An Introduction to Naturalization

1
An Introduction to Naturalization

• How to become a U.S. Citizen

2
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

3
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

4
Good Moral Character?

• No problems with the police
• No drug or alcohol problems
• Always tell the truth when dealing with
  immigration or the government

5
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

6
Citizenship Process

• Fill out and send N-400 application
• Fingerprints
• Interview
• Ceremony

7
Cost and Documents Required

• Fee 680.00 Fee waiver for low income
  applicants
• 2 passport style photos
• Copy of green card
• Copies of other documents as needed

8
What happens at the interview?

• Review your application English Speaking Test
• Reading Test
• Writing Test
• US History and Government Test

9
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

10
Civics Test

• Study 100 questions covering US History and
  Government
• Oral exam at interview 10 questions need to
  get at least 6 correct

11
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 2nd interview
• Fail 2nd interview You will need to reapply