What Should You Expect During the Citizenship Process?
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone that comes with rights, responsibilities, and new opportunities. We're The Torres Attorneys, and we know how important this journey is, and we take pride in helping individuals and families move forward with confidence.
For many, the path to citizenship represents years of dedication and hard work. It involves managing different legal steps, completing paperwork, and meeting specific requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Even though the process can seem daunting, our firm is committed to making it as smooth as possible for you. Having an experienced citizenship lawyer by your side can make a significant difference in avoiding unnecessary delays and complications.
As an immigration attorney in Dallas, Texas, we assist clients from all backgrounds in understanding the naturalization process. Every applicant’s journey is unique, but there are general steps everyone must follow. From meeting eligibility requirements to attending an oath ceremony, each phase requires careful attention to detail.
Meeting the Basic Requirements
Before applying for citizenship, you need to confirm that you meet all the eligibility requirements. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has strict criteria that every applicant must satisfy.
Some key requirements include:
Being at least 18 years old – To apply for naturalization, you must be legally recognized as an adult under U.S. law. This means that minors must wait until they reach the appropriate age to initiate the process, regardless of their residency status.
Holding lawful permanent resident (green card) status for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen) – You must have maintained permanent residency status without any major disruptions, such as prolonged absences from the country that could affect eligibility.
Demonstrating continuous residence in the U.S. for the required period – This means you can't have spent extended periods outside the U.S. that might suggest you’ve abandoned your residency. Generally, absences of more than six months may create challenges.
Showing good moral character – USCIS will review your background for any criminal offenses, tax compliance, and other factors that reflect your moral character. A history of criminal activity or dishonesty could impact your eligibility.
Being able to read, write, and speak basic English – You must demonstrate proficiency in English by being able to understand and respond to questions during your interview and complete the required written and spoken tests.
Passing a civics test on U.S. history and government – The test consists of questions about fundamental aspects of the U.S. government, history, and civic responsibilities. Preparing for this test is essential, as failing it can delay the process.
If you meet these basic qualifications, you can move forward with the naturalization process. If you’re unsure about any of the requirements, speaking with an immigration attorney can clarify whether you’re ready to apply or if additional steps are needed first.
Filing the Naturalization Application
Once you confirm your eligibility, the next step is filing Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. This is the official document that starts your citizenship process.
What to include in your application:
A completed and signed Form N-400 – This form must be carefully filled out with accurate information about your residency, employment, and background. Providing incorrect or missing details can result in unnecessary delays, additional scrutiny, or even rejection of your application.
Copies of your green card (front and back) – Your green card serves as proof of your lawful permanent resident status, which is a key requirement for naturalization. Submitting clear, legible copies is essential to prevent delays in processing.
Passport-style photos (if applicable) – Some applicants must include passport-style photos with their application. These photos must adhere to USCIS guidelines regarding size, background color, and facial expression, so it’s important to have them professionally taken if necessary.
Required application fees – Filing for naturalization requires a non-refundable fee that covers administrative and processing costs. Applicants should verify the current fee amount and make sure payment is submitted correctly to avoid application rejection.
Any supporting documents based on your personal situation – USCIS may require additional documentation depending on your background. This can include proof of marriage to a U.S. citizen, legal name change paperwork, records of prior immigration proceedings, or other relevant documents that support your eligibility.
After submitting your application, USCIS will send a receipt notice. This confirms that your application is being processed and provides a case number that allows you to track your application’s progress online. You should also prepare for a biometrics appointment, which is one of the next key steps in the process.
Attending the Biometrics Appointment
Shortly after filing your application, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment. This appointment helps verify your identity and conduct necessary background checks. It's an important step in the naturalization process, as it allows USCIS to confirm your identity and review any potential legal or security issues.
During the appointment, USCIS will:
Take your fingerprints – Your fingerprints will be scanned digitally and compared against FBI and other law enforcement databases. This helps USCIS determine whether you have any criminal history that could affect your eligibility for naturalization.
Capture your photograph – USCIS will take a high-quality digital photograph that will be linked to your application file. This image will be used for identification purposes and must comply with USCIS appearance guidelines, so avoid excessive makeup, headwear (unless for religious reasons), and accessories that could obscure your face.
Collect your digital signature – You'll be required to provide a digital signature, confirming that all the information in your application is truthful and accurate. If any false information is detected later, it could lead to application denial or even legal consequences.
Verify your identity through government-issued documents – You must bring a valid form of government-issued identification, such as your green card, passport, or state-issued ID. The USCIS officer will use this document to confirm that the biometric data being collected matches your identity.
Receive information on the next steps in the process – After your biometrics are taken, the USCIS officer may provide additional details regarding your interview date, expected processing times, or any further actions required on your part.
This information is used to perform background checks with the FBI and other agencies. The biometrics appointment itself is a straightforward process and typically takes less than 30 minutes. Once your biometrics are processed, you’ll receive further updates about your interview date and the next steps in the naturalization process.
Preparing for the Citizenship Interview and Test
One of the most crucial steps in the naturalization process is attending the citizenship interview. USCIS will schedule an appointment where an officer will review your application and administer the naturalization test.
During your interview, you can expect:
The officer will ask questions about your background and application – The USCIS officer will verify the details you provided in your application, including your travel history, employment records, family background, and any past legal issues. They may ask follow-up questions to clarify inconsistencies, so it's essential to review your application thoroughly before your interview.
You’ll take the English and civics tests – The English portion consists of three sections: reading, writing, and speaking. You may be asked to read a sentence aloud, write a dictated sentence, and answer questions in English about your daily life. The civics test includes 10 questions about U.S. history, government, and constitutional principles, and you must answer at least six correctly to pass.
You may need to provide additional documents if requested – Sometimes, the USCIS officer may ask for further evidence, such as proof of marital status, tax records, or travel history. If you don’t have the requested documents at the time of the interview, you'll receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) with a deadline to submit them.
You’ll be evaluated on your ability to understand and respond to questions – The USCIS officer will assess your English proficiency throughout the interview. This includes understanding questions, providing clear responses, and demonstrating basic conversational skills.
The officer will explain the next steps in your application process – If everything is in order, the officer may approve your application on the spot, or they may inform you that further review is needed. If approved, you’ll receive a notice about your oath ceremony date.
The English test evaluates your ability to read, write, and speak in English. The civics test consists of questions about U.S. history, government, and important national symbols. Many applicants spend time studying to make sure they’re prepared for this portion of the process. If you have concerns about passing the test, an immigration attorney in Texas can offer guidance on how to study and what to expect.
If you fail either the English or civics test, you'll be given a second opportunity to retake the failed portion within 60 to 90 days. Preparing in advance and taking practice tests can improve your chances of passing on the first attempt.
Waiting for USCIS to Make a Decision
After your interview, USCIS will determine whether to approve, continue, or deny your application. If approved, you’ll move on to the final step—taking the Oath of Allegiance.
Possible USCIS decisions may include:
Approval: If everything checks out, USCIS will approve your application and schedule your oath ceremony, where you'll officially become a U.S. citizen. This decision is typically made if your interview goes smoothly, your background check is clear, and all required documents are in order. You'll receive a letter with the details of your oath ceremony, which is the final step in the naturalization process.
Continuation: If the officer needs more information, your application may be placed on hold while you provide additional evidence, such as missing documents, updated travel records, or proof of continuous residence. In some cases, USCIS may require you to retake the English or civics test if you didn't pass on your first attempt. You'll receive written instructions on how to submit the required information and the deadline for doing so.
Denial: If USCIS determines you don’t meet the requirements, your application may be denied. This could happen due to failing the English or civics test twice, having a criminal record that disqualifies you, or providing false information on your application. In some cases, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the issues that led to the denial. USCIS will provide a formal denial letter explaining the reasons and any available options for appeal or reapplication.
If your application is delayed or denied, speaking with an immigration attorney can help you understand your options and whether there’s a way to address the issue.
An attorney can guide you on filing an appeal, gathering additional evidence, or reapplying at the appropriate time. It’s important to act promptly to avoid unnecessary delays in your path to citizenship.
Contact an Immigration Attorney Today
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a rewarding milestone that brings new opportunities and responsibilities. We serve clients in Corpus Christi, Dallas, and Fort Worth, Texas. If you have questions, consulting an immigration attorney can provide the support you need to move forward with confidence.