Continuous Residence for five years is required in most cases to apply to become a U.S. citizen. This requires physical residence for 30 months and 18 months if the applicant is married to an U.S. citizen. In preparation for the process, prospective applicants must begin by going through 'A Guide to Naturalization' (M-476). The Guide has an Eligibility Worksheet which can be completed to identify whether all requirements for citizenship are met by the applicant. Then, the form for application can be downloaded from www.uscis.gov.

The form for applying for becoming a U.S. citizen is the N-400. The form must be filled and sent to the relevant Service Center. After receiving an appointment letter, the applicant will need to visit a Biometrics location and get their Biometrics taken. The next stage comprises of waiting for an appointment letter for an interview. The interview will include English and Civics tests.

Then, the applicant has to wait to receive a ceremony card. During the ceremony, the applicant will have to return their Permanent Resident Card. In the ceremony, the applicant will take the Oath of Allegiance which will then be followed by issuance of the Certificate of Naturalization.

In order for an immigrant to become a US citizen they must follow the Pathway to U.S. Citizenship. This entails following the process to naturalization. The first step is to file an application for naturalization. To do this they all must demostrate they have continuously been a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States for at least five years (3 years if they meet all criteria for eligibility and are a spouse of a US citizen). They will have to have lived within the State they are fiing in for at least three months. THey have to demostrate that they are of good moral character and that they are morally attached to the principles and ideals of the US Constitution. They must demostrate the ability to write, read, speak, and understand basic English. Successfully complete a naturalization interview. Pass a basic knowlege test of U.S. history, government, and civic principles. Finally, take an oath of allegiance to the United States.

To assist with preparation for Naturalization there are several materials available on civic lessons, vocabulary, and the interview process. The civics test is broken out into three sections. The first and largest pertains to the American Government, which includes Principles of American Democracy, System of Government, and Rights and Responsibilities. The second section is Integrated Civics. This consists of three sections on Geography, Symbols, and Holidays. The third section id American History. This consists of Colonial Period and Independence, 1800's, and Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information.

The English test is broken out into three sections: An oral test to assess the applicants ability to speak and understand English. A reading vocabulary test and a writing vocabulary test.