A person may apply for U.S. citizenship by submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This form is available to file online or by mail. There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Here are some of the important steps to apply for U.S. citizenship:
• Form N-400 is available to file online. Start by creating a free online account at https://myaccount.uscis.gov/users/sign_up. Read the instructions to complete Form N-400. Collect the necessary documents to demonstrate your eligibility for naturalization.
• If you reside outside the United States, get 2 passport-style photos taken. Use the document checklist at https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/M-477.pdf to make sure you collect all the required documents.
• If you submit Form N-400 online, you may also pay your fees online. Once you submit Form N-400, USCIS will send you a receipt notice. You can check case processing times and your case status online.
• If you need to take biometrics, USCIS will send you an appointment notice that includes your biometrics appointment date, time, and location. Arrive at the designated location at the scheduled time and have your biometrics taken.
• Once all the preliminary processes on your case are complete, USCIS will schedule an interview with you to complete the naturalization process. You must report to the USCIS office at the date and time on your appointment notice. Be sure to bring the appointment notice with you.
• USCIS will mail a notice of decision to you. If you filed your N-400 online, you can also access the electronic notice in your account.
o Granted—USCIS may approve your Form N-400 if the evidence in your record establishes that you are eligible for naturalization.
o Continued—USCIS may continue your application if you need to provide additional evidence/documentation, fail to provide USCIS the correct documents, or fail the English and/or civics test the first time.
o Denied—USCIS will deny your Form N-400 if the evidence in your record establishes you are not eligible for naturalization.
• If USCIS approved your Form N-400, you may be able to participate in a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview. If a same day naturalization ceremony is unavailable, USCIS will mail you a notification with the date, time, and location of your scheduled ceremony. If you filed your N-400 online, you can also access the electronic notice in your application.
• You are not a U.S. citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. You should:
o Complete the questionnaire on Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony.
o Report for your naturalization ceremony and check in with USCIS. A USCIS officer will review your responses to Form N-445.
o Turn in your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
o Take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen.
o Receive your Certificate of Naturalization, review it, and notify USCIS of any errors you see on your certificate before leaving the ceremony site.
USCIS regularly holds information sessions for the public. These sessions will help lawful permanent residents and others interested in naturalization learn about the naturalization process, eligibility requirements, testing, and citizenship rights and responsibilities. See the table below for upcoming events in your area. Some of these sessions may be available in foreign languages. Each session is free of charge and open to the public.
In New York, as in other states, individuals seeking U.S. citizenship must follow the federal process outlined by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This involves submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be filed online or by mail. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, which may vary with certain exceptions and modifications for those who qualify, such as accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The process includes collecting necessary documents, paying applicable fees, taking biometrics, attending an interview, and, if approved, participating in a naturalization ceremony where the Oath of Allegiance is taken. USCIS provides resources and information sessions to assist applicants in understanding the naturalization process, eligibility, and the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. It's important to note that the specific steps and requirements are federally regulated and thus consistent across all states, including New York.
