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US Citizenship

US Citizenship

Everything You Need to Know

US citizenship is acquired by birth in the United States, or through the process of naturalization. Naturalization occurs after an immigrant holding a US permanent resident card, or green card, has held permanent residency for a certain number of years. After which, the green card holder can apply to become a US citizen through naturalization. If you are looking into US citizenship or naturalization, our resources below can help.

US Citizenship: Everything you need to understand the US citizenship application process and its requirements

US Citizenship - An Overview

US citizenship is automatically acquired if born in the US or in any of its territories. Birthright citizenship is one of two paths to US citizenship, naturalization being the other. You are also considered a US citizen by birth (in most cases) if you were born outside the US but both parents are US citizens, and at least one of them has lived in the US at some point in his/her life. Additionally, if at least one of your parents was a US citizen when you were born and your citizen parent lived in the United States for at least 5 years before you were born; and at least 2 of these 5 years in the United States were after your citizen parent’s 14th birthday, you will be considered a US citizen.

The process of an immigrant becoming a US citizen (not by birth) is termed as naturalization. If you are not born in the US, you have to naturalize to become a US citizen. After the immigrant has lived in the US as a US permanent resident (green card holder) for a minimum of five years, he is eligible to apply for US citizenship.

US Citizenship Requirements

In order to be eligible for US citizenship, every eligible green card holder has to meet certain requirements unless they are citizens by birth or are applying as a US military personnel:

Minimum Age
Residency
Continuous Physical Presence
Good Moral Character
English Language Proficiency
Pass the Civics Test and Interview

For a detailed description of these US citizenship requirements it is important to have a checklist and cross-out each requirement as you meet it.

US Citizenship Process

Besides checking for eligibility, a potential US citizen has to fulfill a step-by-step process to acquire US citizenship. It starts out by filling Form N-400 and submitting it with photographs. Once you are called in for collecting your biometrics, you will be scheduled for an interview and test to evaluate your US civics knowledge and language proficiency. Once all these formalities are completed, you await a notification regarding date and time you can take the oath of allegiance to the US.

US Citizenship Interview & Test

The US citizenship interview and civics test is a crucial stage of the US citizenship process. One has to prepare well and be ready for both. Once your biometrics have been collected, you should expect a mail notifying you of the date and time of your interview.

At the interview you will be asked questions regarding your application, your history and current presence in the US. Answer truthfully and to the point. You will also be tested on your knowledge of US history and US civics. This could be either verbal or written or both. You can access sample questions from the test here.

Taking the Oath of Allegiance for US Citizenship

This is the final stage of acquiring your US citizenship journey. Once you take your oath, you are officially a US citizen.

Once your interview is completed and you have successfully passed your civics test, you are sent Form N-445, Notice for Naturalization Oath Ceremony. This will have the date and time of where you are to take your oath. If you are unable to make it, you have the provision to opt for another date with the same form. Once you take your US citizenship oath and promise to uphold the US constitution, you are a US citizen.

US Citizenship: Related Articles

US Citizenship – An Introduction

US Citizenship By Birth

Steps to Become a US Citizen

US Citizenship Application Status

Fingerprinting for US Citizenship

US Citizenship Interview

8 Mistakes To Avoid On An Immigration Form

US Citizenship FAQ

US Citizenship Sample Test Questions

US Citizenship Requirements

Visa-Free Travel for US Citizens

US Citizenship Oath Ceremony

Addresses to Send US Citizenship Application

US Naturalization: For those applying for US naturalization, here is everything you need to know about eligibility, process and required document-list:

US Naturalization Overview

US Naturalization Eligibility

US Naturalization Required Documents

US Naturalization FAQs

USA Visa Guide

learn about the different types of visas

K3 Visa | Spouse Visa

For American citizens who want to bring their foreign spouse (husband or wife) to USA, here is some useful information on the process.

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Green Card | Permanent Resident

For those who have applied for a green card or are planning to apply for a green card, here is some useful information on the process.

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US Citizenship | Naturalization

For those who have applied or are planning to apply for US Citizenship (a process called naturalization), here is some useful information on the process.

J1 Visa | Student Visa

For those interested in studying in USA as an international student, here is some useful information for obtaining your US student visa.

B2 Visa | USA Visitor Visa

For foreigners living in USA who want to bring their parents and relatives to visit them in USA, here is a step-by-step process to sponsor their US visitor visa.