Certificate of Naturalization in the US
Why is it important to get a Certificate of Naturalization if I already have a green card?
Permanent residency in the United States (commonly referred to as a “green card”) is a great way to start your life in the US. However, our recommendation to any green card holder who meets the following conditions is to apply for naturalization approval.
Why apply for citizenship when green card holders have permanent resident status – they can live and work in the US and enjoy most of the rights of a US citizen? To begin with, holding a green card does not provide you with the same legal rights as a US citizen. Some examples of the differences are as follows:
- Unlike US citizens, green card holders are not guaranteed protection from deportation.
- Green card holders need to live in the US to maintain their resident status, while US citizens can live anywhere in the world.
- As a green card holder, it is more difficult to bring relatives to the US. While you can extend a green card to parents or siblings, married adult offspring born outside the US will not have the option to receive a green card through their connection to you. US citizens do not face this restriction.
- Green card holders do not have a US passport, which currently allows entry to over 180 countries – including those that are not open to holders of an Israeli passport alone.
- Green card holders do not have voting rights, cannot run for political office, or work for the federal government.
- Green cards must be renewed every 10 years.
As a US citizen, you will receive all legal rights and full protections under US law – rights and protections that green card holders do not fully enjoy.
It is important to note that a person who naturalizes in the US does not necessarily lose their citizenship in their country of birth: US law does not prohibit holding dual citizenship or require a person to choose one citizenship over another. Israeli citizens or those with multiple other citizenships will not be required to give up their connection to their home country to obtain US citizenship.
How to apply for US citizenship as a green card holder?
The naturalization application form to be submitted to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is called N-400, Application for Naturalization. The form can be submitted online or by mail, up to 90 calendar days before meeting the requirements described below.
Can you apply for a green card (and later, for naturalization) based on marriage?
Foreign nationals married to a US citizen or permanent resident in the US may receive a green card based on marriage. The process of obtaining a green card is often long and time-consuming, but significantly shorter in cases where the application is submitted by a spouse who is a US citizen, compared to applications submitted by a spouse who only holds a green card. Spouses of US citizens can apply for US citizenship as soon as three years after obtaining the green card, as described below.
What conditions must a green card holder meet to be eligible for naturalization in the US?
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- A green card holder can submit a naturalization application after five years of residence in the US. During this period, it is highly recommended to spend at least 50% of each calendar year in the US – otherwise, the authorities may decide that your “center of life” is not in the US. It is important to maintain residence in the US until you complete the process and receive your naturalization certificate.
- Those married to a US citizen and obtained their green card through marriage can apply for citizenship after only three years of marriage (the spouse must have been a US citizen before the marriage). During these three years, staying outside the US for more than 18 months is prohibited. It is recommended to reside in the US for most of this time.
- Must reside in the same US state where you are applying for citizenship for at least 3 months before submitting the application.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in English – speaking, writing, and reading.
- Show basic knowledge of US history and government (citizenship classes). You must pass a test that assesses both your English proficiency and your knowledge of US history.
- Exceptions to these conditions and additional information can be found in the Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet Instructions.
Criminal background and immigration history:
Part of the naturalization process includes a thorough check of immigration history and any criminal background in the US and abroad. A criminal background in the US means not only convictions in court but also includes arrests or charges brought against you (even if the charges were eventually dropped). When the USCIS checks the applicant’s immigration history, they will look for things like overstaying your visa terms, working illegally (or even suspicion of working without a visa), sham marriages, and illegal border crossings into the US. If you have any criminal background, it is very important to check this with an American immigration lawyer before submitting the N-400 application.
What happens after submitting the application?
- Biometrics – Unless your fingerprints were taken in a previous immigration application, you will need to provide biometric data.
- Interview and tests – The (almost) final step before receiving the naturalization certificate is an interview with a USCIS officer, who will ask questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and citizenship test.
- Oath of Allegiance – After successfully completing all the aforementioned steps, you will be invited to take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. After declaring your loyalty to the United States, you will be considered an American citizen and receive the coveted naturalization certificate.
Is a Certificate of Naturalization the same as a Certificate of Citizenship?
No. Although both certificates are legal proof of holding US citizenship, a Certificate of Naturalization is issued to foreign nationals who chose to voluntarily become US citizens through the naturalization process, while a Certificate of Citizenship is issued to Americans who acquired their US citizenship through their parents.
What details are included in the Certificate of Naturalization?
The Certificate of Naturalization includes the following details about the foreign national who acquired US citizenship through naturalization:
- USCIS registration number – also known as A-number;
- Full name;
- Marital status;
- Place of residence;
- Previous country of citizenship;
- Photograph;
- Applicant’s signature;
- Additional details: gender, date of birth, and height.
The certificate also contains other formal information, such as certificate number, issue date, and a declaration from the USCIS director, certifying that the applicant has met all eligibility requirements for naturalization under US law.
How can a naturalized citizen obtain a US passport upon completing the naturalization process?
One of the first steps you will likely want to take as a US citizen is obtaining a US passport. To do this, you will need to submit form DS-11 and provide proof of US citizenship, which you can do with the Certificate of Naturalization. You will also need to present your ID and photo, as detailed on the US State Department website.
Start your naturalization process by contacting a knowledgeable and experienced attorney
Since so many people want to become US citizens, US authorities thoroughly scrutinize every application. Therefore, it is highly recommended to use the services of a skilled and experienced lawyer in the field to represent you before the federal immigration authorities.
Our law firm, with offices in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, specializes in US immigration law, and our dedicated immigration team will be happy to assist you with your US naturalization application.
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