Once you have your form, make sure to fill it out completely. Leaving out any information may delay the application process. Also, always answer questions honestly and keep a copy of your application for your records. You will be required to answer questions about your application at your interview.

Make sure that all required documentation is submitted with your application. For a complete list of documents that must be sent with your application, see the Document Checklist (see link above).

To find out where to send your application, see page 34 of A Guide to Naturalization (see link above).

NOTE: Military applicants filing for citizenship under Sections 328 and 329 of the INA do not require a fee.

1. Your notice letter from the USCIS

2. Your Permanent Resident Card

3. Another form of identification that contains a photo (driver's license, passport, or State identification card)

NOTE: It may take 5 to 6 months for your application to be processed before you receive your fingerprint notification letter."https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processTimesDisplay.do"

You should bring the following items with you to the interview:

1. Your Permanent Resident Card

2. Your Passport (even if it's expired)

3. State Identification Card

4. Any Re-Entry Permits you may have

If you need to bring any additional documents, they will be listed on your appointment letter from the USCIS. It is very important that you bring all requested documents, otherwise your case could be delayed or denied.

If you need to reschedule your appointment, you should write to the USCIS office as soon as possible. However, rescheduling your appointment could add several months to the naturalization process, so it is recommend that you keep your original interview appointment.

AT THE INTERVIEW: You will be interviewed by a USCIS officer who will go over your documentation and ask you several questions in order to determine whether to grant your request for U.S. citizenship. You will be asked about your background and character, about your residence and how long you've been in the U.S., and about your willingness to take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

During the interview, the USCIS officer will also test your ability to read, write, and speak English (unless you are exempt), and will test your knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government. For more information about the tests, and for study guides, see the link at the top of the page.

NOTE: If you want to bring a representative with you to the interview, you must first file a "Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative" (Form G-28) along with your application. Also, if you are exempt from the English requirements, you may bring an interpreter with you or USCIS will select an interpreter for you.

If your application is granted, you may be able to attend an oath ceremony the same day, otherwise, you will be notified about the time and place of your oath ceremony. The oath ceremony is the final step to becoming a U.S. citizen.

If your application is continued, this means it has been put on hold. This typically happens if you fail the English and civics test and/or fail to give USCIS the correct documents. If you failed the test, your interview will be rescheduled (usually within 60-90 days) and you will be tested again. If you fail the second time, your application will be denied. If USCIS needs additional information from you, you will be given a Form N-14 explaining what information or documents you need to provide and tells you when and how to send them to USCIS. If you do not return the requested information, your application may be denied.

If your application is denied, you will receive a written notice telling you why. Your denial letter will also tell you how to request a hearing if you feel that your citizenship was wrongfully denied. The letter will also include the Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings Under Section 336 of the INA (Form N-336). You must file Form N-336, along with the filing fee, within 30 days after you receive a denial letter. If your application is denied after an appeal hearing with USCIS, you can file a petition for a new review of your application in the U.S. District Court.

Plan on arriving at least 30 minutes early to the ceremony, and dress in proper attire for the special occasion. When you check in, you must return your Permanent Resident Card, since you will no longer need it.

You will take the Oath during the ceremony. An official will read each part of the Oath slowly and ask you to repeat their words. After taking the Oath, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization (see photo below). You are now a U.S. Citizen!

AFTER OBTAINING U.S. CITIZENSHIP

After receiving your Certificate of Naturalization, you should update your Social Security record at your nearest Social Security Administration (SSA). This is important because your Social Security record is used to establish eligibility for benefits and demonstrates authorization to work. You will need to present your Certificate of Naturalization to the SSA.

It is also recommend that you apply for a U.S. passport soon after receiving your Certificate of Naturalization, since a passport also serves as evidence of citizenship.