Frequently Asked Questions About Naturalization

Permanent Residency

When does my time as a Permanent Resident begin?
It begins when you are given official resident status, this date is on your Permanent Resident Card.

If my Permanent Resident Card will expire soon, do I have to renew it if applying for citizenship?
If you apply for naturalization six months or more before the expiration date on your Permanent Resident Card, you may not have to apply for a new card. If you apply for naturalization within six months of the expiration date, or don't apply for naturalization until your card has already expired, you must renew your card. (Please note that if you choose not to renew your Permanent Resident Card and fail to successfully complete the naturalization process, this can complicate your status as a Permanent Resident. Please consult with your USCIS agent or service provider.

How much does it cost to renew my Permanent Resident Card?
The fee to submit the application (Form I-90) is $190, combined with the $70 biometric fee for a total of $260.

Applying for Naturalization

How much does the Naturalization process cost?
As of October 2005, the cost is $330 for the application and $70 for the biometrics for a total of $400. It must be paid using a check or money order payable to "USCIS". Payment is not reimbursed in the case that the application is rejected. If you are of the age 75 or older you do not have to get your fingerprints.

Is there a way to get the fee waived?
If you can show substantial evidence that you are unable to pay the fee, you may request a fee waiver by signing an affidavit and submitting it with your application. If the fee waiver request is denied, the entire application package will be returned and you will need to begin the application process again by re-filing with the appropriate fee. Please consult with the USCIS or naturalization service provider for more information.

Can I legally change my name when I naturalize?
You can change your name as part of your naturalization if a court in your area conducts naturalization oath ceremonies. Otherwise, no name change can be recorded on your Cerificate of Naturalization unless you already changed you name legally (such as by marriage) before completing the naturalization process. If you decide to change your name, you will be required to complete a Petition for Name Change during your interview. Petitioning the court to change your name may delay the date of your oath ceremony, in some cases. If you petition to change your name, the new name will not be legally binding until after your oath ceremony. Your new name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization.

The USCIS doe snot process petitions for name change after naturalization. However, you still may change your name after naturalization by other legal means.

Where do I send my application?
Send to the service center of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in your area.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Service Centers

Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Territory of Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, mail to:

USCIS
California Service Center
P.O. Box 10400
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-0400

Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missourt, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, mail to:

USCIS
Nebraska Service Center
P.O. Box 87400
Lincoln, NE 68501-7400

Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, mail to:

USCIS
Texas Service Center
P.O. Box 851204
Mesquite, TX 75185-1204

Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, mail to:

USCIS
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Weldon Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001


After Submitting an Application

How do I check the status of my application?
You may visit www.USCIS.gov or call the National Customer Service Center at
1-800-375-5283. Have your A-number ready and application number. You may also write or visit the USCIS office. If you write, include in your correspondence your name, address, A-number, date your application was processed, your receipt number, a copy of the latest letter your received from USCIS, the date and location of your last appointment, and sign your letter. On the envelope write "Attn: Status Inquiry."

During my application processing period can I leave the United States?
Yes, you can as long as your Permanent Resident Card is not expired, and you do not have any serious crimes on your record. However, not that it is not in your best interest to miss any appointments related to your naturalization application.

What if I was outside the United States for 6 months or longer?
Your time as a continuous resident may be broken. You will have to prove that you continued to live, work, and/or have ties to the U.S. (e.g. paid taxes) while you were away.

How many attempts do I get to pass the citizenship interview?
If you fail the exam, you get a second attempt. If you fail the second time, you must submit a new application including the fee.

If I fail the interview once, how long does my case stay open for the second try?
USCIS will give you the next appointement date, if you cannot make it to that second appointment, you must send USCIS a copy of your N-445 along with a letter expaining why you cannot make it to your appointment. You will then receive a new appointment date.

What if I cannot make it to the interview?
It is very important not to miss your interview. If you have to miss your interview, you should notify the office where your interview is scheduled by mail as soon as possible. In your letter, you should ask to have your interview rescheduled. Rescheduling an interview may add several months to the naturalization process, so try not to change your original interview date. If an emergency arises and you absolutely cannot make your interview, call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 to request rescheduling. If you miss your scheduled interview without notifying USCIS, your case will be administratively closed. Unless you contact USCIS to schedule a new interview within one year after USCIS closes your case, they will deny your application. USCIS will not notify you if your case was closed because you missed your interview.


Oath Ceremony

When and where is my oath ceremony?
USCIS will mail you a notice telling you when and where your oath ceremony will be. In some cases you will be given your ceremony date the same day you pass your interview exam.

What do I have to take to my oath ceremony?
You must return your Permanent Resident Card to USCIS at check in. The questions on form N-445, which is sent with your oath ceremony date letter, must be filled out before arriving at your oath ceremony, do not sign the form until instructed by an officer the day of your ceremony.

What does the oath require me to say?
I will renounce foreign alligiances
I will support the constitution
I will serve the United States of America

What if I cannot make it to my oath ceremony?
If you cannot go to the oath ceremony, you should return the Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony Form N-445 that USCIS sent you. You should send the N-445 back to your local office. Include a letter saying why you cannot go to the ceremony. Make a copy of the notice and your letter before you send them to USCIS. Your local office will reschedule you and send you a new Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony to tell you when and where your ceremony will be.


Becoming A Citizen

When I become a U.S. Citizen, how does that help my children who are legal permanent residents?
Your children under 18 years of age automatically become citizens. However, you must fill out the N-600 form in order to receive a certificate of citizenship and register the change in their status with the USCIS.

How do I obtain a copy of my citizenship certificate?
You may get a new Certificate of Naturalization by submitting an "Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document" Form N-565. It may take up to a year for you to receive a new certificate. You may use your passport as evidence of citizenship while you wait for a replacement certificate.

Rejected Application

If my application is rejected, can I reapply?
In many cases, you may reapply. If you reapply, you will need to complete and resubmit a new N-400 and pay the fee again. You will also need to have your fingerprints and photographs taken again. If your application is denied, the denial letter should indicate the date you may reapply for citizenship. If you are denied because you failed the English or civics test, you may reapply for naturalization as soon as you believe you have learned enough English or civics to pass the test.