It may not be a stretch to say that many people want to become US citizens. In fact, 818,500 foreigners became citizens of the United States by naturalization during the fiscal year of 2024, according to the Pew Research Center.

If you are a foreigner living in the US, you may probably be eligible to apply for citizenship through the naturalization process. The process for application may feel long and hard but there are important steps you can take to achieve your goal.

Let’s look at these six steps to become a naturalized citizen in the United States.

Determine Your Eligibility for Naturalization

Have you ever thought about becoming an American citizen? The first important thing you need to do is find out if you are qualified. Legal permanent residents must stay in the U.S. for at least five years, or three years if they are married to a citizen.

You ought to demonstrate good moral character, speak English well, and pass the civics test in respect to U.S. history and government. Inserting due diligence into this is really important before moving on to the next step.

The spirit of belonging is valuable in itself, and it gives you a sense of being part of the country when you are eligible.

So, get in there, gather up your papers, and wholeheartedly dedicate yourselves to becoming valued community members in the United States!

Complete the Application Form

Getting the application form filled out is a big part of becoming a citizen. Form N-400 wants to know about your background. A part of this is knowing the place where you live and how loyal you are to the United States.

When you fill out the form, don’t forget anything. Double-check your filled-out form and fix any mistakes if you find any.

Gather your items, such as your green card and any proof that you are married or have served in the service. These will all be needed to back up your application. Don’t try to rush through it; this form is your opportunity to emphasize that you’re seriously on the road to becoming an American citizen.

The accuracy and completeness of this form set the stage for your progressing into other intermediate tasks as part of becoming a member of this great country.

Submit Your Application and Pay Fees

All application forms should be completed and submitted, along with the fees needed for processing. Gather all documents and check the application for completeness. Applications may be submitted online on the USCIS website or through mail to the appropriate address.

If mailing, consider putting your package in a good, sturdy/padded secure envelope and sending via certified mail with tracking.

Upon filing of the application, the next fee you will be asked for is the application fee, which is generally dependent on the age and fee waiver status of the applicant. The applicant can either pay online or by a check or money order by mail attached to the application if that is the route taken to filing.

This is a very important point that you should remember because it will help you become a citizen.

Prepare for the Citizenship Interview

Figure out how the conversation works and make up questions that could be asked on the citizenship test. Start with the citizenship questions in the USCIS study materials. There is an expectation that you know a bit about U.S. history, government, and rights.

To feel better about yourself, say your words out loud over and over. Talk about why you want to become a citizen. Now is your chance to talk about what happened. Get the application, your ID, and any other proof that supports your claim, and make sure you bring it all with you.

Your immigration lawyer may be able to help with your preparation for any hearings or interviews. According to immigration lawyer Steven T. Meier, your legal counsel can help you prepare for the questions that you will face. They can also help give the clearest answer possible, giving you better odds of acceptance.

Dress in a manner that will give off a good impression. Remain calm and truthful because this is your chance to show that your heart really wants to join this great American family. Best of luck!

Take the Oath of Allegiance

A very important part of becoming an American is taking the Oath of Allegiance. You become an American citizen at this event, which may be the only time you feel truly connected to the country.

You have to raise your right hand in front of your fellow new citizens as an oath of loyalty to that country, which has become very important to you over the past few years. This is no mere formality; this is an earnest promise to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States.

Remember this moment; it marked the end of a lot of hard work and drive. After the oath, you will get your Certificate of Naturalization, which completes your new standing and teaches you how complicated life is in the United States.