Naturalization Attorneys in Annandale

Eligibility For Naturalization

All the following general requirements must be met to become a U.S. citizen:

• You are at least 18 years of age at the time of filing (except active duty members of the U.S. armed forces)
• You are a permanent resident of the U.S. for a required period of time
• You have lived within the state or USCIS district where you can claim residence for at least 3 months prior to filing the application
• You have demonstrated physical presence within the U.S. for a required period of time
• You have demonstrated continuous residence for a required period of time
• You demonstrate strong moral character
• You demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution
• You possess the ability to read, write and speak basic English
• You possess a general understanding of U.S. history and government (civic knowledge)
• You take an oath of allegiance to the United States of America

One may also qualify for naturalization through other paths if he/she does not qualify through meeting the above requirements. An individual may already be a U.S. citizen if their biological or adoptive parents were naturalized before the individual reached 18 years of age.

The Naturalization Test

An individual who wishes to become a U.S. citizen must take an English and civics test to fulfill one of the requirements for becoming fully naturalized. Those who qualify for an exemption are not required to take the test if they are given a waiver.

Oral Test

A USCIS officer will determine the quality of an applicant’s spoken english during their eligibility interview from the naturalization application Form N-400.

Reading Test

An applicant must correctly read aloud one of three English sentences to demonstrate their abilities to read and understand English. The USCIS compiles a list of common reading test vocabulary words to help applicants study for the reading portion of the naturalization test.

Writing Test

An applicant must correctly write one of three English sentences to demonstrate their abilities to write in English. The USCIS compiles a list of vocabulary words to help applicants study for the written portion of the naturalization test

Civics Test

The naturalization test contains 100 civics questions. During a naturalization interview, the applicant is asked a maximum of 10 questions out of a list of 100 questions. The applicant must correctly answer 6 out of the 10 question set to pass the civics portion of the test.

Benefits Of Becoming a U.S. Citizen

• Secure the right to vote
• Reunite family in the U.S.
• Obtain citizenship for children born abroad
• Ability to travel without restriction across U.S. borders
• Collect U.S. federal benefits
• Gain federal employment
• Gain elected representation in U.S. government