How To Become A U.S. Citizen

How To Become A U.S. Citizen: Comprehensive Guide By A New York Citizenship Lawyer

Author: New York Citizenship Lawyer Alena Shautsova

The journey to becoming a U.S. citizen can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance and preparation, it becomes a more manageable process. As a New York-based citizenship lawyer, my goal is to clarify the naturalization process and provide actionable tips to help you navigate it smoothly. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the requirements or are ready to file for citizenship, here is a comprehensive guide covering American citizenship requirements, how to file for citizenship, the naturalization test, and what you need to know at each step.

1. American Citizenship Requirements

Understanding the basic eligibility criteria is the first step in your path to citizenship. Generally, you must meet the following requirements:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old when you file your naturalization application (Form N-400).
• Permanent Residency: You should have been a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least five years. This period is shortened to three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen and have maintained this status.
• Continuous and Physical Presence: The law requires you to have lived in the U.S. continuously for a certain period (at least 30 months in the past five years) and to demonstrate physical presence within the U.S. for at least half of that time.
• Residency in a USCIS District: You must have resided in a state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over your place of residence for at least three months prior to filing.
• Good Moral Character: Citizenship requires that you exhibit good moral character, which includes following U.S. laws and avoiding criminal activity.

2. How to File for Citizenship

Filing for U.S. citizenship, also known as naturalization, is primarily done by submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to file:

• Gather Required Documents: Before you begin, collect all necessary documents, including your Green Card, passport, and proof of your residency history. You may also need marriage or divorce certificates, selective service registration (for men), and other documents to verify your eligibility.
• Complete Form N-400: This form can be completed online or in paper format. When completing the form, take your time and answer every question accurately. Any inconsistencies may delay your application.
• Pay the Filing Fee: The current filing fee is $725, which includes the biometrics fee. Fee waivers or reductions may be available if you meet certain income guidelines.
• Submit Your Application: Once completed, submit your Form N-400 to USCIS. You will receive a receipt notice that confirms your application was accepted and is under review.

Ensuring accuracy and thoroughness when filling out your application is critical. Missing or incorrect information can delay or even prevent the approval of your application.

3. The Citizenship Test

The naturalization process requires applicants to pass both an English language test and a civics test. Here’s what you need to know about each section:

• English Test: The English test includes reading, writing, and speaking components. Your English skills will be evaluated based on your ability to communicate with the USCIS officer during your interview.
• Civics Test: The civics test covers U.S. history, government, and fundamental principles of American democracy. You will be asked 10 questions and must answer at least six of them correctly to pass. USCIS provides study materials and sample questions to help you prepare.

Tip: If you have been a permanent resident for 20 years and are over 65, you may be eligible for a simplified version of the civics test and take it in your native language.

4. Preparing for the Naturalization Interview

After USCIS processes your application, you’ll receive a notification with the date and location of your interview. The interview is a critical step where you’ll meet with a USCIS officer who will review your application, ask questions about your background, and administer the English and civics tests.

Tips for a Successful Interview:

• Practice English and Civics Questions: Use study materials provided by USCIS, and take practice tests online.
• Bring All Required Documents: Bring any documents USCIS requested in your interview notice and have originals and copies on hand.
• Dress Appropriately and Be Punctual: Arriving on time and presenting yourself professionally helps make a positive impression.
• Answer Honestly: USCIS officers are trained to detect inconsistencies, so always answer truthfully and avoid guessing if you’re unsure.

5. Naturalization Ceremony and Taking the Oath of Allegiance

Once you’ve passed your interview and tests, the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen is attending the naturalization ceremony and taking the Oath of Allegiance. This symbolic and legally binding ceremony is often scheduled within a few weeks of your successful interview. You will receive a certificate of naturalization once you take the oath, which serves as your official proof of U.S. citizenship.

6. Understanding Potential Barriers to Citizenship

While many people successfully achieve citizenship, some factors can create challenges or even lead to denial of your application. Here are some issues that can complicate your path to citizenship:

• Criminal Record: Certain criminal convictions, particularly those related to violence, fraud, or moral turpitude, may prevent you from meeting the good moral character requirement.
• Continuous Residence Gaps: Extended trips abroad, especially those lasting more than six months, can disrupt the continuous residence requirement. You may be asked to provide evidence that you maintained ties to the U.S. during extended trips.
• Inconsistent Information: Ensure that information across all your immigration forms and interviews aligns, as discrepancies may be interpreted as intentional misrepresentation.

If you face any of these potential barriers, consult with an immigration lawyer to discuss your options. They can help you determine how to strengthen your application and, if necessary, address complications.

7. Why Work with a New York Citizenship Lawyer?

Applying for U.S. citizenship involves many steps, and errors in the process can result in delays or rejections. An experienced New York citizenship lawyer can provide guidance at each stage and help you navigate challenges that arise. Here are some advantages of working with a lawyer:

• Legal Advice on Eligibility: A lawyer can assess your situation and provide guidance on the best time and method for applying.
• Documentation Assistance: From gathering documents to preparing for your interview, a lawyer ensures you’re well-prepared.
• Interview Preparation: Many applicants feel anxious about their naturalization interview. Practicing with a lawyer can boost your confidence and help you respond effectively to questions.

8. Tips for a Smooth Process

• Start Early: Begin preparing as soon as you become eligible, especially if you need to improve your English or gather extensive documentation.
• Keep a Clean Record: Avoid any activities that could jeopardize your application, including unpaid taxes, criminal conduct, or violations of immigration law.
• Stay Organized: Keep copies of every document and note every detail of your case to refer back to if needed.
• Engage with Reliable Resources: USCIS provides comprehensive resources, including the latest forms and updates on citizenship requirements. Visit www.uscis.gov regularly to stay informed on changes to the naturalization process.

The path to becoming a U.S. citizen is a fulfilling journey that grants you the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. By following these steps, preparing thoroughly, and seeking professional guidance, you can make the journey smoother and achieve your goal. Remember, a New York citizenship lawyer can be your greatest asset as you work toward this new chapter of your life in the United States.

List of US Citizenship Questions

USCIS publishes the US naturalization test questions and you need to practice answers for them ahead of time.

Here is the list of the N 400 test questions that are used currently:

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

A: Principles of American Democracy

1. What is the supreme law of the land? Question 1 Audio (MP3, 156.91 KB)

• the Constitution

2. What does the Constitution do? Question 2 Audio (MP3, 244.46 KB)

• sets up the government
• defines the government
• protects basic rights of Americans

3. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words? Question 3 Audio (MP3, 236.72 KB)

• We the People

4. What is an amendment? Question 4 Audio (MP3, 235.91 KB)

• a change (to the Constitution)
• an addition (to the Constitution)

5. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution? Question 5 Audio (MP3, 181.75 KB)

• the Bill of Rights

6. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?* Question 6 Audio (MP3, 313.28 KB)

• speech
• religion
• assembly
• press
• petition the government

7. How many amendments does the Constitution have? Question 7 Audio (MP3, 147.13 KB)

• twenty-seven (27)

8. What did the Declaration of Independence do? Question 8 Audio (MP3, 362.56 KB)

• announced our independence (from Great Britain)
• declared our independence (from Great Britain)
• said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)

9. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence? Question 9 Audio (MP3, 231.02 KB)

• life
• liberty
• pursuit of happiness

10. What is freedom of religion? Question 10 Audio (MP3, 174.83 KB)

• You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.

11. What is the economic system in the United States?* Question 11 Audio (MP3, 214.33 KB)

• capitalist economy
• market economy

12. What is the “rule of law”? Question 12 Audio (MP3, 329.98 KB)

• Everyone must follow the law.
• Leaders must obey the law.
• Government must obey the law.
• No one is above the law.

B: System of Government

13. Name one branch or part of the government.* Question 13 Audio (MP3, 357.26 KB)

• Congress
• legislative
• President
• executive
• the courts
• judicial

14. What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful? Question 14 Audio (MP3, 238.35 KB)

• checks and balances
• separation of powers

15. Who is in charge of the executive branch? Question 15 Audio (MP3, 157.31 KB)

• the President

16. Who makes federal laws? Question 16 Audio (MP3, 283.15 KB)

• Congress
• Senate and House (of Representatives)
• (U.S. or national) legislature

17. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?* Question 17 Audio (MP3, 187.86 KB)

• the Senate and House (of Representatives)

18. How many U.S. Senators are there? Question 18 Audio (MP3, 150.39 KB)

• one hundred (100)

19. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years? Question 19 Audio (MP3, 161.79 KB)

• six (6)

20. Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?* Question 20 Audio (MP3, 360.11 KB)

• Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents and residents of U.S. territories should answer that D.C. (or the territory where the applicant lives) has no U.S. Senators.]

21. The House of Representatives has how many voting members? Question 21 Audio (MP3, 180.53 KB)

• four hundred thirty-five (435)

22. We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years? Question 22 Audio (MP3, 165.05 KB)

• two (2)

23. Name your U.S. Representative. Question 23 Audio (MP3, 422.83 KB)

• Answers will vary. [Residents of territories with nonvoting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may provide the name of that Delegate or Commissioner. Also acceptable is any statement that the territory has no (voting) Representatives in Congress.]

24. Who does a U.S. Senator represent? Question 24 Audio (MP3, 157.31 KB)

• all people of the state

25. Why do some states have more Representatives than other states? Question 25 Audio (MP3, 324.28 KB)

• (because of) the state’s population
• (because) they have more people
• (because) some states have more people

26. We elect a President for how many years? Question 26 Audio (MP3, 152.02 KB)

• four (4)

27. In what month do we vote for President?* Question 27 Audio (MP3, 157.31 KB)

• November

28. What is the name of the President of the United States now?* Question 28 Audio (MP3, 373.61 KB)

• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the President of the United States.

29. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now? Question 29 Audio (MP3, 415.19 KB)

• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Vice President of the United States.

30. If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President? Question 30 Audio (MP3, 203.74 KB)

• the Vice President

31. If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President? Question 31 Audio (MP3, 232.65 KB)

• the Speaker of the House

32. Who is the Commander in Chief of the military? Question 32 Audio (MP3, 157.31 KB)

• the President

33. Who signs bills to become laws? Question 33 Audio (MP3, 158.94 KB)

• the President

34. Who vetoes bills? Question 34 Audio (MP3, 141.43 KB)

• the President

35. What does the President’s Cabinet do? Question 35 Audio (MP3, 164.24 KB)

• advises the President

36. What are two Cabinet-level positions? Question 36 Audio (MP3, 1.02 MB)

• Secretary of Agriculture
• Secretary of Commerce
• Secretary of Defense
• Secretary of Education
• Secretary of Energy
• Secretary of Health and Human Services
• Secretary of Homeland Security
• Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Secretary of the Interior
• Secretary of Labor
• Secretary of State
• Secretary of Transportation
• Secretary of the Treasury
• Secretary of Veterans Affairs
• Attorney General
• Vice President

37. What does the judicial branch do? Question 37 Audio (MP3, 349.12 KB)

• reviews laws
• explains laws
• resolves disputes (disagreements)
• decides if a law goes against the Constitution

38. What is the highest court in the United States? Question 38 Audio (MP3, 159.35 KB)

• the Supreme Court

39. How many justices are on the Supreme Court? Question 39 Audio (MP3, 402.35 KB)

• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the number of justices on the Supreme Court.

40. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now? Question 40 Audio (MP3, 429.86 KB)

• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Chief Justice of the United States.

41. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government? Question 41 Audio (MP3, 408.57 KB)

• to print money
• to declare war
• to create an army
• to make treaties

42. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states? Question 42 Audio (MP3, 485.13 KB)

• provide schooling and education
• provide protection (police)
• provide safety (fire departments)
• give a driver’s license
• approve zoning and land use

43. Who is the Governor of your state now? Question 43 Audio (MP3, 240.39 KB)

• Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a Governor.]

44. What is the capital of your state?* Question 44 Audio (MP3, 375.18 KB)

• Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. is not a state and does not have a capital. Residents of U.S. territories should name the capital of the territory.]

45. What are the two major political parties in the United States?* Question 45 Audio (MP3, 190.3 KB)

• Democratic and Republican

46. What is the political party of the President now? Question 46 Audio (MP3, 374.84 KB)

• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the political party of the President.

47. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now? Question 47 Audio (MP3, 410.91 KB)

• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

C: Rights and Responsibilities

48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them. Question 48 Audio (MP3, 468.03 KB)

• Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
• You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
• Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
• A male citizen of any race (can vote).

49. What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?* Question 49 Audio (MP3, 264.82 KB)

• serve on a jury
• vote in a federal election

50. Name one right only for United States citizens. Question 50 Audio (MP3, 242.42 KB)

• vote in a federal election
• run for federal office

51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States? Question 51 Audio (MP3, 426.66 KB)

• freedom of expression
• freedom of speech
• freedom of assembly
• freedom to petition the government
• freedom of religion
• the right to bear arms

52. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? Question 52 Audio (MP3, 237.95 KB)

• the United States
• the flag

53. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen? Question 53 Audio (MP3, 578.79 KB)

• give up loyalty to other countries
• defend the Constitution and laws of the United States
• obey the laws of the United States
• serve in the U.S. military (if needed)
• serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed)
• be loyal to the United States

54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?* Question 54 Audio (MP3, 179.3 KB)

• eighteen (18) and older

55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy? Question 55 Audio (MP3, 681.01 KB)

• vote
• join a political party
• help with a campaign
• join a civic group
• join a community group
• give an elected official your opinion on an issue
• call Senators and Representatives
• publicly support or oppose an issue or policy
• run for office
• write to a newspaper

56. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?* Question 56 Audio (MP3, 183.78 KB)

• April 15

57. When must all men register for the Selective Service? Question 57 Audio (MP3, 260.34 KB)

• at age eighteen (18)
• between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26)

AMERICAN HISTORY

A: Colonial Period and Independence

58. What is one reason colonists came to America? Question 58 Audio (MP3, 391.47 KB)

• freedom
• political liberty
• religious freedom
• economic opportunity
• practice their religion
• escape persecution

59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived? Question 59 Audio (MP3, 192.74 KB)

• American Indians
• Native Americans

60. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves? Question 60 Audio (MP3, 220.03 KB)

• Africans
• people from Africa

61. Why did the colonists fight the British? Question 61 Audio (MP3, 356.45 KB)

• because of high taxes (taxation without representation)
• because the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering)
• because they didn’t have self-government

62. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? Question 62 Audio (MP3, 149.58 KB)

• (Thomas) Jefferson

63. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted? Question 63 Audio (MP3, 187.86 KB)

• July 4, 1776

64. There were 13 original states. Name three. Question 64 Audio (MP3, 659.02 KB)

• New Hampshire
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Virginia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Georgia

65. What happened at the Constitutional Convention? Question 65 Audio (MP3, 244.46 KB)

• The Constitution was written.
• The Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution.

66. When was the Constitution written? Question 66 Audio (MP3, 158.13 KB)

• 1787

67. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers. Question 67 Audio (MP3, 358.48 KB)

• (James) Madison
• (Alexander) Hamilton
• (John) Jay
• Publius

68. What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for? Question 68 Audio (MP3, 440.34 KB)

• U.S. diplomat
• oldest member of the Constitutional Convention
• first Postmaster General of the United States
• writer of “Poor Richard’s Almanac”
• started the first free libraries

69. Who is the “Father of Our Country”? Question 69 Audio (MP3, 138.99 KB)

• (George) Washington

70. Who was the first President?* Question 70 Audio (MP3, 141.03 KB)

• (George) Washington

B: 1800s

71. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803? Question 71 Audio (MP3, 252.61 KB)

• the Louisiana Territory
• Louisiana

72. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s. Question 72 Audio (MP3, 360.93 KB)

• War of 1812
• Mexican-American War
• Civil War
• Spanish-American War

73. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South. Question 73 Audio (MP3, 240.8 KB)

• the Civil War
• the War between the States

74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War. Question 74 Audio (MP3, 273.37 KB)

• slavery
• economic reasons
• states’ rights

75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?* Question 75 Audio (MP3, 359.71 KB)

• freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
• saved (or preserved) the Union
• led the United States during the Civil War

76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do? Question 76 Audio (MP3, 386.99 KB)

• freed the slaves
• freed slaves in the Confederacy
• freed slaves in the Confederate states
• freed slaves in most Southern states

77. What did Susan B. Anthony do? Question 77 Audio (MP3, 235.09 KB)

• fought for women’s rights
• fought for civil rights

C: Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information

78. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.* Question 78 Audio (MP3, 382.92 KB)

• World War I
• World War II
• Korean War
• Vietnam War
• (Persian) Gulf War

79. Who was President during World War I? Question 79 Audio (MP3, 160.57 KB)

• (Woodrow) Wilson

80. Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II? Question 80 Audio (MP3, 199.67 KB)

• (Franklin) Roosevelt

81. Who did the United States fight in World War II? Question 81 Audio (MP3, 203.74 KB)

• Japan, Germany, and Italy

82. Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in? Question 82 Audio (MP3, 220.84 KB)

• World War II

83. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States? Question 83 Audio (MP3, 203.33 KB)

• Communism

84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination? Question 84 Audio (MP3, 172.79 KB)

• civil rights (movement)

85. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?* Question 85 Audio (MP3, 240.8 KB)

• fought for civil rights
• worked for equality for all Americans

86. What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States? Question 86 Audio (MP3, 230.21 KB)

• Terrorists attacked the United States.

87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States. Question 87 Audio (MP3, 1.13 MB)

[USCIS Officers will be supplied with a list of federally recognized American Indian tribes.]

• Cherokee
• Navajo
• Sioux
• Chippewa
• Choctaw
• Pueblo
• Apache
• Iroquois
• Creek
• Blackfeet
• Seminole
• Cheyenne
• Arawak
• Shawnee
• Mohegan
• Huron
• Oneida
• Lakota
• Crow
• Teton
• Hopi
• Inuit

INTEGRATED CIVICS

A: Geography

88. Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States. Question 88 Audio (MP3, 230.21 KB)

• Missouri (River)
• Mississippi (River)

89. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States? Question 89 Audio (MP3, 183.78 KB)

• Pacific (Ocean)

90. What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States? Question 90 Audio (MP3, 182.16 KB)

• Atlantic (Ocean)

91. Name one U.S. territory. Question 91 Audio (MP3, 348.71 KB)

• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• American Samoa
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Guam

92. Name one state that borders Canada. Question 92 Audio (MP3, 624.4 KB)

• Maine
• New Hampshire
• Vermont
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Ohio
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• Montana
• Idaho
• Washington
• Alaska

93. Name one state that borders Mexico. Question 93 Audio (MP3, 287.63 KB)

• California
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Texas

94. What is the capital of the United States?* Question 94 Audio (MP3, 169.94 KB)

• Washington, D.C.

95. Where is the Statue of Liberty?* Question 95 Audio (MP3, 316.54 KB)

• New York (Harbor)
• Liberty Island

[Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]

B: Symbols

96. Why does the flag have 13 stripes? Question 96 Audio (MP3, 281.52 KB)

• because there were 13 original colonies
• because the stripes represent the original colonies

97. Why does the flag have 50 stars?* Question 97 Audio (MP3, 308.8 KB)

• because there is one star for each state
• because each star represents a state
• because there are 50 states

98. What is the name of the national anthem? Question 98 Audio (MP3, 169.94 KB)

• The Star-Spangled Banner

C: Holidays

99. When do we celebrate Independence Day?* Question 99 Audio (MP3, 220.25 KB)

• July 4

100. Name two national U.S. holidays. Question 100 Audio (MP3, 977.39 KB)

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas