Monday, June 23, 2025

How to Become a U.S. Citizen

Many people dream of becoming a U.S. citizen, but the process can be pretty involved. Here, we’ll outline the basics of what it takes to become a U.S. citizen. For more information, please contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or an immigration lawyer.

U.S. Citizenship Requirements


Before becoming a U.S. citizen, there are certain requirements that must be met. These include the following:
  • At least 18 years old
  • Able to read, write, and speak basic English (there are a few exceptions to this rule)
  • Of good moral character

To become a U.S. citizen, an individual must be classified in one of the following categories:
  • A lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for 5 years
  • Married to a U.S. citizen and lawful permanent resident for 3 years
  • U.S. military service member (active duty or veteran)
  • Child of a U.S. citizen

Applying to Become a U.S. Citizen


If an individual finds that they meet the requirements listed above, then they have to go to the USCIS and follow their naturalization process, which includes the following:

Step 1. Determine Citizenship Status


Some individuals may already be a U.S. citizen by birth. If they are not currently a U.S. citizen, they can go to Step 2.

Step 2. Determine Citizenship Eligibility


The USCIS has a worksheet that can be filled out for a person to determine if they are eligible to apply for citizenship. If they can, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Fill Out the N-400 Application for Naturalization


Once a person determines they are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, they will then fill out the N-400. This form is available online, but a paper copy can also be filled out and mailed in. If a person finds that they have questions or need help filling out the N-400, it is recommended that they contact an immigration lawyer.

Here in the Columbus/Schuyler region, there are several different agencies that can help, including Centro Hispano and El Puente Immigration Legal Services.

Step 4: Submit the N-400 and Pay the Fees


After the N-400 has been filled out, it will need to be submitted and the fees will need to be paid. If filling out the form and paying online, the fee is currently $710. If filing a paper application and mailing in a payment, the fees are $760.

Step 5: Attend a Biometrics Appointment


For individuals who need to take biometrics, the USCIS will send an appointment notice that includes the date, time, and location. This appointment will collect a person’s fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature. This information is necessary to confirm a person’s identity and to run the required background and security checks to determine citizenship eligibility.

Step 6: Complete the Interview


Once all of the preliminary processes on an individual’s case are complete, the USCIS will schedule an interview to complete the naturalization process. An appointment date will be provided, and the individual must bring the appointment notice with them.

Step 7: Receive a USCIS Decision


After completing the interview, an individual will received a USCIS decision as to whether they have obtained their U.S. citizenship. This may be received in the mail, but if a person has filed online, they can access the electronic notification from their account. There are three determinations that may be received:
  • Granted – this means a person is eligible for naturalization
  • Continued – this may be determined if the application is missing any information or documentation, incorrect documentation is provided, or a person fails the English and/or civics portion of their test for the first time
  • Denied – there are many different reasons why an application can be denied

Step 8: The Oath of Allegiance


Once an individual has been determined eligible to become a U.S. citizen and they have passed the interview, they will then need to take the Oath of Allegiance. Depending on circumstances, this may take place on the same day of the naturalization interview, or it may be scheduled for a later date.

A person is not a full U.S. citizen until they have taken the Oath of Allegiance.

The Interview and Citizenship Test


Step 6 of the naturalization process requires an individual to be interviewed and take a citizenship test. There are several parts to this, including a civics test and an English test.

The civics portion of the process tests a person’s knowledge of American Government, Integrated Civics, and American History. The USCIS has a study guide that includes 100 questions, but at the interview, a person will only be asked 10 questions that are randomly chosen.

If a person answers 6 of the questions correctly, they have passed that portion of the test.

The English portion of the test includes three sections: reading, writing, and speaking.

For the reading section, an applicant is given 3 sentences. They must read ONE of those sentences correctly to pass this portion of the test.

For the writing section, a person is given 3 sentences, and they must be able to write ONE of them correctly to pass.

The speaking portion is determined by an interview, typically with the USCIS officer asking the application questions about their N-400 form, but every day conversation may be used to determine ability as well.

Should an individual fail any portion of the test (or more than one portion), they get another chance. The USCIS officer will schedule another time for the individual to retake whatever portion of the test/interview they did not pass. If a person fails a second time, they will need to re-apply and pay the fees after a specified amount of time.

How Long Does the Naturalization Process Take?


Unfortunately, there is no set time limit on how long the naturalization process takes. How soon a person can get in for their biometrics and/or interview/test will depend on where they are located and how busy the USCIS office is.

If a person has filed their form online, they can check their case’s processing date from their online account. If they filed a paper document, they may be able to call the USCIS office for an update, or they will wait for information to be sent in the mail.

How to Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Interview and Test


Whether a person has applied for the first time or has failed a portion of their interview/test, the PVLA is here to help. Even if an individual hasn’t filed their N-400 yet, they can attend citizenship classes to gain the knowledge they’ll need to become citizens of the United States.

PVLA classes focus on the civics and English portions of the test. The entire process can be long and dauting, but we are here to ensure individuals have the skills and knowledge they need to walk into the USCIS office feeling confident and ready to achieve their dreams.

Contact us today with questions!

Monday, June 16, 2025

Staying Motivated in the Summer

Photo by Mateusz Dach

Warm weather and sunshine can mean only one thing: summer is here! If you’re like most people, the desire to get outside and have some fun is overwhelming, but as an adult, you may have other responsibilities you have to take care of.

Whether you’re a student attending CCC or PVLA classes or have to work during the summer (or both!), staying motivated can be a challenge. Here are some things that may help:

1. Plan Your Day with Intention


There are things you’ll have to do during the day, which may include attending class and/or going to work. You may not be able to get out of doing these things, but there are other times during the day you can save for fun.

After blocking out time during the day to take care of responsibilities, block out time for something fun. That may be an hour hanging out in the yard with your kids, or spending the evening around a fire pit, or a weekend at the lake. No matter what you decide to do, do them with intention—and don’t feel guilty about having fun!

2. Treat Study Time Like a Part-Time Job


Finding time during the summer to study is essential, but it shouldn’t be your entire focus. If you treat it like a part-time job, you’ll show up to study at your scheduled time, and when that time is up, you’re off the clock. Your day is free for you to do the other things you planned.

3. Get Some Exercise


Summer can get hectic fast, but you need to take care of yourself. Make sure to schedule in some exercise time—and keep in mind that it doesn’t necessarily have to be at the gym (although it certainly can be!). Take a hike with your family, or plan a kayak trip. Get out to the local park and climb on the equipment. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it gets your heartrate up and leaves you feeling good!

4. Reward Yourself


Being an adult can be challenging, and finding a balance between work and play can be hard. There are things you have to do and things you want to do. When you accomplish a have-to-do task, make sure you give yourself a reward. This might include taking a 5-minute nap or indulging in an ice cream treat. You get to decide what reward you deserve.

How to Become a U.S. Citizen

Many people dream of becoming a U.S. citizen, but the process can be pretty involved. Here, we’ll outline the basics of what it takes to bec...