An Introduction to Naturalization How to become a U.S. Citizen
Benefits of Citizenship Right to Vote Get a US Passport Apply for some jobs in the government Bring close family members to the US Expansion of Benefits You can never be deported
Eligibility – Who can apply for citizenship? Be at least 18 years old Be a permanent resident of the US for at least 5 years Speak, read and write basic English Pass a Civics test on US History and Government Have good moral character Take an Oath of Allegiance to the US
Good Moral Character? No problems with the police* No drug or alcohol problems Always tell the truth when dealing with immigration or the government
Are There Exceptions to the Requirements? Married to a US citizen – only wait 3 years to apply 50+ years old and lived in the US at least 20 years – Waiver of English Requirement 55+ years old and lived in the US at least 15 years – Waiver of English Requirement 65+ years old – Shorter Civics test Medical disability – Waiver of English and Civics Requirement
Citizenship Process Fill out and send N-400 application Fingerprints Interview Ceremony
Cost and Documents Required Fee: $ – Fee waiver for low income applicants 2 “passport style” photos Copy of “green card” Copies of other documents as needed
What happens at the interview? Review your application – English Speaking Test Reading Test Writing Test US History and Government Test
Reading and Writing English Read 3 or 4 sentences from a list of sentences made up of vocabulary provided by USCIS Write a sentence dictated by the interviewer from a list of sentences made up of USCIS English vocabulary; up to 3 sentences – need 1 good sentence to pass
Civics Test Study 100 questions covering US History and Government Oral exam at interview – 10 questions; need to get at least 6 correct
Pass or Fail? You will be told at the interview if you passed – no waiting Pass – You will be scheduled for a citizenship ceremony Fail – You will be scheduled for a 2 nd interview Fail 2 nd interview – You will need to reapply