How to become a U.S. citizen

As a lawful permanent resident, you can become a US citizen by meeting certain eligibility requirements. In addition, certain individuals may also become U.S. citizens.

In this post we will show you the different ways to become an American citizen. However, for a personalized consultation, do not hesitate to contact our immigration lawyers in Los Angeles.

How to become A US citizen in 2024?

Generally, to become an American citizen, you will need to follow these steps:

1# Check if you are already a US citizen

Before you begin the process, determine whether you are already a citizen. If you did not acquire citizenship at birth or through your parents, continue with the following steps.

2# Confirm your eligibility for American citizenship

Generally, you can apply for US citizenship with USCIS using Form N-400 if you meet the following requirements:

• You are at least 18 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident in the United States for a minimum of 5 years; or
• You have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years, and have been married and living in a marriage with a US citizen; or
• You have served honorably in the United States Army. 

In certain cases, spouses of citizens and members of the military may be eligible to apply for citizenship before meeting these deadlines.

Note: Below you will find detailed information on all the requirements for becoming a US citizen.

3# Complete Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

This form is key to begin your naturalization process and is available for filing online. 

First, create an account with USCIS and follow the instructions to complete the form. 

Make sure you gather all required documents proving your eligibility. If you reside outside the United States, you will also need 2 passport-sized photos.

4# Submit Form N-400 and pay the corresponding fees

Submit your form online and pay the applicable fees. Once submitted, you will receive a notification from USCIS confirming receipt of your application. You will also be able to check the processing time and status of your case online.

5# Attend your biometrics appointment (if required)

If your biometrics are required, USCIS will send you a notice with the date, time, and location of your appointment. 

Be sure to show up at the designated office at the indicated time to complete this step.

6# Take the naturalization interview

Once all preliminary processes have been completed, USCIS will schedule an appointment for your naturalization interview. 

You must appear at the USCIS office on the date and time indicated on your notice, bringing all necessary documents with you.

For more information on this step, we invite you to read our blog: How to dress for the citizenship interview .

7# Receive the USCIS decision on your application

After your interview, USCIS will notify you of its decision regarding your Form N-400. This decision may be one of the following:  

• Approved: USCIS will approve your application if all the evidence submitted confirms that you are eligible for naturalization.
• Deferred: Your application may be deferred if you need to provide additional documentation or if you did not pass the English and/or civics test.
• Denied: If USCIS determines that you do not meet the eligibility requirements, your application will be denied.

Note: If you filed your application online, you can also access the notice through your USCIS account.

8# Receive notification for the Pledge of Allegiance

If your application is approved, you will be scheduled for a naturalization ceremony. In some cases, you may be able to participate in the ceremony on the same day as your interview. 

If not, you will receive a notification with the date, time and location of the ceremony.

9# Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States

You will not be considered a US citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States during your naturalization ceremony. 

To do so, you will need to complete a questionnaire, return your Green Card, and then take the oath. 

Upon completion, you will receive your naturalization certificate.

10# Understand and follow your rights and responsibilities as a US citizen

As an American citizen, you must understand and respect the rights and responsibilities that come with your new citizenship. These are:

Rights 

• Freedom of expression;  
• Freedom to practice any religion you wish; 
• Right to a speedy and fair trial by jury;  
• Right to vote in elections for public office;  
• Right to apply for federal employment requiring US citizenship;  
• Right to run for elected office.

Responsibilities  

• Support and defend the Constitution of the United States;
• Stay informed about issues affecting your community;
• Participate in the democratic process;
• Pay honestly and on time income taxes and other taxes to federal, state and local authorities;
• Serve as a jury when called upon;
• Respect and obey federal, state and local laws;
• Respect the rights, beliefs and opinions of others;
• Get involved in your local community;
• Serve the country when necessary.

How to become an American citizen by birth?

In addition to naturalization, you can obtain American citizenship by birth if:

• Born in the US or in certain territories or possessions under the jurisdiction of the United States;
• You had at least one parent who was a US citizen at the time of your birth.

If you were born outside the US, you will need to meet the requirements set forth by the Department of State.

If your biological or adoptive parents became US citizens before you turned 18, you may already be a citizen without needing to apply for naturalization.

What are the 4 main ways to become a US citizen?

According to USCIS, the top 4 paths to become a US citizen are the following:

• Naturalization;
• Citizenship by marriage;
• Via your parents;
• Citizenship through US military service.

General requirements for US citizenship

To know how to become a US citizen, the first thing to know is that you must be eligible and meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years of age;
• Have basic English skills to read, write and communicate (although there are certain exceptions);
• Maintain good moral conduct.

Additionally, you must fall into one of these eligibility categories:

• Be a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least 5 years. You can find more information on how to obtain a Green Card on our blog;
• Be married to a US citizen;
• Have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces;
• Be the child of a US citizen.

Note: In our family section, you can find extensive information on these topics. For example, in blogs such as: “Can a US citizen sponsor a child over 21” or “How long does it take to bring spouse to USA“.

Additional Requirements for US Military Personnel

Green Card holders who are currently serving or have served in the US armed forces must meet the following additional criteria:

• Must not have deserted the US military, meaning you must not have left the service before being formally discharged;
• You must not have received a discharge or exemption from the US military due to your status as a non-US citizen.

Note: There are certain criminal bars to citizenship. Therefore, we recommend consulting with an immigration attorney before starting the process, to evaluate any possible legal impediments.

What are the benefits of becoming an American citizen?

By officially obtaining your naturalization certificate and becoming a US citizen, you will gain access to several benefits. 

These benefits were not available when you were a Green Card holder. Some of these are highlighted below:

Right to vote

Although as a Green Card holder you may have voted in some local elections, as a citizen, you will be able to participate in federal elections.

Eligibility to run for office

Only citizens can run for public office in the US with a Certificate of Naturalization, you will be able to run for office in elections.

Getting rid of immigration forms

As a citizen, you will no longer have to deal with filing forms with USCIS, paying filing fees, renewing or replacing your Green Card.

New employment opportunities

Only citizens can work in federal jobs, which usually offer higher salaries and better benefits than those in the private sector.

Greater access to government assistance programs

While as a Green Card holder your access to federal programs such as Medicare may be limited, as a citizen you will be able to access all of these programs without restriction.

Protection from deportation

As an American citizen, you cannot be deported from the United States, even if convicted or arrested. 

This is because deportation could only occur if you are stripped of your citizenship, which is very rare and only in cases of fraud in the initial application.

Ability to sponsor family members

With a Certificate of Naturalization, you can petition your siblings, parents, or adult children to apply for lawful permanent residence in the US.

Automatic citizenship for children

Your children will automatically gain US citizenship, even if they were born abroad. 

Benefits of the US Passport

As a citizen, you can obtain a US passport, which allows you to travel visa-free to more than 180 countries and territories. 

Additionally, in the event of an emergency abroad, you may receive assistance from the US embassy or consulate. 

You will also enjoy great freedom to travel, with no restrictions imposed by the US government on the duration or frequency of travel.

How long does it take to become a US citizen?

The process to become a US citizen, from filing the application to the oath ceremony, typically takes about 5 months. 

For more details about the stages and the duration of each, please do not hesitate to contact our professionals at the Los Angeles immigration law firm of Lluis Law.

How much does it cost to apply for naturalization?

The current fee to apply for naturalization is $760. However, military applicants are exempt from this fee. 

Additionally, USCIS offers a $50 discount if you file your Form N-400 online instead of by mail. 

Note: If you are unable to pay the application fee for naturalization due to financial difficulties, you may request a reduction or waiver of the fee by filing Form I-912 with USCIS.

How to prepare for the US citizenship test?

To prepare for the American citizenship test, follow these steps:

• Study the 2008 naturalization test material, including civics (US history and government knowledge) and English skills.
• Use resources such as the 100 Citizenship Questions from the 2008 Naturalization Test, also available in MP3 audio format.
• Take practice tests based on the 2008 format.
• Find resources to improve your English and strengthen your language skills.

Can I become a US citizen without knowing English?

It is possible to become an American citizen without knowing English under certain circumstances.

This is because US immigration laws provide some exceptions for those who are not fluent in English. The main exceptions are:

• Being over 50 years old and a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more: In this case, you are exempt from the English test, but you must take the civics test in your preferred language or with the assistance of an interpreter.
• Being age 65 or older and a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more: In addition to being exempt from the English test, you may also receive special consideration for the civics test, which will include a reduced number of questions.

If you have a medical disability, you may be exempt from the English and/or civics test. For more information and details, please check our blog: Can you become a US citizen without speaking english?

All exceptions for the American citizenship Test

There are several exceptions to the naturalization test:

• Disability Exceptions: Applicants with a disability may be exempt from the English and civics test requirements. To request this exemption, they must submit Form N-648 completed by a physician.
• Exceptions based on peacetime military service: Those applying for naturalization with at least one year of peacetime military service are exempt from the English and civics test requirements. However, they must meet certain specific requirements.
• Exceptions based on wartime military service: Applicants who have served in wartime are exempt from the English language test, civics and age requirements. 

What documentation is needed to become a US citizen?

To apply for US citizenship, you need to provide the following documents:

• Form N-400;
• Proof of lawful permanent residence ;
• Payment of fee. This may be a personal check, money order, or credit card authorization form;
• Proof of marital status. These may include copies of marriage certificates, divorce papers, annulment certificates, or death certificates;
• Identity documents. It is recommended to bring 2 passport-size photographs if you are applying from abroad;
• Proof of military service. Include Form N-426 if you are applying for citizenship based on your service in the armed forces.
• Proof of medical disability. If you are requesting an exemption from the citizenship test due to a medical condition, include Form N-648;
• Form I-942 or I-912 (if applicable). For a request for a fee reduction or waiver as applicable;
• Proof of spouse’s citizenship. If you are applying for citizenship based on your marriage to a US citizen.
• Proof of authentic marriage: This will be to avoid possible fraudulent marriages in the United States;
• Travel and residence records;
• Proof of compliance with financial support obligations;

These are some of the required documents. For additional information, please feel free to contact our Los Angeles immigration attorneys at Lluis Law.

What relatives can a US citizen sponsor?

The law gives special consideration to immediate relatives of American citizens. This includes the spouse, unmarried children under 21 years of age, and parents. In addition: 

• There is no waiting list for these relatives to emigrate;
• The US Department of State will invite you to apply for an immigrant visa as soon as your I-130 petition is approved;
• If the petition has been approved and the relatives are currently in the United States after having entered legally, they may be able to file applications with USCIS to adjust their status.

Bringing siblings to live to the United States as lawful permanent resident? Is this possible? In our blog we answer this question that is so frequently asked in our offices.

Frequently Asked Questions on how to become a US citizen

What is naturalization?

Naturalization is the process through which an immigrant to the United States can obtain US citizenship. 

This process is available only to certain immigrants. For example, those who: 

• Have been lawful permanent residents for 3 to 5 years; or 
• They meet specific military service requirements.

What is dual US citizenship?

Dual citizenship means that a person is a citizen of the United States and another country at the same time. 

This implies loyalty to both countries and the obligation to use a US passport when entering and leaving the US. 

It is not necessary to renounce a nationality to maintain American citizenship, and one can become a naturalized citizen in another country without losing it.

What is the difference between naturalization and citizenship?

The main difference is that naturalization is the process that allows an immigrant to become an American citizen by meeting certain requirements. 

Citizenship, on the other hand, is the status held by any person who is officially recognized as a citizen of the United States, either by being born in the country or by going through the naturalization process.

Is it necessary to have obtained a Green Card to become an American citizen?

Obtaining a Green Card is the most common path for most applicants for naturalization. However, it is not the case in all cases. 

For example, certain members of the armed forces may be directly eligible for citizenship.

Lawyers in Los Angeles for the process of becoming a US citizen

Now that you know how to become an American citizen, it is important to remember to comply with all the necessary requirements. In addition, if you apply for naturalization and do not show up on the scheduled date, your application could be rejected.

In the best-case scenario, scheduling an interview due to missing documents or being unavailable could unnecessarily extend the time you have to become an American. 

For reasons like these, the help of an experienced attorney is key, and here you have two well-versed attorneys.

Call the law firm of Lluis Law located in Los Angeles, California today. We have experience representing immigrants from all over the world and you can contact us right now.