The Ultimate Guide to U.S. Citizenship: Eligibility, Process, and Benefits

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U.S. citizenship is a legal status granting an individual certain privileges under U.S. laws. If you become a U.S. citizen, you will be entitled to several benefits, such as:

• Get a U.S. passport
• Vote in federal elections
• Receive protection from the government when traveling overseas

For immigrants, getting U.S. citizenship is an essential step to reaching their aspirations and goals in the United States. It will allow them to participate in American society, enjoy the freedoms the U.S. Constitution offers, and pursue better job opportunities.

Naturalization, or the process of acquiring U.S. citizenship, involves meeting eligibility criteria. Successful applicants will swear in as U.S. citizens in a formal naturalization ceremony. They will pledge their allegiance to the U.S. and renounce their previous allegiances.

In this guide, learn about:

• Who are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship
• What are the steps involved in the naturalization process
• What benefits can you get from becoming a U.S. citizen

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Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship

There are several ways to obtain your U.S. citizenship. Different eligibility requirements might apply to you depending on your situation.

Requirements for citizenship through birth

In general, there are two ways to get citizenship through U.S. citizen parents:

1. At birth
2. After birth (before the age of 18)

Laws in effect at the time of birth will determine if a child born outside of the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent/s is a U.S. citizen at birth. Generally, these laws will require that at least one parent is a U.S. citizen who has lived in the country for a certain period.

Moreover, a child born overseas can become a U.S. citizen after birth. The USCIS Policy Manual cited more information and eligibility requirements for automatically acquiring U.S. citizenship after birth.

Requirements for citizenship through naturalization

To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, all applicants must meet the following criteria:

• At least 18 years old
• Physically and continuously live in the U.S. as a green card holder for a specific number of years
• Establish residency in the USCIS district or state where you intend to apply
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English
• Demonstrate knowledge of the history and government of the United States
• Good moral character
• Swear allegiance to the U.S.

Special eligibility provisions for military service members and their families

Spouses of U.S. service members can be eligible for expedited naturalization outside the U.S. Additionally, children of service members can be eligible for naturalization or to acquire citizenship automatically. Visit the Citizenship for Military Family Members page for more information.

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10 Steps to Naturalization

The naturalization process involves 10 steps. Here’s an overview of these steps:

1. Determine if you are a U.S. citizen
2. Determine your eligibility to be a U.S. citizen
3. Prepare Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
4. Submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
5. Go to the biometrics appointment
6. Complete the interview
7. Receive a decision from USCIS
8. Receive notice about taking the Oath of Allegiance
9. Take the Oath of Allegiance (U.S.)
10. Understanding U.S. citizenship

What’s included in the U.S. Naturalization test?

You need to pass the naturalization test to obtain your U.S. citizenship. During your naturalization interview, you must answer questions regarding your background and application. Also, you must take an English and civics test unless you are qualified for a waiver or exemption.

• The English language test has three parts – reading, writing, and speaking. Basic English proficiency is adequate.
• The Civics test will cover basic knowledge of the U.S. government and its history.

If you fail the test, you will have two opportunities to take both tests and to answer questions about your application in English. Should you fail any of these tests during your initial interview, you'll be retested on the part of the test where you failed between 60 and 90 days from your initial interview date.

Important Note: You must inform the USCIS if you change your address after you’ve submitted Form N-400 within 10 days of your move. Visit uscis.gov/addresschange to know how to change your address.

How long the process takes

The average processing time for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is nine months. It varies depending on your chosen service center or field office. At St. Louis, MO, 80% of cases are complete within 12.5 months. Check case processing times online.

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Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

The perks of becoming a citizen of the United States are as follows:

• Get a U.S. passport – You will have the right to obtain a passport and assistance from the U.S. Embassies and Consulates when traveling abroad.
• Obtain federal benefits – Unlike green card holders that have limited access to government assistance programs, becoming a U.S. citizen will give you full access to Medicare, Social Security, and other federal benefits. You may also obtain federal college assistance programs that are not offered to non-U.S. citizens.
• No green card renewal – Once you become a citizen, you don’t have to renew your green card every 10 years. You will not also be required to always bring with you your green card.
• Risk of deportation is significantly reduced – You will enjoy as much right as any American to work and live in the U.S. Even if you are sued, you will be able to remain in the country.
• Petition family members – As a U.S. citizen, you will be able to petition your family into the U.S. These include your parents, children, and siblings.
• Vote and even run for public office – Only citizens of the U.S. can vote. Also, naturalized citizens can run for elected public office.
• Apply for federal jobs, government benefits, and grants – There are jobs that are offered only to U.S. citizens. These include state, local, and federal government positions. Most federal scholarships and grants are also made available only to citizens.
• Take long trips outside the U.S. – You’ll be permitted to travel out of the U.S. for a long time without the risk of losing your citizenship.

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Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship refers to becoming a citizen of two different countries. The U.S. allows dual citizenship or nationality by default. It won’t require you to give up your citizenship to your country of origin.

Remember that your country of origin may not allow you to have dual citizenship. India and China won’t recognize your U.S. citizenship on their soil. In some cases, you can automatically lose your citizenship as soon as you become a U.S. citizen.

Before applying for U.S. citizenship, you must understand the rules about dual citizenship in your country of origin. Only then can you submit Form N-400 to the USCIS to get your U.S. citizenship and ensure that you are still a citizen in your country of origin.

How We Can Help

The naturalization process can be time-consuming, challenging, and very complex. Thus, it is a wise choice to get immigration help when applying for U.S. citizenship.

Here at Hacking Immigration Law, LLC, we know the requirements of various citizenship and immigration services. We have assisted hundreds of immigrants to gain their U.S. citizenship, and we can help you also. We are on a mission to help 10,000 immigrants become U.S. citizens by 2030! 

Our immigration attorneys will guide you through the naturalization proceedings to improve your chances of approval.

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