Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization brings with it certain benefits, but you are going to have to take a number of important steps before you are able to make permanent citizenship a reality. You are going to need to meet certain eligibility requirements, for example, and you must also go through a 10-step naturalization process before you are able to officially become a U.S. citizen.
According to USA.gov, the first step involved in becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is figuring out whether you are, in fact, eligible to move forward in your pursuit of citizenship. To meet eligibility requirements for citizenship, you must be at least 18 years of age, and you must be a person who has strong moral character.
You must also have held a green card for at least five years, although three years is sufficient if you are filing for citizenship as a spouse of an existing citizen. You also need to demonstrate an ability to speak, read and write using basic English before you are able to move forward with the process.
If you determine that you are eligible for citizenship through naturalization, you are going to need to take part in a 10-step naturalization process. Part of the process entails preparing and submitting the Form N-400, which is the official application for naturalization. You are also going to have to take and pass a U.S. Naturalization Test and take part in a personal interview as part of the process. Find more about obtaining citizenship through naturalization and other immigration topics on our webpage.