A Guide to Naturalization - USCIS M-476 (rev. 03/12)

Sep 19, 2026

Guide explaining U.S. naturalization, including eligibility concepts, key benefits and responsibilities of citizenship, and how the naturalization process works. Covers who is eligible for naturalization, time requirements for permanent residents and continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, English and civics expectations, attachment to the Constitution, and the steps from preparing to apply through interview and oath. Includes customer service expectations and where to get help, plus a frequently asked questions section.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages58

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Welcome

What Is Naturalization?

What Is This Guide for?

What Are the Benefits and Responsibilities of Citizenship?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for naturalization?

What should I expect from the naturalization process?

Preparing to Apply

Completing your application and getting photographed

Getting fingerprinted

Being interviewed

Taking the oath

Customer Service and Where to Get Help

What kind of customer service can I expect?

Where do I go for help?

Glossary of Terms

A Guide to Naturalization M-476 (rev. 03/12) Table of Contents Welcome What Are the Benefits and Responsibilities of Citizenship? Frequently Asked Questions Who Is Eligible for Naturalization? Table of Eligibility Requirements Time as a Permanent Resident Continuous Residence Physical Presence in the United States Time as a Resident in a USCIS District or State Good Moral Character English and Civics Attachment to the Constitution What Should I Expect From the Naturalization Process? Preparing to Apply Completing Your Application and Getting Photographed Getting Fingerprinted Being Interviewed Taking the Oath What Kind of Customer Service Can I Expect? Where Do I Go for Help? Page 1 Page 3 Page 5 Page 17 Page 18 Page 22 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 28 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 35 Page 36 Page 38 Page 41 Page 43 Glossary of Terms Page 45 8 A Guide to Naturalization i This page is intentionally left blank. ii Welcome E Pluribus Unum-Out of Many, One -Motto inscripted on the Great Seal of the United States 1 Welcome We are very pleased that you want to become a U. S. citizen. The United States is a nation of immigrants. Throughout our history, immigrants have come here seeking a better way of life and have strengthened our Nation in the process. For more than 200 years, the United States has remained strong because of our citizens and the common civic values we share. Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions ina person’s life. If you decide to apply for naturalization, you will be showing your permanent commitment to the United States. You will also be showing your loyalty to its Constitution and its people. When you are naturalized, you agree to accept all of the responsibilities of being a citizen. You agree to support the United States, its Constitution, and its laws. In return, you are rewarded with all the rights and privileges that are part of citizenship. We welcome your interest and hope you will read on to learn more about naturalization. What Is Naturalization? Naturalization is commonly referred to asthe manner in which a person not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U. S. citizen. What Is This Guide for? U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) created this Guide to provide better and more consistent information to people interested in naturalization. It is written mainly for people 18 years or older who want to become citizens. Please take the time to review this information to make sure that you are eligible to apply for naturalization. You can find more information at www.uscis.gov or by calling Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (for hearing impaired) . A Guide to Naturalization 1 This page is intentionally left blank. What Are the Benefits and Responsibilities of Citizenship? Benefits The Constitution and laws of the United States give many rights to both citizens and non-citizens living in the United States. However, some rights are only for citizens, such as: • Voting. Only U.S. citizens can vote in Federal elections. Most States also restrict the right to vote, in most elections, to U. S. citizens. • Bringing family members to the United States. Citizens generally get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to this country. • Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad. In most cases, a child born abroad to a U. S. citizen is automatically a U.S. citizen. • Traveling with a U.S. passport. A U.S. passport allows you to get assistance from the U.S. government when overseas. • Becoming eligible for Federal jobs. Most jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship. • Becoming an elected official. Many elected offices in this country require U.S. citizenship. • Showing your patriotism. In addition, becoming a U.S. citizen is a way to demonstrate your commi

FAQs

How can a person become a U.S. citizen?

A person can become a U.S. citizen either by birth or through naturalization.

Who is generally considered a U.S. citizen at birth?

People are generally U.S. citizens at birth if they are born in the United States or if they are born to U.S. citizens.

What are key responsibilities after becoming a U.S. citizen?

Citizens must take the Oath of Allegiance and support the Constitution and laws; citizenship also includes responsibilities such as participating in the political process and serving on a jury.

Sep 19, 2026

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