How to Become a U.S. Citizen

This section of the American citizenship library was created to help people with the most commonly-asked questions about how to become a U.S. citizen. With information about the U.S. citizenship test and other integral parts of the American citizenship process, we have arranged the most important part of the U.S. citizenship naturalization procedures in order to assist you.

Click on the links to visit the other relevant sections about United States Citizenship:

General United States Citizenship

Get the information you need about your form, application process, how to take the U.S. citizenship test and much, much more.

1. How can I become a United States citizen?
   
   
2. Who is born a United States citizen?
   
   
3. How do I become a naturalized citizen?
   
   
4. What are the requirements for naturalization?
   
   
5. When does my time as a Permanent Resident begin?
   
   
6. What form do I use to file for naturalization?
   
   
7. Can you change your name when you naturalize?
   
   
8. If I have been convicted of a crime but my record has been expunged, do I need to indicate that on my application or tell an U.S. of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly known as the INS) officer?
   
   
9. Where do I file my naturalization application?
   
   
10. Will U.S. of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly known as the INS) provide special accommodations for me if I am disabled?
    
    
11. What is the fee for processing an application?
    
    
12. How can I pay my application fee?
    
    
13. How long will it take to become naturalized?
    
    
14. Where can I be fingerprinted?
    
    
15. How do I determine the status of my naturalization application?
    
    
16. What if I cannot make it to my scheduled interview?
    
    
17. What do I do if my address has changed?
    
    
18. If U.S. of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly known as the INS) grants me naturalization, when will I become a citizen?
    
    
19. What should I do if I cannot go to my oath ceremony?
    
    
20. What can I do if the U.S. of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly known as the INS) denies my application?
    
    
21. Can I reapply for naturalization if U.S. of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly known as the INS) denies my application?
    
    
22. What do I do if I have lost my Certificate of Naturalization? What do I use as proof of citizenship if I do not have my certificate?
    
    
23. Do I need to obtain a new Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as an Alien Registration Card) when U.S. of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly known as the INS) issues a new version of the card?
    
    
24. I lost my Naturalization Certificate and I need to travel outside the US, how can I obtain proof of my citizenship so that I can apply for a US passport with the Department of State?
    
    
25. What do you mean by Continuous Residence?
    
    
26. What is form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony?
    
    
27. What is form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes?
    
    
28. What is form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization Citizenship Document?
    
    
29. What is form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship?
    
    
30. What if form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions?
    
    
31. What is meant by Naturalization?
    
    
32. Who is a Permanent Resident?
    
    
33. What is a Permanent Resident Card?
    
    
34. What is meant by Physical Presence?
    
    
35. What is meant by Port-of-Entry?
    
    
36. Who is a U.S. National (but not U.S. citizen)?
    
    
37. What is meant by an United States Passport?
    
    
38. Can you change your name when you naturalize?
    
    
39. What are the basic requirements for naturalization (filing for U.S. citizenship)?
    
    
40. I applied for citizenship 9 months ago, but have not received a fingerprint notice yet. Is this normal? How long does it usually take for fingerprints? Is there an expiration rule for fingerprints?
    
    
41. I have been a U.S. citizen for the last 10 years. My wife has been a permanent resident for the past year. Can my wife apply for citizenship? If yes, under what rule can she apply?
    
    
42. I am a green card holder and applied for citizenship(N-400) a few weeks back. I am changing my address in a month. How do I notify U.S of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly known as the INS) of the new address?
    
    
43. I am a permanent resident and am waiting for my citizenship interview. Can I apply for citizenship for my child who has been a permanent resident for 5 years? Or do I have to wait until I am a citizen?
    
    
44. I am currently planning to apply for U.S. citizenship. I have heard that the wait time in my local area is about 2 years. At the time I obtain citizenship, do I have the right to decide whether I want to accept it or not? Can I refuse it, if I want to?
    
    
45. If an American citizen were to take up citizenship in another country, must he/she give up his or her U.S. citizenship? If not, what are the conditions? What about dual citizenship?
    
    
46. My spouse and I would like to live overseas for quite a few years. He will be a naturalized citizen. Does this mean he will lose his citizenship if we decide to raise our children. What are the restrictions are for naturalized citizens living away?
    
    
47. I am planning to file for citizenship. I would like to be able to take my parents' last name legally, as well as change my first name. Can I do that in the process of becoming a citizen or do I need to file separately?
    
    
48. What is U.S. of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly known as the INS) doing with currently pending applications for certificates of citizenship?
    
    
49. What other resources are available to answer questions about the new law?