10 Steps To Naturalization - Understanding the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen

Sep 19, 2026

A step-by-step guide explains how to pursue U.S. citizenship through naturalization, starting with determining whether citizenship already exists by birth, by having a U.S. citizen parent, or by minor derivation. It covers eligibility criteria tied to age and lawful permanent resident status, preparation and completion of Form N-400, submission of application materials and required fees, and attending biometrics. It also describes the interview process and key obligations like updating USCIS with address changes within 10 days.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

10 Steps to Naturalization

Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen

Determine eligibility for naturalization

Prepare Form N-400

Submit Form N-400 to USCIS

Go to the biometrics appointment

Complete the interview

10 Steps to Naturalization Understanding the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen Determine if you are already a U.S . citizen. You can become a U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization. Generally, people are born U.S. citizens if they are born in the United States or if they are born abroad to U.S. citizens. You may also derive U.S. citizenship as a minor following the naturalization of one or both parents. ; Were you born in the United States or a territory of the United States? If yes, you may already be a U.S. citizen. ; Is at least one of your parents a U.S. citizen? If yes, refer to Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship or Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate for more information. If you have a U.S. citizen parent who is a U.S. citizen by either birth or naturalization you may already be a citizen or may be able to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship based on their citizenship. WHAT TO DO: If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth, or did not acquire or derive U.S. citizenship from your parent(s) automatically after birth, go to the next step. If you are not a U.S. citizen— Go to STEP 2 Determine your eligibility to become a U.S . citizen. In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements. WHAT TO DO: ; Read Form N-400, Instructions for Application for Naturalization available at [uscis.gov/n-400](uscis.gov/n-400)[ ](uscis.gov/n-400)to learn more about naturalization and eligibility requirements. ; Visit the Citizenship Resource Center at [uscis.gov/citizenship](uscis.gov/citizenship) for information on the naturalization test and available study materials. Eligible—Go to STEP 3 Not Eligible—We encourage you to apply when you are eligible. Prepare Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. When you meet all requirements to become a U.S. citizen, complete Form N-400 to apply for naturalization. Download Form N-400 at [uscis.gov/n-400](uscis.gov/n-400 or)[ or](uscis.gov/n-400 or) call the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676 to request a copy. WHAT TO DO: ; Complete and sign your Form N-400 . ; Get 2 passport-style photos taken if you reside outside the United States. ; Collect the necessary documents to demonstrate your eligibility for naturalization. Refer to Form N-400, Instructions for Application for Naturalization for more information at [uscis.gov/n-400](uscis.gov/n-400) . ; Review your Form N-400 and supporting documents. Note: USCIS may ask for additional information if your application is incomplete. This will delay the processing of your application. Go to STEP 4 Submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Send in your application, documents, and fees to USCIS. Submit passport-style photographs with your application if you reside outside the United States.(Refer to [uscis.gov/n-400](uscis.gov/n-400 for)[ for](uscis.gov/n-400 for) filing addresses.) Once you submit Form N-400 and get a receipt notice, you can check current processing times and the status of your application by visiting [uscis.gov](uscis.gov) or by calling Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767- 1833 (hearing impaired) . WHAT TO INCLUDE: ; Form N-400 and biometric services fees, if applicable. ; Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, if applicable. If you are seeking an exception to the English and/or civics requirement for naturalization because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment, submit Form N-648 with your package. ; Any additional evidence demonstrating your eligibility for naturalization. 2 passport-style photographs if you reside outside the United States. Refer to Form N-400 instructions for additional documentary requirements. Keep a copy of your completed Form N-400 and an

FAQs

How can I become a U.S. citizen—by birth or by naturalization?

U.S. citizenship can be obtained by birth or through naturalization. If you were born in the United States or certain territories, you may already be a citizen, and some people may derive citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent as a minor.

What eligibility requirements are generally needed for naturalization?

In general, applicants must be at least 18 years old and a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), while meeting all other eligibility requirements.

What do I do after submitting Form N-400?

After submission, you may receive a notice for a biometrics appointment (fingerprinting and photographing). Later, USCIS schedules a naturalization interview where you must report with your appointment notice.

Sep 19, 2026

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