Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. How can I become a U.S. citizen?

A You may become a U.S. citizen (1) by birth or (2) through naturalization.

Q 2. Who is born a U.S. citizen?

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A Generally, people are born U.S. citizens if they are born in the United States or if they
are born to U.S. citizens:

(1) If you were born in the United States:

Normally you were a U.S. citizen at birth.1 (Including, in most cases, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands,
and after November 4, 1986, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands),

(2) If you were born abroad to TWO U.S. citizens:

And at least one of your parents lived in the United States at some point in his or
her life, then in most cases you are a U.S. citizen.

(3) If you were born abroad to ONE U.S. citizen:

In most cases, you are a U.S. citizen if all of the following are true:

• One of your parents was a U.S. citizen when you were born;

• Your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the United States before you
were born; and

• At least 2 of those 5 years in the United States were after your citizen
parent’s 14th birthday.2

Your record of birth abroad, if registered with a U.S. consulate or embassy, is proof
of your citizenship. You may also apply for a passport to have your citizenship
recognized. If you need additional proof of your citizenship, you may file an
“Application for Certificate of Citizenship” (Form N-600) with USCIS to get a
Certificate of Citizenship. Call the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676 to request
Form N-600, or download the form at www.uscis.gov.

1The exception is persons who were born not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, such as
children of foreign diplomats.
2If you were born before November 14, 1986, you are a citizen if your U.S. citizen parent lived in the
United States for at least 10 years and 5 of those years in the United States were after your citizen
parent’s 14th birthday.

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 Q 3. How do I become a naturalized citizen?

A If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth or did not acquire/derive U.S. citizenship
automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the
naturalization process. Eligible persons use the “Application for Naturalization”
(Form N-400) to apply for naturalization.

Persons who acquired citizenship from parent(s) while under 18 years of age
use the “Application for Certificate of Citizenship” (Form N-600) to document
their citizenship. Qualified children who reside abroad use the “Application for
Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate under Section 322” (Form N-600K) to
document their naturalization. You may call the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-
3676 to request a Form N-400, N-600, or N-600K; or you may download all of
these forms at www.uscis.gov.

Q 4. What are the requirements for naturalization?

A Please see Section 4, “Who Is Eligible For Naturalization?,” beginning on page 17

for more details on the eligibility requirements for naturalization. You should also
complete the Eligibility Worksheet in the back of this Guide to help you find out if
you meet the eligibility requirements.

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 Q 5. When does my time as a Permanent Resident begin?

A Your time as a Permanent Resident begins on the date you were granted permanent
resident status. This date is on your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as an Alien
Registration Card or “Green Card”). The sample cards on this page show where you can find
important information such as the date your Permanent Residence began.

Front Back
“A–number”
This card does
not have Port-
of-Entry on it.

Date you became a

Permanent Resident
(January 1, 1980)

Date you
became a
“A–number” Permanent
Resident
(April 3, 1980)

Port-of-Entry
Port-of-Entry or or office
office where you where you
were granted were granted
adjustment of adjustment of
status status

Date you
became a
Permanent
“A–number” Resident
(July 12, 1991)

NOTE: The “A–number” is the Alien Registration Number

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 Q 6. What form do I use to file for naturalization?

A You should use an “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400). Call the USCIS
Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676 to request Form N-400. You may also download the
form at www.uscis.gov.

Q 7. If I have been convicted of a crime but my record has been

expunged, do I need to write that on my application or tell a
USCIS officer?

A Yes. You should always be honest with USCIS about all:

• Arrests (even if you were not charged or convicted);
• Convictions (even if your record was cleared or expunged);
• Crimes you have committed for which you were not arrested or convicted; and
• Any countervailing evidence, or evidence in your favor concerning the
circumstances of your arrests, and/or convictions or offenses that you would like
USCIS to consider.

Even if you have committed a minor crime, USCIS may deny your application if you
do not tell the USCIS officer about the incident. Note that unless a traffic incident was
alcohol or drug related, you do not need to submit documentation for traffic fines and
incidents that did not involve an actual arrest if the only penalty was a fine less than
$500 and/or points on your driver’s license.

Q 8. Where do I file my naturalization application?

A You should send your completed “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400) to the
appropriate USCIS Lockbox Facility that serves your area, see page 34 for detailed
instructions. Also see page 34 for separate filing instructions for members of the Armed
Forces and the spouses of active members of the Armed Forces. Remember to make a
copy of your application. Do not send original documents with your application unless
the Document Checklist included with this Guide states that an original is required.
Always make copies of documents that you send to USCIS.

Q 9. Will USCIS help me, or make accommodations for me, if I have a

disability?

A USCIS will make every effort to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with
disabilities who need modifications to the naturalization process in order to demonstrate
their eligibility. For example, if you use a wheelchair, we will make sure you can be
fingerprinted, interviewed, and sworn in at a location that is wheelchair accessible. If
you are hearing impaired, the officer conducting your interview will speak loudly and
slowly, or we will work with you to arrange for an American sign language interpreter.
If you require an American sign language interpreter at the oath ceremony, please
8 indicate that in your Form N-400 in the section where you are asked if you need an
 accommodation for a disability. If you use a service animal such as a guide dog, your
animal may come with you to your interview and oath ceremony.

We are continuing to work on better ways to make the naturalization process easier
for applicants with disabilities. If you know in advance that you will need some
kind of accommodation, write a letter explaining what you will need and send it to
the USCIS district office that will interview you after you receive your interview
notice. If you have a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment so
severe that you cannot acquire or demonstrate the required knowledge of English and
civics, you may be eligible for an exemption of those requirements. To request an
exemption, you must file a “Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions” (Form
N-648). See page 26 of this Guide for more information.

Q 10. Where is my local USCIS office?

A To find the local USCIS office that serves your area, please use the field office
locator at www.uscis.gov.

Q 11. What is the fee for processing an application?*

A The current fee for processing a naturalization application can be found on the single
page titled “Current Naturalization Fees” in the back of this Guide. If you are under
75 years old, you must also pay a fee to have your fingerprints taken.**

Q 12. How can I pay my application fee?

A You must send the fee with your application. Pay the fee with a check or money
order drawn on a U.S. bank payable to the Department of Homeland Security. Do
not use the initials DHS or USDHS. Do Not Send Cash.

Residents of Guam should make the fee payable to the “Treasurer, Guam,”
and residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands should make the fee payable to the
“Commissioner of Finance of the Virgin Islands.”

Fees for biometric services, which include your photograph and signature, are
separate from your application fee. Remember that your application fee is not
refundable even if you withdraw your application or if your case is denied.

* If you are applying for naturalization based on your own service in the Armed Forces of the United
States, no filing fee is required. Please see “Naturalization Information for Military Personnel” (Form
M-599) for more information.
** If you are 75 years or older, or if you are filing on the basis of your service in the Armed Forces
of the United States, or if you are filing from abroad, do not send the biometric services fee for
fingerprinting with your application.

A Guide to Naturalization 9
 Q 13. How long will it take to become naturalized?

A The time it takes to be naturalized varies by location. USCIS is continuing to

modernize and improve the naturalization process and would like to decrease the
time it takes to an average of 6 months after the Form N-400 is filed.

Q 14. Where can I be fingerprinted?

A After we receive your application, we will tell you where you should get
fingerprinted. For more information about fingerprinting, see page 35.

Q 15. How do I find out the status of my naturalization application?

A You may check the status of your naturalization application by visiting

www.uscis.gov or by calling Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283
(TTY: 1-800-767-1833).

Q 16. What if I cannot go to my scheduled interview?

A It is very important not to miss your interview. If you have to miss your interview,
you should write the office where your interview is to be conducted as soon as
possible and ask to have your interview rescheduled. Rescheduling an interview may
add several months to the naturalization process, so make all attempts to attend your
original interview date.

If you miss your scheduled interview without notifying USCIS, we will

“administratively close” your case. If we close your case because you missed your
interview, we will notify you at your last address of record. Unless you contact us to
schedule a new interview within 1 year after we close your case, we will deny your
application.

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Q 17. What do I do if my address has changed?

A It is important that USCIS has your most current address. If we do not, you may not
receive important information from us. For example, we may not be able to notify you
about the date and time of your interview or about additional documents you may need to
send or bring.

If you move after filing your “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400), call
Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY: 1-800-767-1833) to change your address
on your pending Form N-400. Every time you move, you are required by law to inform
USCIS of your new address. To meet this legal requirement, you must file an “Alien’s
Change of Address Card” (Form AR-11), in addition to calling Customer Service. You
must file the Form AR-11 within 10 days of your move. There is no fee to file this form.
You should also notify the U.S. Postal Service of your new address to help ensure that any
mail already on its way may be forwarded to you.

Q 18. Can I change my name when I naturalize?

A Congress did not give USCIS legal authority to change a person’s name when that person
naturalizes. Therefore, there are only two ways that USCIS can issue your Certificate of
Naturalization under a new name:

1. If you present proof that you have already changed your name according to the legal
requirements that apply to persons living in your State, USCIS can issue the Certificate
of Naturalization with your new name. Such proof might include a marriage certificate
or divorce decree showing that you changed your name when you married or divorced. It
might also include some other State court order establishing that you changed your name.

2. If you are going to take the Oath of Allegiance at a Naturalization Ceremony that
is held in Court, you may ask the Court to change your name. If the Court grants your
request, your new name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization.

Q 19. If USCIS grants me naturalization, when will I become a citizen?

A You become a citizen as soon as you take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in a
formal naturalization ceremony. In some places, you can choose to take the Oath the same
day as your interview. If that option is not available, or if you prefer a ceremony at a later
date, USCIS will notify you of the ceremony date with a “Notice of Naturalization Oath
Ceremony” (Form N-445).

A Guide to Naturalization 11
 Q 20. What should I do if I cannot go to my oath ceremony?

A If you cannot go to the oath ceremony, you should return the “Notice of Naturalization
Oath Ceremony” (Form N-445) that you received to your local USCIS office. Include
a letter saying why you cannot go to the ceremony. Make a copy of the notice and your
letter before you send them to USCIS. Your local USCIS office will reschedule you and
send you a new “Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony” (Form N-445) to tell you
when your ceremony will be.

Q 21. What can I do if USCIS denies my application?

A If you think that USCIS was wrong to deny your naturalization application, you may
request a hearing with an immigration officer. Your denial letter will explain how to
request a hearing and will include the form you need. The form for filing an appeal is
the “Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings under Section
336 of the INA” (Form N-336). You must file the form, including the correct fee, to
USCIS within 30 days after you receive a denial letter.

If, after an appeal hearing with USCIS, you still believe you have been wrongly denied
naturalization, you may file a petition for a new review of your application in U.S.
District Court.

Q 22. Can I reapply for naturalization if USCIS denies my application?

A In many cases, you may reapply. If you reapply, you will need to complete and resubmit
a new Form N-400 and pay the fee again. You will also need to have your fingerprints
and photographs taken again. If your application is denied, the denial letter should
indicate the date you may reapply for citizenship.

If you are denied because you failed the English or civics test, you may reapply for
naturalization as soon as you want. You should reapply whenever you believe you have
learned enough English or civics to pass both tests.

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Q 23. What do I do if I lose my Certificate of Naturalization? What do I
use as proof of citizenship if I do not have my certificate?

A You may get a new Certificate of Naturalization by submitting an “Application for

Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document” (Form N-565) to USCIS. You
may request Form N-565 by calling the USCIS Forms Line (1-800-870-3676), or by
downloading the form at www.uscis.gov. Submit this form with the appropriate fee to the
Nebraska or Texas Service Center, depending on which Service Center has jurisdiction
over your residence.

If you have one, you may use your U.S. passport as evidence of citizenship while you wait
for a replacement certificate. It is strongly recommended that you apply for a passport as
soon as you become a citizen.

Q 24. If my Permanent Resident Card expires while I am applying for

naturalization, do I still need to apply for a new card?

A If you apply for naturalization 6 months or more before the expiration date on your
Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as an Alien Registration Card or “Green
Card”), you do not have to apply for a new card. However, you may apply for a renewal
card if you wish by using an “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card” (Form I-
90) and paying the appropriate fee. Call the USCIS Forms Line or visit www.uscis.gov.

If you apply for naturalization less than 6 months before the expiration date on your
Permanent Resident Card, or do not apply for naturalization until your card has already
expired, you must renew your card.

Q 25. If I am a U.S. citizen, is my child a U.S. citizen?

A A child who is born in the United States, or born abroad to a U.S. citizen(s) who lived in
(or came to) the United States for the required period of time prior to the child’s birth, is
generally considered a U.S. citizen at birth.

A child who is:

• Born to a U.S. citizen who did not live in (or come to) the United States for the
required period of time prior to the child’s birth, or

• Born to one U.S. citizen parent and one alien parent or two alien parents who
naturalize after the child’s birth, or

• Adopted (stepchildren cannot derive or acquire citizenship through their stepparents)

A Guide to Naturalization 13
 and is permanently residing in the United States can become a U.S. citizen by action of
law on the date on which all of the following requirements have been met:

• The child was lawfully admitted for permanent residence*; and

• Either parent was a United States citizen by birth or naturalization**; and

• The child was still under 18 years of age; and

• The child was not married; and

• The child was the parent’s legitimate child or was legitimated by the parent before
the child’s 16th birthday (children born out of wedlock who were not legitimated
before their 16th birthday do not derive United States citizenship through their
father); and

• If adopted, the child met the requirements of section 101(b)(1)(E) or (F) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and has had a full and final adoption; and

• The child was residing in the United States in the legal custody of the U.S. citizen
parent (this includes joint custody); and

• The child was residing in the United States in the physical custody of the U.S.
citizen parent.

If you and your child meet all of these requirements, you may obtain a U.S. passport for the
child as evidence of citizenship. If the child needs further evidence of citizenship, you may
submit an “Application for Certificate of Citizenship” (Form N-600) to USCIS to obtain a
Certificate of Citizenship. (NOTE: A child who meets these requirements before his or her
18th birthday may obtain a passport or Certificate of Citizenship at any time, even after he or
she turns 18.)

*NOTE – Children who immigrated under the “IR-3” or “IR-4” categories must have had an
immigrant petition filed on their behalf before their 16th birthday; see answers to Question
26. All adoptions for any other type of immigration benefit, including naturalization, must
be completed by the child’s 16th birthday, with one exception: A child adopted while under
the age of 18 years by the same parents who adopted a natural sibling who met the usual
requirements.

**NOTE – The “one U.S. citizen parent” rule applies only to children who first fulfilled the
requirements for automatic citizenship (other than at birth abroad) on or after February 27,
2001. In order to qualify for automatic citizenship (other than at birth abroad) on or before
February 26, 2001, both of the child’s parents must have been United States citizens either
at birth or through naturalization—both parents if the child had two parents; the surviving
parent if a parent had died; the parent with legal custody if the parents were divorced or
legally separated; or the mother only, if the child had been born out of wedlock and the child’s
paternity had not been established by legitimation.

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Q 26. If I am a U.S. citizen, but my child does not meet the requirements listed above,
can I still apply for citizenship for my child?

A A child who is regularly residing in the United States can become a citizen of the United States only
by meeting the requirements listed in the answer to Question 25. If a child regularly resides in the
United States and is not a lawful permanent resident, he or she cannot acquire citizenship automatically
until he or she is granted lawful permanent residence. If a child who has been lawfully admitted for
permanent residence fails to qualify for citizenship under the provisions of law, he or she may apply
for naturalization after reaching 18 years of age by filing Form N-400, provided that he or she has the
required 5 years of lawful permanent residence.

U.S. citizens with children by birth or adoption (stepchildren do not qualify) who do not regularly reside
in the United States, may apply for citizenship for such a child if all of the following conditions are met:

• The child is under 18 years of age; and

• The child is not married; and

• The child regularly resides outside the United States; and

• The child is temporarily present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission and is
maintaining such lawful status; and

• The child is in legal and physical custody of a parent who is a U.S. citizen; and

• The child is the U.S. citizen’s legitimate child, or was legitimated before the child’s 16th birthday
(children born out of wedlock who were not legitimated before their 16th birthday may be eligible
for this procedure through his or her mother); and

• If adopted, the child meets the requirements of section 101(b)(1)(E) or (F) of the INA and had a full
and final adoption; and

• Either of the following is true:

– The citizen parent has lived at least 5 years in the United States, and at least 2 of which were
after the citizen parent’s 14th birthday; or

– If the child’s citizen parent has not lived in the United States for at least 5 years, 2 of which were
after that parent’s 14th birthday, the citizen parent currently has a parent (the child’s grandparent)
who:
• Is also a U.S. citizen; and

• Lived in the United States for 5 years, at least 2 of which were after the citizen grandparent’s
14th birthday; and

• Is living or deceased at the time of the adjudication of the application and the taking of the
Oath.

If the foregoing conditions are met, the citizen parent can apply for citizenship and a Certificate of
Citizenship on behalf of the child using an “Application for Citizenship and Issuance of a Certificate
under Section 322” (Form N-600K). Both the citizen parent and the child must appear at an interview
with a USCIS officer in the United States. The child must meet all of the required conditions at the time
he or she takes the Oath of Allegiance. (NOTE: The Oath may be waived if the child is too young to
understand it.)

A Guide to Naturalization 15