America is often viewed as the land of opportunity where anyone can have a dream and make that dream come true. Becoming a legal citizen of the United States is an option for many, but it's a long process that requires both understanding and patience.
Understand that you have three options for becoming a legal citizen of the United States: you were born in the United States; you were born to an American citizen anywhere in the world; or you go through the naturalization process.
Enter the country. If you were not born in the United States or born to at least one American parent, you can become a legal United States citizen if you go through the naturalization process. To begin the process, you must first come into America legally.
Apply for permanent resident status. Once you are granted a permanent resident card, you can remain in the United States for a total of three years if you're married to an American or five years if you are not married to an American.
Once you have been in the United States for the required length of time, you must fill out Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization and pay the required fee. Upon reviewing your application, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will inform you that you need to be fingerprinted and where you should go to get fingerprinted.
You will be required to attend an interview with USCIS. Remember, during the interview, it is essential that you are completely honest with the interviewer, even if your answer isn't flattering to you.
You must take a test that illustrates how well you know U.S. history and U.S. government. In addition, you must prove that you can speak basic English unless you meet specific exemption criteria.
Once you have taken the civics and English tests, you will be informed whether you have passed or failed. In many instances, you may retake the tests if you have failed.
If you've passed the civics and English tests, you must take an oath to the United States at an official ceremony. At the ceremony, you will return your permanent resident card and be given a Certificate of Naturalization upon taking the Oath of Allegiance.
Congratulations! You are now an American citizen.
