Q: How can I become a United States citizen?
A: A person may become a U.S. citizen (1) by birth or (2) through naturalization.

Q: Who is born a United States citizen?
A: Generally, people are born U.S. citizens if they are born in the United States or if they are born to U.S. citizens:

(A) By being born in the United States. If you were born in the United States (including, in most cases, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), you are an American citizen at birth (unless you were born to a foreign diplomat). Your birth certificate is proof of your citizenship.

(B) Through birth abroad to TWO United States citizens. In most cases, you are a U.S. citizen if ALL of the following are true:

1. Both your parents were U.S. citizens when you were born; and
2. At least one of your parents lived in the United States at some point in their life.

(C) Through birth abroad to ONE United States citizen. In most cases, you are a U.S. citizen if ALL of the following are true:

1. One of your parents was a U.S. citizen when you were born;
2. Your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the United States before you were born; and
3. At least 2 of these 5 years in the United States were after your citizen parent's 14th birthday.

Q: How do I become a naturalized citizen?
A: If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth or did not acquire U.S. citizenship automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the normal naturalization process. People who are 18 years and older use the "Application for Naturalization" (Form N-400) to become naturalized. Persons who acquired citizenship from parent(s) while under 18 years of age use the "Application for a Certificate of Citizenship" (Form N-600) to document their naturalization. Adopted children who acquired citizenship from parent(s) use the "Application for a Certificate of Citizenship on Behalf of an Adopted Child" (Form N-643) to document their naturalization.

Q: When does my time as a Permanent Resident begin?
A: Your time as a Permanent Resident begins on the date you were granted permanent resident status. This date is on your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as Alien Registration Card).

Q: What form do I use to file for naturalization?
A: You should use an "Application for Naturalization" (Form N-400).

Q: If I have been convicted of a crime but my record has been expunged, do I need to indicate that on my application or tell an Immigration officer?
A: Yes. You should always be honest with Immigration regarding all: Arrests (including those by police, Immigration Officers, and other Federal Agents); convictions (even if they have been expunged); and crimes you have committed for which you were not arrested or convicted. Even if you have committed a minor crime, Immigration may deny your application if you do not tell the Immigration officer about the incident. It is extremely important that you tell Immigration about any arrest even if someone else has advised you that you are not required to do so.

Q: Where do I file my naturalization application?
A: You should send your completed "Application for Naturalization" (Form N-400) to the appropriate USCIS Service Center. Remember to make a copy of your application. DO NOT send original documents with your application unless the checklist states that an original is required.

Q: If USCIS grants me naturalization, when will I become a citizen?
A: You become a citizen as soon as you take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. In some places, you can choose to take the Oath the same day as your interview. If that option is not available or if you prefer a ceremony at a later date, USCIS will notify you of the ceremony date with a "Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony" (Form N-445).

Q: What can I do if USCIS denies my application?
A: There is an administrative review process for those who are denied naturalization. If you feel that you have been wrongly denied naturalization, you may request a hearing with an immigration officer. Your denial letter will explain how to request a hearing and will include the form you need. The form for filing an appeal is the "Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings under Section 336 of the Act" (Form N-336).

Q: Can I reapply for naturalization if USCIS denies my application?
A: In many cases, you may reapply. If you reapply, you will need to complete and resubmit a new Form N-400 and pay the fee again. You will also need to have your fingerprints and photographs taken again. If your application is denied, the denial letter should indicate the date you may reapply for citizenship. If you are denied because you failed the English or civics test, you may reapply for naturalization as soon as you want. You should reapply whenever you believe you have learned enough English or civics to pass the test.

Q: If I am a U.S. citizen, is my child a U. S. citizen?
A: A child who is born in the United States, or born abroad to a U.S. citizen(s) who lived in (or came to) the United States for a period of time prior to the child's birth, is considered a U.S. citizen at birth.