How to become a US citizen

The steps to apply to US citizenship

Although we are only a translation company in El Paso, TX and normally have less to do with the immigration process, due to public demand we have decided to give more information on how to become a US citizen. While it could prove a tough process for some, the steps to apply to US citizenship are fairly simple, and clearly outlined on the USCIS web site. Here are some tips that could bring you a step closer to naturalization.

The naturalization process

Numerous people want to become American citizens. It could be because you think that never-ending immigration issues are a problem and a hassle. Or it could be that you feel that because all of your children were born here and all your in-laws are born and bred US citizens, its time you became one too.

Of all the varied reasons that you could have to want to become an American citizen, USA Translate sympathizes with them all. If you were looking for more information on how to become a US citizen, this page might prove helpful.

Like with everything else in life, it all starts with your personal documents, which are needed just about everywhere you go. Since you were wondering about the steps to apply to US citizenship, you are probably a foreigner looking to get naturalized in the US. That is really great, and we wish you all the luck in the world, but we also wanted to make sure that all your documents are in good order, and if they are in any other language than English, you’ll need immigration document translation services. Here are a few reasons why you can trust us for all your translation needs:

how to apply to US citizenship

Accurate translations

accurate translations

Getting accurate translations could be a hassle, and making sure it has been done according to USCIS requirements isn’t easy either. We provide highly accurate translations at some of the lowest rates in Texas and we are available around the clock.

On-time delivery

on-time delivery

It doesn’t matter if you need your translation in a week or the next day, you’ll pay the same price as we don’t have any kind of extra rush rates. Just let us know you are in a hurry and we will do our best to deliver on time for your meeting.

USCIS acceptance guaranteed

USCIS acceptance guaranteed

All our translations are guaranteed to be accepted by the USCIS! We provide both certified and notarized translations, just make sure you know what you need, and we will give it to you, ready to be accepted by the immigration office.

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How to apply to US citizenship

The (sometimes tedious) process of becoming a US citizen is called ‘Naturalization’, and this is because after you become a US citizen, you are natural to this land and its people. It’s a process that has been very well-explored and cleared for all of the people who want to become a US citizen and is here for all to explore entirely and thoroughly before you apply.

USA Translate has made this article to explain how naturalization works so that you will be able to asses if you qualify beforehand. Every case is unique, and to make sure that you handle your situation to the best of your ability, USCIS has published two documents called ‘naturalization eligibility worksheet’ and the ‘document checklist’. You should fill them out and see where your case stands.

The following are the steps that you have to take to ensure that you are going through Naturalization in the right way.

10 steps on how to become a US citizen

While some consider the entire process difficult, we believe that they haven’t informed themselves well on how to become a US citizen and don’t know the steps to apply to US citizenship. Here are the 10 steps each needs to take in order to become a citizen of the United States:

fill the N-400 form

To begin the process of Naturalization, you should fill in the form called N-400 which in some cases you can fill online by creating an account at the USCIS website. Completing this form is the first step towards Naturalization.

are you eligible

You should make sure that you are up on all the eligibility needs before you apply, so check the naturalization eligibility worksheet. If you are eligible for any exceptions or accommodations, you should know beforehand.

already US citizen

Check if you are already a US citizen. Many instances make a person an automatic US citizen and the most common of those will be if you were born in the US. So look into your status in the US right now, or ask USCIS representatives about it.

the worksheet

If you aren’t a US citizen, then see if you become eligible by filling out the worksheet, then fill out your N- 400 Application form. Always seek the help of a friend or an immigration lawyer who has been through the case earlier.

apply to US citizenship

The fifth step in your quest to apply to US citizenship is to submit the form along with all the necessary documents for review. Make sure you don’t forget that you’ll need Certified Translation of each of your documents if they are not in English. Once you have filed your papers, the immigration office will send you a receipt with your application number. You can, at all times, track the status of your application by dialing the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283, so you can stay up to date with your application.

biometrics appointment

You will be called-in for a biometrics appointment, a couple of weeks before your interview. USCIS will send you an appointment with all the details about time, place and date. It is not just your fingerprints, USCIS will take your photo and ask for your electronic signature. Come early and don’t bring anything extra with you like phones, cameras or food, only a copy of your appointment notice and some photos. Wait in line if needed and make sure you don’t miss it. It may be complicated to get it again.

The interview

You will be interviewed once you have completed all of the above steps to apply to US citizenship. The interview is the most complicated step and the most discussed topic when it comes to how to become a US citizen. Despite what the movies will tell you, interviews are easily cleared by many. Read the US legislation and history and know your application documents very well. If they ask you your date of birth and you act surprised, then no one can help you. Relax and go in with a positive and clear-headed attitude.

the result

The result can come in many ways. Firstly, your application may have been accepted, which is really great news. It can also be continued, and this means that your case was strong but was not cleared this time. You should apply again if you get continued, but talk to your lawyer about this anyway. If it is denied then you should discuss your case with your attorney and see how to improve your chances of getting naturalized. Your lawyer will be able to give you hints on what you need to improve and how.

Oath of Allegiance

The Oath of Allegiance needs to be taken if you are granted US citizenship. Basically, it is your statement of loyalty to the United
States. The USCIS officer will ask you questions about the oath at the interview, to make sure that you understand it and accept it. You won’t be a full citizen until you take the oath at the naturalization ceremony. USCIS will inform you of the date, time and location of the ceremony. If you cleared out, in the beginning, they might want you to take the ceremony on the day of the interview. Good for you!

Certificate of Naturalization

Taking the Oath of Allegiance and to complete your form N-445, the Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, is the easiest step on how to become a US citizen. Now check in with USCIS and make sure you are on the list. A USCIS officer is going to check your responses on the form. Now you will submit your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). After you have taken your oath of allegiance, you will get a Certificate of Naturalization. If you have any problems or doubts, talk to the USCIS agents in the ceremony and clear everything up before you leave the ceremony.

Requirements for Applying for the United States Citizenship

The application process for U.S. Citizenship can often be very complex and rigorous. It typically involves many forms and documents that will be used to determine your eligibility for naturalization. It may be helpful to work with experts for assistance in preparing your citizenship documents.

To apply for U.S. citizenship applicants are required to provide supporting documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Which documents are necessary depends on each applicant’s situation. Green card holders are applying for naturalization based on their marriage to a U.S. citizen, for instance, must provide additional documentation, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, and their spouse’s U.S. passport.

Here are the requirements you need to satisfy when applying for U.S. citizenship:

  • You already have a green card
  • You are at least 18 years’ old
  • During the five years, you have been present in the U.S.
  • You have not contributed more than one year outside the U.S
  • You have not set a primary home in a different country
  • You have been in the state or district where you are registering your application for at least three months
  • You can read, write and speak English
  • You can pass an examination about U.S. history and government
how to apply to US citizenship
how to become a US citizen

Enjoy your Citizenship

The US citizenship is a dream for many and an aspiration for many more which are still looking on how to become a US citizen. You have become a citizen of the United States. That comes with many responsibilities and many more privileges. You should respect the laws that your country upholds and celebrate the culture that you belong to.

For many others who may fear that their application was not successful, you should have an open mind and a good perspective. You can apply to US citizenship at another time; you can do a better job of handling things. An immigration lawyer would be of great help in this regard as he would be able to point out the sections where improvement is needed and can give you tips on how to do that.

There are many ways to improve your application, and maybe the same application will be accepted in the future only because the time has helped your case. USA Translate advises you not to lose hope and do not let it get to your heart.

If you’re in need of USCIS translation, USA Translate can help you with certified translation of all your personal documents, from any language into English, at some of the lowest rates you can find in Texas. All our translations are ready in 24 hours and are guaranteed to be accepted by any USCIS office in the US. We work around the clock and do not charge extra for rush services.

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