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The citizenship process

Are you interested in becoming a U.S. citizen? This section walks you through the process. Start here, then go to our FAQ for detailed answers to common questions.

Citizenship eligibility

For detailed information about the citizenship process, including requirements, forms and instructions, see the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Citizenship first steps

MIRA provides FREE citizenship application assistance, overseen by an experienced legal team. The vast majority of our clients complete their N-400 form at one of our citizenship clinics, but we strongly encourage everyone to call us several days in advance, so we can review your information, screen you for potential issues, and go over the requirements. How to reach us:

Voice or text: (617) 681-5480

Voice only: (617) 350-5480, ext. 200.

Leave a voicemail message; we promise to get back to you promptly!

Before you come into MIRA, you will need to compile several important documents to prove your identity and your eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship. Below is a checklist with some of the documents you will need to provide:

  • Your permanent resident card (green card)
  • Your passport or other photo ID
  • Your Social Security card
  • A list of your home addresses for the past 5 years and the dates when you lived at each of them
  • A list of your employers for the past 5 years, with their addresses and dates when you worked there
  • Dates when you have been outside the U.S. for the past 5 years and countries you have traveled to
  • Names, dates of birth, and addresses for all your children under the age of 18
  • If applying based on marriage: names, dates of birth, marriage and, if relevant, divorce dates for your current and past spouses and your current spouse’s past spouses

If you think you may be eligible for a fee waiver (for low-income applicants), we will need a copy of your most recent tax returns, and/or your MassHealth or other benefit cards.

If you are not eligible for a fee waiver or reduced fee, you will need to pay for the application. We will let you know the application fee amount.

At MIRA, trained volunteers will review all your documents and fill out the application with you. It will take a couple of hours, but the goal is to have a completed application by the time you leave. A MIRA lawyer or DOJ accredited representative will then review your paperwork. If there are any concerns, we will call you. If it’s all set, we’ll mail it to USCIS for you.

Citizenship-process

USCIS will acknowledge your application and let you know if you qualified for a fee waiver. Then you’ll be scheduled for two appointments:

  • Biometrics: 1–2 months after you apply, USCIS will send you a date, time and location to go have your fingerprints taken.
  • Interview and citizenship test: 3–8 months after you apply, you will be scheduled for an interview at USCIS, where you will have to demonstrate your knowledge of basic English (unless you’re older and qualify for an exemption; see our FAQ) and U.S. civics.

The citizenship interview

The examiner will ask you questions about your N-400 application and test your English language skills and knowledge of U.S. history and government. We recommend that you take a citizenship class and/or English class to ensure that you’re well prepared!

If you qualify for a language waiver, you must bring your own interpreter.

You can ask the examiner to:

  • Repeat any question you did not understand
  • Speak with a supervisor if you think an examiner has been unfair
  • State his/her name and title

If you do not pass the English or the U.S. history and government section, you will be given a second exam in 90 days.

Once you’ve passed the interview and citizenship test, USCIS will send you a notification that your application was approved. You will then be scheduled for your oath ceremony, usually 1–2 months after your successful interview.

The oath ceremony

In this ceremony you will:

  • Promise to be loyal to the United States
  • Receive your naturalization certificate

If you are sick or disabled, you may be able to take the oath in your house or hospital. Otherwise, enjoy the experience! We register thousands of newly sworn-in U.S. citizens to vote every year, and they radiate joy and pride.

Make sure your naturalization certificate does not have any mistakes! If it does, let USCIS know right away before you leave your ceremony.

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