The legal process of becoming a U.S. citizen is called naturalization. Those who have resided here as green card holders for at least five years may apply for naturalization.
Since the procedure involves an interview and test conducted by a U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) officer, it can be very intimidating. Most people find the interview and testing procedures easier than they imagined. However, preparing for the process improves your odds of success.
The interview
You can expect the USCIS officer to ask you about your background during the interview phase of naturalization. They may also question you about your application. The goal is to address informational gaps in your application to ensure you are eligible for citizenship.
The tests
The testing stage of the interview revolves around English and civics. USCIS officers want to ensure that you have a good grasp of English. The civics portion of the test addresses topics like:
- U.S. history
- Government systems
- American democracy
- Citizen rights and responsibilities
- The U.S. Constitution
- American holidays and symbols
The USCIS provides applicants with study materials to help them prepare for the naturalization interview. You can and should study those as well as other materials to broaden your knowledge of these topics further. People typically find that taking practice tests helps them prepare for the real thing.
Get help with documentation
Remember, you must also ensure that you complete the documentation required for naturalization. Experienced legal guidance can help you ensure that nothing is overlooked and that all your required paperwork arrives in the hands of the USCIS on time.