Naturalization

Naturalization is the legal process by which U.S. citizenship is confered upon a foreign national after he/she fulfills the requirements established under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Applications for U.S. naturalization are handled by the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).

Applicants eligible for naturalization must file a naturalization application with the USCIS service center having jurisdiction over their place of residence. The application can be filed up to 90 days prior to the completion of the required three- or five-year period of required residence (naturalization requirements). Along with the application, the applicant must provide photographs, filing fee and fingerprinting fee, and a copy of his/her I-551 or "green card".

The USCIS service center will adjudicate the application and then forward it to the USCIS district office having jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence. The district office will send the applicant a fingerprint notice to have his/her fingerprints taken.

After the fingerprints have been taken, the district office will call the applicant in for a naturalization interview. At that point the applicant will undergo an English language test, including reading and writing, as well as a U.S. history test.

Attorney representation is permitted for naturalization applicants, and is recommended where there are any potential problems with the application.

If, during the interview, the officer determines that the application cannot be approved, the officer may require the applicant to return for a second interview, at which the applicant must submit additional information. The burden of proof is on the applicant to prove eligibility for naturalization.

If the application is approved, the applicant may be informed of the approval. In most cases, USCIS will mail the applicant one final appointment notice after the interview, stating the date on which the applicant must attend the naturalization oath ceremony. The applicant must swear an oath of allegiance to the United States. After the conclusion of the ceremony, he/she will be granted a certificate of citizenship (naturalization certificate), and is considered a citizen from that date.