NRILinks Immigration
Application Process

Following are some steps involved in becoming an American Citizen:

1. Read A Guide to Naturalization

2. Complete the Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet
The Eligibility Worksheet will help you decide if you are eligible to apply for naturalization. You do not need to send the completed worksheet to INS. This worksheet is only for you to decide if you should apply for naturalization.

3. Obtain an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400)
At your interview you will be required to answer questions about your application form.

4. Get two photographs taken
Include two color photographs with your application taken within 30 days of the date they are sent to INS. Don’t forget to print your name and "A"- number lightly in pencil on the back of each photograph. For more information on the photograph requirements refer to A Guide to Naturalization.

5. Collect the necessary documents to include with your application

6. Send your application, documents, and fee ($225.00) to the appropriate Service Center (Please verify with the INS for the correct mailing address)

If you live in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, or Texas, mail the petition to:

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

If you live in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia or West Virginia, mail the petition to:

USINS Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-9400

If you live in Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, or Nevada, mail the petition to:

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

If you live in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin or Wyoming, mail the petition to:

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

7. Getting Fingerprints
Once you have filed your application with INS, you will receive a letter from INS telling you where and when to have your fingerprints taken.

8. Being Interviewed
While the FBI is checking your background, INS will be locating your immigration file. Once everything is ready, INS will schedule you for an interview. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you when and where you must appear for an interview. To make sure you get your interview notice, you must notify INS every time your address changes. To report a change-of-address, naturalization applicants should call INS service center

9. After your interview, your application for citizenship will be granted, denied, or continued.

10. Taking the Oath
If INS approves your application for naturalization, you must attend a ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. INS will notify you by mail of the time and date of your ceremony. Once you have taken the Oath, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

11. Obtaining a U.S. Passport
You can obtain a U.S. passport soon after your naturalization ceremony. A passport serves as evidence of citizenship and is easier to carry around than a Certificate of Naturalization. In addition if you lose your Certificate of Naturalization, it can take up to one year to receive a new one. You can often get an application for a passport at your oath ceremony or at most post offices.