must renew your Permanent Resident Card before applying for citizenship if:
Your card will expire within six months of applying, or
Your card has already expired
You can apply for naturalization before you receive your new Green Card. But, you’ll need to submit a photocopy of the receipt for your Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, when you receive it.
Meet certain eligibility requirements. To see if you’re eligible, click on the link that is most similar to your situation. Some requirements may include being:
At least 18 years old when you apply
Able to read, write, and speak basic English
Of good moral character
Go through the 10-step naturalization process which includes:
Determining your eligibility to become an American citizen
Completing Form N-400, the application for naturalization, and creating a free account to submit your form online
Taking the U.S. Naturalization Test and having a personal interview
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Helpful Resources For Citizenship
Take the U.S. Naturalization Test
Certificates of Citizenship and Naturalization
Certificates of Citizenship and Naturalization are proof of your U.S. citizenship.
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Get a Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization
Replace Your Citizenship or Naturalization Certificates
Dual Citizenship or Nationality
Dual citizenship (or dual nationality) means a person may be a citizen of the United States and another country at the same time. U.S. law does not require a person to choose one citizenship or another.
If you’re a citizen of another country, contact that country’s embassy or consulate for information about its:
Laws and policies, including those about dual nationality
Mandatory military service
If you have dual citizenship and plan to travel to or from the United States, you must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States.
A licensed attorney skilled in citizenship matters can assist you with questions about your situation. A local bar association can often provide a good referral.
You may also want to learn about giving up or losing your U.S. citizenship.
Establish Citizenship Without a Birth Certificate
If you were born in the U.S. and there is no birth certificate on file, you will need several different documents to prove your citizenship:
A letter from the vital records office in your birth state with your name and what years they searched for your birth certificate.
A Letter of No Record from the vital records office. You will also need secondary evidence of U.S. citizenship to prove your birth in the United States.
If you were born outside the United States and your U.S. parent(s) did not register your birth at the U.S. Embassy or consulate, you may apply for a U.S. passport, but you will need:
Your foreign birth record showing your parents’ names
Evidence of your parent(s) U.S. citizenship
Your parents’ marriage certificate
If you were born outside the U.S. and your U.S. parent(s) registered your birth with a U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will be able to help you get a copy of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240).
U.S. Citizenship for People Born Abroad or in U.S. Territories
You are a U.S. citizen if:
You have a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state.
You were born in a U.S. territory and have a birth certificate issued by that territory. If you don’t have a birth certificate from your birth territory, you may be able to verify your citizenship status using other documents.
You were born outside of the U.S. to at least one U.S. citizen parent, and your parent(s) recorded your birth with the U.S. Embassy or consulate in that country.
If your birth was recorded before your 18th birthday, the Embassy or consulate issued your parent(s) a document that is proof of your U.S. citizenship. This document is known as a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA or Form FS-240). Learn how to request copies, amendments, or corrections to a Consular Report of Birth Abroad from the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
If the Embassy or consulate did not issue a CRBA and you are 18 years of age or older, learn how to get a Certificate of Citizenship. This document proves your U.S. citizenship and can be obtained from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
