Naturalization

Step 1:

Prepare the naturalization application form. Once you meet all the requirements to become a U.S. citizen, fill out the naturalization application form.

Step 2:

Submit the naturalization application form. Submit your application, documents, and fees to USCIS. If you reside outside of the United States, include passport photos with your application. After you submit your application form and receive a receipt notice, you can access the USCIS website to check the current processing time and application status.

Step 3:

Get fingerprinted. USCIS requires applicants to be fingerprinted and photographed for the purpose of conducting a criminal background check by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In some cases, USCIS may be able to reuse previously taken fingerprints and photos for the required background check. You will receive a notice that your biometrics have been reused, or if new biometrics are required, you will receive a biometrics appointment notice. All applicants must complete a background check before USCIS schedules an interview.

Step 4:

Interview. After all the preliminary procedures for your case are completed, USCIS will schedule an interview with you. You must report to the USCIS office on the date and time indicated on the appointment notice. Please bring the appointment notice with you. Don’t miss your interview. If you miss your scheduled interview, contact the office as soon as possible following the instructions on the appointment notice to reschedule your interview. Rescheduling your interview may add several months to the naturalization process, so make every effort to attend the interview on the scheduled date.

Step 5:

Receive notice of oath ceremony. USCIS will mail you a notice that includes the date, time, and location of your scheduled oath ceremony. In some limited cases, you may be able to participate in the oath ceremony on the same day as your interview. If you cannot attend the oath ceremony on the day USCIS schedules, follow the instructions in the notice of naturalization oath ceremony to notify your local USCIS office and request a rescheduled time.

Step 6:

Take the oath. You are not a U.S. citizen until you take the oath of allegiance at the naturalization ceremony. The oath is administered by the USCIS in an administrative ceremony or by a judge in a judicial ceremony. After taking the oath of allegiance, you will receive your certificate of naturalization.