Tips on Obtaining Naturalization

Foreign citizens can become U.S. citizen through the naturalization process. In order to be eligible, the person must have lived for a minimum of five years in the United States and meet all other requirements including passing the U.S. government history test.

1. The first tip is to apply for your green card as this card allows you to reside in the U.S. permanently, and you need this card in order to become a naturalized citizen. The most common way to obtain a green card is by having a permanent resident family member apply for the card for you such as a father applying for a child. Another method to obtain permanent resident status is to seek asylum or refugee status.


2. To become a U.S. citizen you have to take an exam. The exam will test you on American history and the government. You must also identify the different branches of government. 


3. It is a requirement that immigrants know English before becoming a U.S. citizen. Most public schools, colleges and libraries offer English courses to help immigrants learn English.


4. There are many community-based organizations that offer immigrants assistance in test preparation. Some charges a fee for their services and some provide the services free of charge.


5. Immigrant applicants can obtain information and application forms from the (USCIS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Internet site or by calling their local office. Permanent residents wanting to become U.S. citizen must fill out Form N-400. There is a naturalization guide listed online at USCIS website with lots of information on test preparation and other pertinent data to make the process easy. 


6. An immigration attorney has the skills and knowledge to help immigrants become U.S. citizen. They can be found listed in the telephone directory under Immigration and Naturalization.


7. It is also a requirement that applicants have their fingerprints taken and go through the interview process before receiving citizenship. Then, they attend a swearing in ceremony and become a U.S. citizen.