How to Become a US Citizen: A Clear, Practical Guide for Immigrants

For immigrants, becoming a US citizen is about much more than paperwork. It is about stability, opportunity, and finally having a full voice in the country you call home. While the naturalization process can feel intimidating at first, knowing the steps involved and getting expert assistance can make your experience more successful.

Obstáculos actuales para obtener la ciudadanía

Because of current White House administration policies that often seek to deter and persecute immigrants rather than helping them obtain citizenship, the naturalization process is now more challenging than it has been in previous years. Here are some of the current barriers to citizenship for immigrants in the United States.

Un proceso largo, complejo y costoso

Para la mayoría de los inmigrantes, el camino hacia la ciudadanía implica múltiples pasos complejos, como establecer la residencia permanente legal, cumplir con los requisitos de elegibilidad y navegar por el proceso de solicitud, las entrevistas y las pruebas. Estos pueden ser largos, complicados y, a menudo, costosos.

Evaluaciones más estrictas del “buen carácter moral”

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented stricter policies for assessing “good moral character,” a key requirement for naturalization. This could lengthen processing times and give officers greater discretion in denying applications.

Requisitos más estrictos para el examen de ciudadanía

Recent changes to the civics test required for naturalization have increased the difficulty of the exam and expanded the number of questions applicants must answer, creating a higher bar to pass this core step in the citizenship process.

Políticas que afectan el estatus legal y el acceso a la ciudadanía

Los cambios generales en la política migratoria han creado obstáculos para obtener la residencia permanente legal, visas temporales y el acceso a la ciudadanía estadounidense, incluyendo una tramitación más lenta y un mayor escrutinio de los antecedentes de los solicitantes.

Cada uno de estos factores contribuye a que el camino sea más difícil e incierto para los inmigrantes que buscan obtener la ciudadanía estadounidense.

Lo que pueden hacer los inmigrantes

The US government provides clear guidance on the naturalization process, and many community organizations are available to help along the way, including trusted nonprofits such as Michigan United.

Cómo solicitar la ciudadanía estadounidense

Here’s the step-by-step process for applying to become a US citizen.

Paso uno: asegúrate de que cumples los requisitos

Before you apply for citizenship, you must confirm that you meet the basic eligibility requirements for naturalization. Most applicants must:

Tener al menos 18 años.
Ser residente permanente legal con una tarjeta verde.
Haber vivido en los Estados Unidos como residente permanente durante al menos cinco años, o tres años si está casado con un ciudadano estadounidense.
Tener residencia continua y presencia física en los Estados Unidos.
Demostrar buena conducta moral.
Ser capaz de leer, escribir y hablar inglés básico, con algunas excepciones.
Tener conocimientos adecuados sobre la historia y el gobierno de los Estados Unidos.

Algunos solicitantes pueden tener derecho a exenciones o adaptaciones, como las personas mayores o las personas con determinadas discapacidades.

Paso dos: Complete el formulario N-400.

The formal application for citizenship is Form N-400, or the Application for Naturalization. Applicants can file online or submit a paper application by mail.

El formulario solicita información detallada sobre su historial de residencia, empleo, familia y viajes fuera de los Estados Unidos. El Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos (USCIS) hace hincapié en la precisión y la honestidad, ya que las inconsistencias pueden retrasar el procesamiento o dar lugar a preguntas adicionales más adelante. Antes de enviar su formulario, es útil reunir documentos de respaldo, como copias de su tarjeta de residencia, registros fiscales y cualquier documento relevante de matrimonio o divorcio.

Paso tres: Paga la cuota de solicitud o solicita una exención.

La tarifa estándar para solicitar la naturalización es de varios cientos de dólares, aunque las cantidades exactas pueden variar. Por ejemplo, en agosto de 2025 era de $760.

If paying the full fee poses a hardship, some applicants may qualify for a fee reduction or waiver based on income or participation in public assistance programs.

Paso cuatro: Acuda a su cita para la toma de datos biométricos

After the USCIS receives your application, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, the USCIS collects fingerprints, photographs, and a signature for background and security checks. This step is routine and usually brief, but it is required before moving forward in the process. Btw, the photo taken here will be used on your naturalization certificate.

Paso cinco: Prepárate para la entrevista y las pruebas

The naturalization interview is one of the most important steps, so it is important to prepare thoroughly. During the interview, a USCIS officer will review your application and ask questions to confirm your eligibility. You will also take two tests as part of your naturalization exam:

Una prueba de inglés que abarca expresión oral (no se trata de una prueba específica, sino que se evalúa a lo largo de la entrevista), lectura (3 oportunidades para leer una frase en voz alta) y expresión escrita (3 oportunidades para escribir una frase dictada).
Una prueba de educación cívica sobre la historia y el gobierno de los Estados Unidos (el solicitante debe responder correctamente a 12 de las 20 preguntas; la prueba finaliza cuando se responde correctamente a la duodécima pregunta).

If you do not pass one portion of the test the first time, the USCIS allows a second attempt, which reduces pressure for many applicants. Note: the officer conducting the interview does not make the final decision, only a recommendation. Some officers will tell you what their recommendation is, others will say, “I cannot make a decision in your case today”.

People who are 50 years old+ AND who have been a lawful permanent resident for 20+ years at the time of filing are exempt from the English and literacy requirements (and do NOT take an equivalent in their own language). The same applies to people who are 55 years old and have been residents for 15 years. These people may also take an interpreter to the interview (family members are not recommended as they may be rejected by the USCIS officer on the basis of ethical conflict).

Also, people who have a chronic physical, mental or developmental disability can have their doctor or psychologist complete form N-648 explaining how they are incapable of learning English or the civics test. This is very difficult to obtain, and does not apply to an applicant merely because they have high blood pressure or a broken leg.

Paso seis: Recibir la decisión y prestar juramento

After the interview, the USCIS will issue a decision. If approved, the final step is attending a naturalization ceremony and taking the Oath of Allegiance, at which point immigrants officially become US citizens. Once the oath is complete, new citizens receive a Certificate of Naturalization and gain full rights, including voting and eligibility for certain federal jobs.

Cómo obtener ayuda

While it is possible to apply for citizenship on your own, many immigrants choose to work with nonprofits that offer legal services, citizenship classes, and application support. These organizations help applicants understand requirements, avoid common mistakes, and feel confident walking into interviews and tests.

Michigan United es un claro ejemplo de este apoyo comunitario. A través de sus servicios legales y clases de ciudadanía, la organización ayuda a los inmigrantes a preparar solicitudes, estudiar para los exámenes de educación cívica y navegar por el proceso de naturalización con claridad y dignidad. Para los inmigrantes que desean orientación confiable y apoyo culturalmente sensible, los programas de ciudadanía sin fines de lucro pueden convertir un proceso complejo en un viaje manejable y empoderador hacia la plena participación en la vida cívica estadounidense.

Obtenga ayuda para convertirse en ciudadano estadounidense con Michigan United

Michigan United is a broad, statewide coalition working to reform our broken health care and immigration systems, protect our environment, end mass incarceration, and make essential services accessible to all.

Our citizenship classes are at the heart of our mission. Our team is dedicated to helping immigrants obtain citizenship, affording them essential rights and protections enjoyed by US citizens.

Through our citizenship classes and English classes, we equip adult immigrants with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the naturalization exam. By doing so, we aim to help them secure full US citizenship so they can access valuable rights and protections such as voting, federal job opportunities, retirement security, education options, and active participation in civic life.

Join us in our quest to create a more just and inclusive society for all. You can do this in whichever way works best for you. You can also join us as a Michigan United member or donate today!