You must meet many eligibility requirements as outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act to become a United States citizen. But what is a naturalization certificate, and how do you acquire one? For those who are seeking to become naturalized citizens, hiring an experienced immigration lawyer can be incredibly helpful in increasing your chances of success. This comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need to upgrade your permanent residence status and become a U.S. citizen!
What is a Naturalization Certificate?
A certificate of naturalization shows your citizenship status, much like a birth certificate of those born in the US. Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization allows you to receive your Certificate of Naturalization, which validates that you are the person stated on it and is your proof of American citizenship.
If you were not born in the United States, naturalization is the process you can go through to become a U.S. citizen. A naturalization record and certificate document is not easy to obtain. However, with help, it is possible to receive your legal change and become a naturalized citizen!
A USCIS Registration number is your alien registration number, generally seven to nine digits. USCIS uses this number to keep track of documents and immigration files.
Naturalization certificate numbers show in red print on all US Certificates of Naturalization or Certificates of Citizenship issued since 1906. You may also find a naturalization certificate number on some federal court naturalization indexes. (2)
Who are the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services? (USCIS)
The USCIS oversees upholding America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect for all they serve. The Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office also oversees the process of becoming a US citizen.
Naturalization laws govern the process of granting citizenship. However, before the civics test and naturalization ceremony providing your naturalization certificate, there is an entire process you must go through.
Naturalization law in the US grants United States citizenship to those who legally gain permanent residency status with the state department. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) typically issues the certificate after an officer approves the Application for Naturalization and the applicant has taken the Oath of Allegiance at their oath ceremony.
The eligibility requirements for acquiring citizenship generally involve the following processes before you can apply for a legally changed status as an American citizen.
- Green card application process: You can become a green card holder by going through that filing process with your immigration papers. (1)
- Supporting documentation: supporting documents may include a marriage certificate, letters of witnesses attesting to your good character, work records, driver’s license, court records, or other important documents.
- Provide proof of residency requirements
- Other requirements
How Do I Become a Naturalized Citizen of the United States?
The process of naturalization begins with becoming a “permanent resident.” After you start the immigration process and fill out all the immigration forms required to become a “permanent resident,” you can apply for your naturalization document.
Applying for naturalization begins with filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. You can file this form with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Permanent residents complete the N-400 and must meet all eligibility requirements.
Part of the requirements is demonstrating good moral character and passing multiple tests. When filing the N-400, you must be at least 18 years old and a Permanent Resident of the United States with a Permanent Resident Card.
If you’ve been a permanent resident for 3-5 years, you must meet the following requirements:
- Married to, and living with, a U.S. citizen for at least the past three years
- Your spouse must have been a U.S. citizen for at least the past three years.
- You also must not have been out of the country for 18 months or more in the past three years.
- In the last three years, you have not taken a trip out of the United States that lasted one year or more.
If you’ve been a permanent resident for 5 years or more, you must meet the following requirements:
- You have not been out of the United States for 30 months or more.
- During the last five years, you have not taken a trip out of the United States that lasted one year or more.
Whether your permanent resident status is 3 years or 5 or more years, you also must meet these requirements:
- You have resided in the district or state where you have applied for citizenship for the last three months.
- Can read, write and speak basic English.
- Know the fundamentals of U.S. history and the form and principles of the U.S. government.
- You are a person of good moral character.
- Meet requirements for Selective Service
- Have never deserted from the U.S. Armed Forces
- Never received an exemption or discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces on the grounds that I am an alien.
- Willing to perform either military or civilian service for the United States if required by law
- Will support the Constitution of the United States
- You understand and are willing to take an oath of allegiance to the United States (3)
Even if you do not meet all of the requirements above, it’s possible to work with an immigration attorney to achieve legal status as a US citizen in some cases. Even with the complex immigration laws and regulations, with legal help, you can handle the naturalization process.
Our Knowledgeable Immigration Lawyer Firm Can Help
At Cape Fear Law, our immigration attorney legal team is here to help. Whether you need assistance finding the correct naturalization forms, meeting requirements, or applying for a replacement certificate, our attorneys can help you navigate the naturalization process and increase your chance of success.
Even if you have a police report record or don’t understand how the naturalization service works, becoming a naturalized citizen is possible. We understand how much naturalization records mean to you at Cape Fear Law.
No matter the obstacles you face as you navigate the complex system of immigration services, it’s possible to achieve US citizenship status. Let us make the naturalization process easier for you and your family.