How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship

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1. Make sure you qualify. (If you've been a permanent resident for 5 years you probably qualify. For more details, check here.)
2. Pick up an USCIS citizenship application at the reference desk, or on the internet: http://www.uscis.gov/n-400
3. Fill in the "N-400" application. Make a copy to keep for yourself. If you need help with the application, see the ESL Coordinator.
4. Put the application in a big envelope with:
   • A copy of your green card (both sides!)
   • A check or money order for $675 Make it out to "USCIS" Note: If you are 75 or older, you do not have to pay the $80 fingerprinting fee, so you only have to send $595.
   • 2 "passport style" (front-view) photos. You can get them taken at a photo store or copy shop.
   Send it all to:
   USCIS Vermont Service Center
   Attention N-400 Unit
   75 Lower Weldon St.
   St. Albans VT 05479-0001
   
5. After a few weeks, you will get a letter from USCIS that tells you that they received your application. Later you'll get another letter that tells you when and where to get your fingerprints taken (but if you are 75 or older you can skip this step).
6. After several more months, you will get a letter from USCIS telling you when to go to Boston for your interview. To prepare for your interview, you should study the list of U.S. history & government questions and make sure that you can say and write all of the vocabulary words on the list. If you want more background on U.S. history and government, you can check out textbooks from the "Citizenship" section at the ESL Center or ask for a volunteer tutor. You can also sign up for a “practice interview,” with the coordinator.
7. At the Oath Ceremony, you will become a U.S. citizen. They will give you a certificate, so you have proof of citizenship. You can use your certificate to:
   • Register to vote: The library has an easy one-page form. We can help you to fill it out if you like.
   • Get a U.S. passport for yourself or for your children (sons and daughters who are under 18, unmarried, and living in the U.S. automatically become citizens when their parents are sworn in): You can apply for a passport at the Clerk's Office at Amherst Town Hall. You can also get a naturalization certificate for your children from USCIS, but this takes longer and costs more. A passport is just as good as proof of citizenship.
   • Apply for immigrant visas so that your close relative can join you in the U.S.
   If you have questions that are not answered on this page, contact Lynne at the ESL Office.

Please keep in mind that immigration procedures are complex and can change from time to time. We have tried to provide general information in simple terms, however, we are not immigration law experts. Check with the US Citizenship & Immigration Service, immigrant advocacy groups, an immigration lawyer, or your congressional office for help concerning existing naturalization procedures, as well as concerns about future changes in the process.