Citizenship & Naturalization
Naturalization
Should I become a Naturalized Citizen of the United States?
For more than 200 years, the United States has welcomed foreign nationals to its shores. Millions of families in the U.S. have an immigration story in their history. Would you like your family to have a similar story?
Naturalization - Am I eligible to Become a U.S Citizen?
The applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Show that you are a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States
- Have resided in the United States as a lawful resident for at least five years
- Physically be present in the United States for at least 30 months
- Is the applicant a person of good moral character?
- Be able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language
- Must understand the fundamentals of the history, principles, and forms of government, of the United States
- Demonstrate an attachment to the principles of the Constitution. Must be willing to support the happiness of the United States; and,
- Be willing and able to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Naturalization - Becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States opens many doors.
The benefits of being a United States citizen
A person cannot become a Naturalized U.S citizen until they take the Oath of Allegiance. The Oath of Allegiance means that you support and are bound to the values and ideas that make up the foundation of democracy. These values include freedom, equality, and liberty for all U.S citizens. A person who has completed the application process will take the Oath of Allegiance at the Naturalization ceremony. It is the final required step to becoming a U.S citizen.
Step 1: Are you already a U.S citizen? If you were not born in the United States, go to Step 2.
Step 2: Are you eligible to become a U.S citizen? If you meet the requirements listed above, go to Step 3.
Step 3: Prepare Form N-400. Your immigration lawyer can help you prepare this form. When it is completed, go to Step 4.
Step 4: Submit your N-400 form to U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will also need to pay fees. After you complete this step, go to Step 5.
Step 5: Go to your biometrics appointment (see details below). Once you complete the appointment, go to Step 6.
The USCIS will obtain your photograph, fingerprints, and have you sign your name at the appointment. This process confirms your identity so that USCIS can conduct a criminal background check. A biometrics screening is not an interview. When you finish this step, go to Step 6 in the naturalization process.
Step 6: Complete an in-person interview with a person from USCIS. Your immigration lawyer will be with you during the interview. When the interview is over, go to Step 7.
Step 7: Wait for a decision. After your interview, USCIS will review your N-400 form (step 2). They will inform you by mail, or online. What will your letter say (see details below)? Once you receive a decision, go to Step 8.
When USCIS sends you a response to your N-400 form, you will receive one of the three replies listed below. Your immigration lawyer will help you determine the next steps to take if your application is marked “continued” or “denied.”
Granted - USCIS may approve your Form N-400 if the evidence in your record establishes that you are eligible for naturalization. (Go to Step 8 in the naturalization process)
Continued - USCIS may continue your application if you need to provide additional evidence/documentation, fail to provide USCIS the correct documents, or fail the English and/or civics test the first time. (Speak to your immigration attorney about what to do now.)
Denied - USCIS will deny your Form N-400 if the evidence in your record establishes you are not eligible for naturalization. (Speak to your immigration attorney about what to do now.)
Step 8: When your N-400 application is approved (granted) by the USCIS, you can attend the naturalization ceremony. You are not a U.S. citizen until you complete Step 9.
Step 9: Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
Before you can take the Oath of Allegiance, there are a few more things to complete at the ceremony. Once you complete these tasks, go to Step 10.
• Complete the questionnaire on Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony.
• Report for your naturalization ceremony and check in with USCIS. A USCIS officer will review your responses to Form N-445.
• Turn in your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
• Take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen
• Receive your Certificate of Naturalization, review it, and notify USCIS of any errors you see on your certificate before leaving the ceremony site.
Step 10: Congratulations! You are now a United States citizen. You do not have any more forms to fill out. Step 10 is a life-long commitment to uphold your new country’s beliefs and enrich the lives of those around you.
• A Naturalized U.S. citizen has the right to vote in state and federal elections
• Naturalized U.S. citizens can serve on a jury in legal cases
• Naturalized citizens can travel with a U.S passport
• A Naturalized U.S. citizen can receive priority status to bring family members to the United States
• Naturalized U.S. citizens can obtain citizenship for children under the age of 18
• A person who is a Naturalized U.S. citizen can apply for lucrative federal jobs
• Naturalized U.S. citizen can become an elected official
• A Naturalized U.S. citizens cannot have their residency in the U.S taken away
• Naturalized U.S. citizens are eligible for federal grants and scholarships
• As a Naturalized U.S. citizen, you are eligible for certain government benefits that only apply to U.S citizens
The process of becoming a Naturalized U.S citizen can be stressful, but it is worth the effort! Each year, thousands of people choose to immigrate to the United States. With the help of the right immigration attorney, you can add your success story to that legacy. When you complete the Naturalization process, you and your family can enjoy the opportunities and unique benefits of being a U.S citizen. Welcome home!
Our Mission
Since 1976, Wolf Sultan Vazquez P.C. have been passionate about immigration law. We have helped countless clients achieve fantastic results in their immigration hopes & dreams.
When you need an immigration lawyer in Tucson, Arizona or even on a national level, Wolf Sultan Vazquez P.C. will strive to deliver time after time.
Tarik Sultan
Lawyer