U.S. Naturalization

Read Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

1. How is the U.S. Citizenship Acquired?

U.S. citizenship can be acquired (1) by birth or (2) through naturalization.


2. What is “Naturalization”?

Naturalization is the process through which foreign nationals, not born in the U.S., acquire U.S. citizenship.


3. How Can a Foreign National Become a Naturalized Citizen?

If a foreign national is not a U.S. citizen by birth or did not acquire/derive US citizenship automatically after birth, he may still be eligible to become a citizen through the naturalization process. Eligible persons use the “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400) to apply for naturalization.


4. Where Should the Naturalization Application be Filed?

Applicants should send their completed “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400) to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox Facility that serves their area of residence.


5. How Long Will it Take to Become Naturalized?

The time it takes to be naturalized varies by location. USCIS is continuing to modernize and improve the naturalization process and would like to decrease the time it takes to an average of 3 to 6 months after the Form N-400 is filed.