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U.S. Citizenship Application for Green Card Holders
Overview of the Application Process for Citizenship for Green Card holders
| Procedure Name: | Citizenship Application Process for Green Card holders, Naturalization Process, Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. |
| Purpose: | For permanent U.S. residents, Green Card holders who are entitled to naturalization process to obtain United States citizenship. |
| Eligible Applicants: | Permanent U.S. residents, Green Card holders at the age 18 years old or older, who meet all Eligibility Requirements |
| Where to apply: | In USCIS immigration office. To apply for naturalization and complete the process abroad is impossible. |
| How to apply: | Order and download this information guide online now to learn how to apply for U.S. Citizenship for Green Card holders. |
The Citizenship of the United States is one of the most advantageous citizenships in the world, there are several benefits of having a U.S. passport including the right to work in United States, and also the right to study and live permanently in the U.S.
The Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
The Constitution and laws of the United States give many rights to both citizens and non-citizens living in the U.S. However, some rights are only for citizens:
1) Voting. Only U.S. citizens can vote in Federal elections. Most states are restrict the right to vote, in most elections, to U.S. citizens.
2) Bringing family members to the United States. Citizens have priority while petitioning to bring family members permanently to this country.
3) Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad. A child born abroad to a U.S. citizen is automatically a U.S. citizen.
4) Traveling with U.S. passport. A U.S. passport allows you to get assistance from the U.S. government when overseas.
5) Becoming eligible for Federal jobs. Most jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship.
6) Showing your patriotism. In addition, becoming a U.S. citizen is a way to demonstrate your commitment to the new country.
Citizenship Requirements:
- A citizenship applicant should be a certain period of continuous residence for at least 5 years and physically present in the United States.
- He/She must have the ability to read, write and speak English, have good moral character, know the principles of the U.S. Constitution, have the ability to pass the United States Citizenship Test and have favorable disposition towards the United States.
- An applicant may also qualify for Naturalization if he/she has been a permanent resident for 3 years or more and meet all eligibility requirements to file as a spouse of a U.S. citizen.
- A citizenship applicant has qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces and meet all other eligibility requirements.
The notion of Naturalization
The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is also known as naturalization. Some people are born U.S. citizens and other people become naturalized citizens. The first step to become a US citizen is to become a US legal permanent resident also known as a Green Card holder status. After having a green card for certain required time and complying with certain requirements you might be eligible to apply to become a U.S. citizen.
How to Become a Naturalized United States Citizen?
There are several requirements to become a U.S. citizen, the first main step to become eligible is to become a green card holder. The citizenship application package can be ordered on this page and contains exact information on how to apply to become a U.S. citizen through the process of naturalization. The citizenship application package explains how to access application forms, information about different scenarios, requirements and answer to frequently asked questions about the U.S. citizenship. This guide also cover information about special citizenship requirements for the green card holder spouses of American citizens and about Military personnel that receive several benefits and less waiting time when applying to become U.S. citizens. There are also less requirements and waiting time for the children of United States citizens.
How to Apply for Naturalization?
To apply for naturalization, file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. An applicant does not necessarily need to be in the United States when filling Form N-400.
The Naturalization Test
To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must pass the naturalization test. At your naturalization interview, you will be required to answer questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver.
USCIS offers a variety of study materials, including:
- Study Materials for the Civics Test
- Study Materials for the English Test
If you don’t pass the tests, you will be given two opportunities to take the English and civics tests and to answer all questions relating to your naturalization application in English. If you fail any of the tests at your initial interview, you will be retested on the portion of the test that you failed (English or civics) between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview.
Naturalization Ceremonies
If USCIS approves your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, we will schedule you to take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. Taking the oath will complete the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.
Types of Ceremonies:
- In a judicial ceremony, the court administers theOath of Allegiance.
- In an administrative ceremony, USCIS administers theOath of Allegiance.
Here is what to expect at the naturalization ceremony:
1) Receive a Notice to Take the Oath of Allegiance
You may be able to participate in a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview. If a ceremony is unavailable, we will mail you a notice with the date, time, and location of your scheduled naturalization ceremony on a Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony.
If you cannot attend your scheduled naturalization ceremony, return the notice, Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, to your local USCIS office, along with a letter requesting a new date and explaining why you cannot attend the scheduled naturalization ceremony. Failing to appear more than once for your naturalization ceremony may lead to a denial of your application.
2) Check in at the Ceremony
After you arrive at the ceremony, check in with USCIS. A USCIS officer will review your responses to the questionnaire, Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony. Please complete your responses to the questionnaire before you arrive.
3) Return your Permanent Resident Card
You must return your Permanent Resident Card to USCIS when you check in for your naturalization ceremony. This requirement is waived if you provided proof during the naturalization interview that the card has been lost and you have attempted to recover it, or if, because of your military service, you were never granted permanent residence. You will no longer need your Permanent Resident Card because you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization after you take the Oath of Allegiance.
4) Take the Oath of Allegiance
You are not a U.S. citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. You will receive your Certificate of Naturalization after taking the Oath of Allegiance.
5) Receive Certificate of Naturalization
Carefully review your Certificate of Naturalization and notify USCIS of any errors before leaving the ceremony. You may use your Certificate of Naturalization as official proof that you are a U.S. citizen.
If you lose your Certificate of Naturalization, you may request a replacement by filing Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document. You may request Form N-565 by calling the USCIS Forms Line (1-800-870-3676) or by downloading the form.
Once you become a U.S. citizen, you can do the following:
Apply for a U.S. Passport/Passport Card
We strongly recommend that you apply for a U.S. passport through the U.S. Department of State soon after you take the Oath of Allegiance. Please allow sufficient time between your naturalization ceremony and any planned travel to receive your passport.
- In addition to your Certificate of Naturalization, a U.S. passport serves as official proof of citizenship.
- You will get an application for a U.S. passport at your naturalization ceremony in the U.S. Citizenship Welcome Packet.
Register to Vote
Voting in federal elections is both a right and a responsibility that comes with U.S. citizenship. After you take the Oath of Allegiance at an administrative ceremony, you will have the opportunity to register to vote. At administrative naturalization ceremonies, forms may be distributed by a state or local government election office, a non-governmental organization, or a USCIS official. If a non-governmental organization assists you in registering to vote at a USCIS naturalization ceremony, that organization may collect and submit your form to the appropriate Election Official, but it is not permitted to retain any of your personal information. Please notify your local USCIS office if you believe that an organization has retained and used your personal information after assisting you with a voter registration application at a USCIS naturalization ceremony.
You may register to vote at other locations in your community, which may include post offices, motor vehicle offices, county boards of election, and offices of your state Secretary of State.
Update your Social Security Record
After your naturalization ceremony, you should update your Social Security record at a local office of the Social Security Administration (SSA). Please wait at least ten days after your ceremony before going to the SSA to ensure that data reflecting your naturalization has been updated. You will need your Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. passport when you visit the SSA to update your record.
This page can be found on: https://www.usimmigrationapplication.org/citizenship/citizenship-green-card-holders
Information and Instructions about how to apply for the U.S. Citizenship as a Green Card holders
There are several questions that you probably have about how to apply for the United States citizenship, including the following:
- How to become a U.S. citizen if I already have a green card?
- Who is eligible to become a U.S. citizen?
- Where should I file my citizenship application?
- How long does it takes the process of the citizenship application?
- For how many years do I need to have my green card before applying for my citizenship?
- What is the difference between a U.S. lawful permanent resident with a green card and a U.S. citizen?
- How to check online my application status?
The U.S. Citizenship as a Green Card holders Package Application Forms that can be found using this Information Package
- American citizenship information
- Application Form N-400
- Poverty Guidelines
- Official forms to apply for the United States citizenship
- Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Case status forms
- Requirements for U.S. naturalization for the spouse and children of a U.S. citizen
- US citizenship filing fees and additional application information.
Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with the government, we are a private publisher of information guides. This product only includes instructions, it does not include filing fees, or any other charges to submit your application.