Becoming a U.S. citizen gives an individual the same rights and responsibilities as someone that is born a United States citizen. For those who are not American citizens by birth, there are numerous steps in the process which lead to naturalization. In order to apply for U.S. citizenship, there are certain criteria that must be met before going through the official application and interview process.

U.S. citizenship can be obtained in various ways. Being born in the United States or one of its territories automatically entitles an individual to citizenship, as does being born to a parent that is a U.S. citizen. Those who are born in the U.S. or to parents that are U.S. citizens and can prove it may not need to go through a naturalization process. However, those who are citizens of another country and have decided to apply for citizenship in the U.S. will have to qualify for citizenship by completing the necessary paperwork and requirements.http://www.uscitizenship.info/en_US/faq/citizenship/ans/c15.jsp

Certain eligibility requirements must be met before applying to become a U.S. citizen. There are several different requirements that must be met in order to be considered for naturalization. Below are the criteria for starting the application process:

1. Live in the United States as a legal resident for at least five years. There are some exceptions to this rule for refugees and those obtaining a green card through political asylum, marriage to a U.S. citizen, and becoming United States military personnel. A local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office is able to determine if an exception qualifies.
2. Resided in the same district or state for at least three months.
3. Be at least 18 years old.
4. Have not spent more than a year outside of the United States at a time.
5. Primary home is not located in another country.
6. Must be able to speak, write, and read in English, and pass a test on U.S. history and the government.
7. Be a law abiding resident with good moral character.
8. Be willing to take an oath and swear that you believe in the principles of the U.S. Constitution and that you will be loyal to the United States of America.http://www.american-citizenship.org/naturalization/naturalization-eligibility-requirements.php

After an application is obtained, it should be filled out completely and carefully. Leaving out any information may delay the application process. Questions should be answered honestly, and a copy of the application should be kept as a records. Applicants are required to answer questions about the application at an interview which is scheduled later. All required supporting documentation as well as a filing fee must also be submitted with a completed application, and sent directly to the USCIS Lockbox that serves a given area. A Guide to Naturalization issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides all of the details.http://www.ailc.com/services/natz/English.pdf

Fingerprinting

After USCIS has received an application, applicants will be notified by mail of when and where to have their fingerprints taken. The following items must be presented at the fingerprinting locations:

1. A notice letter from the USCIS
2. A 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 an application to be processed before a fingerprint notification letter is received.https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processTimesDisplay.do

The Interview

The next step in how to become a U.S. citizen is the interview. After all documentation and fingerprints have been received by USCIS, a notice will be issued by mail indicating the date, time, and location of the interview.

The following items are required at the interview:

1. A Permanent Resident Card
2. A Passport (even if it's expired)
3. State Identification Card
4. Any Re-Entry Permits

Any additional documents will be listed on the appointment letter from the USCIS. It is very important that all requested documents are provided, otherwise a case could be delayed or denied.

If one needs to reschedule an appointment, one should write to the USCIS office as soon as possible. However, rescheduling an appointment could add several months to the naturalization process, so it is recommend that original interview appointment are kept.

A USCIS officer will conduct the interview, go over your documentation and ask several questions in order to determine whether to grant a request for U.S. citizenship. A series of questions will be asked about background and character, place and duration of residence, as well as willingness to take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

During the interview, the USCIS officer will also test the applicant's ability to read, write, and speak English (unless exempt), and will test the applicant's knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government.http://aenet.esuhsd.org/Citizenship_lessons/Citizen/

'NOTE: A representative may accompany applicants to the interview, and must first file a Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative (Form G-28) along with the application. Those who are exempt from the English requirements may bring an interpreter along or USCIS will select an interpreter.

After an interview, applicants will be given a Form N-652 that provides information about the results of the interview. Based on the information provided, an application for naturalization will either be granted, continued, or denied.https://egov.uscis.gov/

If an application is granted, applicants may be able to attend an oath ceremony the same day, otherwise, they will be notified about the time and place of the 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.http://www.ansarilawfirm.com/index.cfm/hurl/obj=320/HowtoAppealtheDenialorDelayofaUSCitizenshipNaturalizationApplication.cfm

If your application for naturalization is granted, then you must attend a ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in order to complete the process to become a U.S. citizen. You will be notified by mail of the date and time of your ceremony.

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 number is used to establish eligibility for benefits and demonstrates authorization to work. You will need to present your Certificate of Naturalization to the SSA.http://www.immihelp.com/citizenship/naturalization-oath-ceremony.html

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.

I hereby declare, on oath,

that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen;

that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic;

that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;

that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law;

that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law;

that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God. http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=facd6db8d7e37210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=dd7ffe9dd4aa3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD

1. Vote in Federal Elections
2. Serve on a jury
3. Bring family members to the United States
4. Obtain citizenship for children born abroad
5. Travel with a U.S. passport
6. Run for federal office
7. Become eligible for federal grants and scholarshipshttp://web.cuny.edu/about//citizenship/us-citizenship/rights.html

Here is a sample of the types of questions that are asked on the U.S. Citizenship test:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13442226/

1. How many stripes are there on the U.S. flag
2. Who is the chief justice of the Supreme Court today?
3. In what year was the Constitution written?
4. How many Supreme Court justices are there?
5. What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution called?
6. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
7. What are the 13 original states?
8. How many representatives are there in Congress?
9. Why did the Pilgrims come to America?
10. Who has the power to declare war?