From Wiki

• "Naturalization is commonly referred to as the manner in which a person not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen."

The multi-language 'A Guide to Naturalization' is the official word from USCIS and is a downloadable document to help you prepare for naturalization to US Citizenship. Everyone should read this through completely. Remember that form fees and mailing instructions change before the Guide or the forms. ALWAYS check the form download page at uscis.gov for up to date forms, fees and mailing instructions!

Contents 1 General Naturalization Requirements 2 Naturalization: Waivers, Exceptions, and Special Cases 3 When does my time as a Permanent Resident begin? 4 Physical Presence Is Important! 5 Tip 6 Fun! 7 A MUST read:

[edit] General Naturalization Requirements

Please read the above page for the basics regarding how long you must live in the US as a Permanent Resident and the other conditions you must meet before lodging your application. In general, you must be a US Permanent Resident for five years before you can become a US citizen.

You may apply in the 90 days before you become eligible; IE: if you will have your 5th anniversary as a Permanent Resident (Green Card) on March 15, 2008 and you otherwise qualify, you could submit your application as early as December 16, 2007. Use a 'date calculator' like this one to make sure you do not apply too early.

[edit] Naturalization: Waivers, Exceptions, and Special Cases

Family Members of U.S. Citizens, Spouses of U.S. Citizens Waiver for Spouses: 3 years instead of 5

In general, if you have been a Permanent Resident for three years and have been married to and living in a valid marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse for all three years AND you meet the other criteria (Residence and Physical Presence, Good Moral Character, Language etc), you are eligible for naturalization.

So called "Conditional Permanent Residents" are Permanent Residents nonetheless.

[edit] When does my time as a Permanent Resident begin?

Your time as a Permanent Resident begins on the date you were granted permanent resident status. This date is on your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as Alien Registration Card) aka your Green Card.

[edit] Physical Presence Is Important!

An applicant is eligible to file if, immediately preceding the filing of the application, he or she:

• Has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (see preceding section);
  

• Has resided continuously as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 5 years prior to filing with no single absence from the United States of more than one year;
  

• Has been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the previous five years (absences of more than six months but less than one year shall disrupt the applicant's continuity of residence unless the applicant can establish that he or she did not abandon his or her residence during such period)
  

• Has resided within a state or district for at least three months

(for spouses of US Citizens filing under the "3 year" exception rule, change all "5 year" notes to 3 years, and note that the physical presence requirement changes from 30 months in 5 years, to 18 months in 3 years)

There are also exceptions for lawful permanent residents married to U.S. citizens stationed or employed abroad. Some lawful permanent residents may not have to comply with the residence or physical presence requirements when the U.S. citizen spouse is employed by one of the following:" See the Naturalization: Waivers, Exceptions, and Special Cases page.

[edit] Tip

From the day you become a Permanent Resident, start keeping track of ALL dates spent out of the USA, including departure and return dates of travel. This is true for both business or leisure travel. Keep this list in one place, where it is easy for you to get at, and it will make completing N-400 much, much easier! This is an especially good idea for Canadians who cross the border a lot. Everyone should save whatever travel documentation available should it be required.

Special rules for children. Please see this page for Children's Citizenship information: Citizenship of Children.

Information for Military Personnel and their families: Naturalization Information for Military Personnel

[edit] Fun!

Study materials in many languages, Flash Cards and test questions: Civics and Citizenship Study Materials

100 Sample U.S. History Questions with Answers

These include the actual interview questions. Applicants should know all 100 questions, although a random 10 are selected and asked in the interview. Double check to see if you will be using the new Civics test questions.

[edit] A MUST read:

Dual Citizenship FAQ Dual Nationality and United States Law by Rich Wales

http://www.richw.org/dualcit/

Read here before you swear: Oath of Allegiance for Naturalized Citizens