Do you know what it takes to become a U.S. Citizen or to help others
become Citizens? See below for more information on the process and
where you can go for assistance.
Some Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About the Citizenship Process
Our friends at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee
Rights, together with the Illinois New Americans Initiative have put
together a VERY useful set of questions and answers to help you
understand this very complex process:
Click here to find answers to your questions: http://www.icirr.org/nai/faq.html
What You Will Find at the New America's Initiative:
General Questions
How can I become a United States citizen?
Who is born a United States citizen?
How do I become a naturalized citizen?
What are the benefits of U.S. citizenship?
How long will it take to become naturalized?
If I am a U.S. citizen, is my child a U. S. citizen?
Will USCIS provide special accommodations for me if I am disabled?
Permanent Residency
When does my time as a Permanent Resident begin?
If my Permanent Resident Card expires soon, do I have to renew it if applying for citizenship?
How much does it cost to renew my Permanent Resident Card?
Do
I need to obtain a new Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as an
Alien Registration Card) when USCIS issues a new version of the card?
Eligibility
Am I eligible to become a United States Citizen?
Who should NOT apply to become a citizen?
Costs
How much does the Naturalization process cost?
Is there a way to get the fee waived?
Language
Do I need to speak English? How good does my English need to be?
Who can take the citizenship test in their native language?
Applying for Naturalization
What do I need to bring to a Citizenship Workshop?
What form do I use to file for naturalization?
Can I legally change my name when I naturalize?
Where do I send my application?
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?
Do I need a lawyer? Can you refer me to good citizenship lawyers?
After Submitting an Application
How do I check the status of my application?
Can I reapply for naturalization if USCIS denies my application?
Where can I be fingerprinted?
During my application-processing period can I leave the United States?
What if I was outside the United States for 6 months or longer?
What do I do if my address has changed?
The Interview
What happens at a Citizenship Interview?
What are the Dictation Sentences?
How many attempts do I get to pass the citizenship interview?
If I fail the interview once, how long does my case stay open for the second try?
What is a Second Interview?
What if I cannot make it to the interview?
Becoming A Citizen
What is the Oath Ceremony?
If USCIS grants me naturalization, when will I become a citizen?
When I become a U.S. Citizen, how does that help my children who are legal permanent residents?
What
do I do if I have lost my Certificate of Naturalization? What do I use
as proof of citizenship if I do not have my certificate?
How can I get a US passport?
Selective Service
How do I register with Selective Service?
Why Do I Need to Register with the Selective Service?
