Hi, my name is Jacob Sapochnick and I'm an immigration attorney based in San Diego, California.
We've done several videos about the citizenship process, the qualifications, and the requirements.
But in this particular video, I wanted to explain exactly what happens when you apply
for citizenship.
We get a lot of questions from our clients and our website visitors wanting to know exactly
what is involved once you actually filed for citizenship.
Well, first of all, before the person is going to file for citizenship, they need to verify
whether they qualify.
And we've done several videos about the qualifications.
I'm not going to cover them now.
Once you determine that you qualify, the first thing you have to do is complete the N-400
application form.
It's a pretty complex application because it involves several elements.
First of all, they want to verify your biographic information, whether you actually reside in
the jurisdiction, in the US before applying for your application.
And another element of that form questions your physical and continuous presence in the
US.
They will ask you about your trips in the US, outside of the US.
They will ask you about the length of time where you resided in the actual location to
determine whether you met those requirements.
Another important part of that form is your criminal background.
If a person commits any crimes, if a person was convicted of any felonies, violations
of law.
They want to determine whether you meet the moral character required for citizenship.
And those are things that are part of the qualifications, but it's also on that form.
And finally, the form will allow you to change your name.
So, if you have a desire to change your name from your current name, you will be able to
do it on that form for free.
And also verify that at an interview with the officer.
So once you've completed the form and you pay the filing fee... the current filing fee
is $680 as of November 2012.
Once you pay the filing fee, you mail the application to the correct location, to the
USCIS and it's clearly indicated on the form where to mail it.
The next step, once the application is filed, immigration will send the applicant an invitation
to appear for a biometrics appointment.
In that appointment, they will take your fingerprints, they take a picture and they're going to check
whether you have any violations that will preclude you from becoming a US citizen.
After the biometrics appointment, the next step that is going to be is the appointment
for the actual test.
Now, a very important thing that will happen in the biometrics appointment is that you
will actually receive a packet with a CD from the government.
It will contain all the questions for your interview and you'll be able to study for
it.
Once you study for the interview, you get the appointment for the actual interview.
Probably a couple of months after your fingerprints appointment.
At the interview, the officer will go through the form, verify the information is correct,
ask you a few questions about the form, verify that there's nothing has changed since you
applied.
And if something has changed, you have to absolutely verify that and then they'll administer
the test.
The test consists of a written test of one sentence to verify your writing English, verbal
tests, asking questions, 10 questions.
From the list of questions you have to answer six correct.
And also they're gonna verify your level of English.
Once you pass the test, the officer will tell you, you passed and they're going to give
you a confirmation that you've passed.
The next step will be the oath ceremony.
Typically, it happens a month after the interview or when the next available oath ceremony depending
on every state and city.
And that's it.
So once you schedule for the oath ceremony, you show up, you take the oath.
And at that moment, you surrender the green card and you get a certificate of naturalization.
On that day, you're able to apply for a US passport and start your life as a US citizen.
If you have any questions about this process or any confusion, feel free to email us or
give us a call and wish you all the best in your citizenship application.