Citizenship Guide (United States)

10 Steps to Naturalization: Understanding the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen

1. Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen.
2. Determine your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen. (If not eligible, they encourage you to apply when eligible.)
3. Prepare Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
4. Submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
5. Go to the biometrics appointment, if this requirement applies to you.
6. Complete the interview.
7. Receive a decision from USCIS on your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
8. Receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance.
9. Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
10. Understanding U.S. citizenship.

This fact sheet attempts to simplify the naturalization eligibility requirements and list of documents that can be asked for during the naturalization interview. This fact sheet references the most commonly used documents, but is not all-inclusive. A USCIS officer may ask for other information and documents. For additional information, see Form N-400 at uscis.gov/n-400. If you have a question about your case, you can consult with a licensed attorney or accredited community organization

In this section of the Citizenship Resource Center, you will find information about the Naturalization Test requirements, study materials for the English and civics test, including flash cards, pocket study guides, videos, or interactive practices tests, and information on updates or changes to the Naturalization Test. They also offer citizenship resources in other languages.