Answer:
Step 1: Check Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship
Before you consider getting naturalized, you need to check whether or not you are eligible for the process. The USCIS has set criteria for determining your citizenship eligibility.
If you were born in the U.S. or born abroad to U.S. citizens, then you’re automatically granted U.S. citizenship. If anyone of your parents are U.S. citizens or are naturalized, then you’re required to fill out Form N-600 or Form N-600K, which is the Application for Certificate of Citizenship and the Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate, respectively.
However, if you do not satisfy any of the above conditions and are applying for U.S. citizenship, you need to meet the following requirements:
You must have a valid green card to prove that you are a lawful permanent resident.
You’re a spouse of a U.S. citizen for at least three years.
You have served in the U.S. military.
After you’ve gone through the eligibility check, go ahead and file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, provided by the USCIS.
This form will ask you to provide your personal details, past details (both personal and residential), parents, employment (both past and present), education, time spent outside the U.S. while on a green card, marital history, and information about your spouse and children (if any).
Remember to download the most recent and updated copy of Form N-400 from the USCIS website and fill out each and every question that applies to you. Incomplete forms often face delays and rejection.
Along with Form N-400, you also need to submit two photographs of yourself. They must be recent (ideally taken within a week’s time frame and no later than 30 days) and should match your current facial characteristics like a haircut, beard, mustache, etc. Your face must be clearly shown in the photo from your chin to the top-of-the-head with no covering on your head (except for religious reasons).
Additionally, these photographs should be passport-sized with the U.S. standard dimension of 2 X 2 inches or 5 X 5 cm. The color scheme can be full color or black and white with a light or white background accompanying the photo.
Step 4: Photocopy Documents
You need to submit multiple documents along with Form N-400. All of them should be photocopies and not originals. Don’t use your original documents since you’ll be sending them via mail because there is a chance they can get lost or destroyed in the process.
You will, however, be asked to bring in your originals with you for verification purposes. The primary documents required are photocopies of your green card (both front and back), passport, visa, birth certificate, etc. If you have documents in any language other than English, you should get them translated first and submit a photocopy.
