IMMIGRATION HELP PHILADELPHIA
United States Citizenship - Become a US Citizen
The process of becoming a United States citizen is called naturalization. To be eligible to become a United States Citizen, you must be a permanent resident for a specified period of time (this time changes depending on how you obtained your permanent resident status). You must also be of good moral character, be able to read, write, and speak basic English, have a basic understanding and knowledge of the United States government, and have a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States.
The first step in becoming a United States citizen is to file a USCIS form N-400. Aside from filling out the form, you will also be required to provide specific documentation and evidence before your application will be considered complete. We can help you determine what documentation is needed and how you can obtain everything. After your application is accepted, you will receive a biometrics notification if USCIS determines it is necessary. This notification will inform you of the date, time, and location of your biometrics appointment. Your fingerprints will be taken, and you will be given a booklet to assist in your preparation for the English and civics test that you are required to take to becme a United States Citizen. 
Once your biometrics appointment is complete, the next step will be the naturalization interview. You will receive notice of when and where your interview is going to take place. Make sure you show up on the correct date and at the correct time. When you arrive for your interview, you may be asked some questions by the interviewer, and you will also have to take the English and civics test that you have been preparing for. The English test is used to make sure you can read, write, and understand basic English. The civics test deals with United States history and the United States government. Everything you need to pass the civics test will be in the booklet that was provided to you; you just need to make sure you study and show up to your appointment. You can also take a practice test on the USCIS website to further help you prepare.
After you successfully complete your naturalization interview and pass the test, you will be required to take an oath of allegiance. You will receive a notification informing you of the date, time, and place. You will not be a United States citizen until you take the oath at your naturalization ceremony. Once you take the oath, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Depending on what country you were born in, there may be the possibility of dual citizenship, which means you can become a United States citizen while still retaining your original citizenship. This can be a bit more confusing than just becoming a United States citizen and leaving behind your original citizenship, so if this is something you are interested in doing, please contact us and we can determine your eligibility for dual citizenship and walk you through the process. |
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