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Please review the Naturalization Process This process may take many months or even over a year to complete from the initial filing until becoming naturalized (a US Citizen) but it is important to know what steps will be required. Step 1: Check the requirements to qualify for US naturalization Step 2: Download and save the N-400 Naturalization Form Step 3: Assemble the US Naturalization (N-400) package using the following checklist: US Naturalization (N-400) Package Checklist Follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here. Include Required Payment: Use a personal check or money order for both the application and biometrics fee (if required). Make sure the check or money order is made out to: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Completed, signed and dated N-400 Form: Be sure that the form is completed and correct to the best of your knowledge. Print, sign and date as required. All applicants must send the following three items with their N-400 application: 1. A photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as the Alien Registration Card or 'Green Card'). If you have lost the card, submit a photocopy of the receipt of your Form I-90, 'Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card'; and 2. Two identical color photographs, with your name and A-number written lightly in pencil on the back of each photo. For details about the photo requirements, see this specification. Do not wear eyeglasses or earrings for the photo. If your religion requires you to wear a head covering, your facial features must still be exposed in the photo for purposes of identification; and 3. A check or money order for the correct application fee and the biometric services fee for fingerprinting. (Applicants 75 years of age or older are exempted from fingerprinting and the biometrics services fee). Write your 'A-number' on the back of the check or money order. Only if required, send copies of the following documents (the USCIS will request originals if needed): If an attorney or accredited representative is acting on your behalf, send: A completed original Form G-28, 'Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative.' If your current legal name is different from the name on your Permanent Resident Card, send: The document(s) that legally changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court document). If you are applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen, send the following four items: 1. Evidence that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the last three years: Birth certificate (if your spouse never lost citizenship since birth), or Naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship, or The inside of the front cover and signature page of your spouse's current U.S. passport, or Form FS-240, 'Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America', and 2. Your current marriage certificate; and 3. Proof of termination of all prior marriages of your spouse-divorce decree(s), annulment(s), or death certificate(s); and 4. Documents referring to you and your spouse: Tax returns, bank accounts, leases, mortgages, or birth certificates of children, or Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-certified copies of the income tax forms that you both filed for the past three years, or An IRS tax return transcript for the last three years. If you were married before, send: Proof that all earlier marriages ended-divorce decree(s), annulments, or death certificates(s); If you were previously in the U.S. military service, send: A completed original Form G-325B, 'Biographic Information.' If you are currently in the U.S. military service and are seeking citizenship based on that service, send: A completed original Form N-426, 'Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service'; and A completed original Form G-325B, 'Biographic Information.' If you have taken any trip outside the United States that lasted six months or more since becoming a Permanent Resident, send evidence that you (and your family) continued to live, work and/or keep ties to the United States, such as: An IRS tax return 'transcript' or an IRS-certified tax return listing tax information for the last five years (or for the last three years if you are applying on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen). Rent or mortgage payments and pay stubs. If you have a dependent spouse or children who do not live with you, send: Any court or government order to provide financial support; and Evidence of your financial support (including evidence that you have complied with any court or government order), such as: Cancelled checks, Money and receipts, A court or agency printout of child support payments, Evidence of wage garnishments, A letter from the parent or guardian who cares for your children. If you answer 'Yes' to any of Questions 1 through 44 in Part 12 of form N-400, send: A written explanation on a separate sheet of paper. If you answer 'No' to any of Questions 45 through 50 in Part 12 of form N-400, send: A written explanation on a separate sheet of paper. If you have ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason, and no charges were filed, send: An original official statement by the arresting agency or applicant court confirming that no charges were filed. If you have ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason, and charges were filed, send: An original or court-certified copy of the complete arrest record and disposition for each incident (dismissal order, conviction record or acquittal order). If you have ever been convicted or placed in an alternative sentencing program or rehabilitative program (such as a drug treatment or community service program), send: 1. An original or court-certified copy of the sentencing record for each incident; and 2. Evidence that you completed your sentence: An original or certified copy of your probation or parole record; or Evidence that you completed an alternative sentencing program or rehabilitative program. If you have ever had any arrest or conviction vacated, set aside, sealed, expunged or otherwise removed from your record, send: An original or court-certified copy of the court order vacating, setting aside, sealing, expunging or otherwise removing the arrest or conviction, or an original statement from the court that no record exists of your arrest or conviction. NOTE: If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime, you may send any countervailing evidence or evidence in your favor concerning the circumstances of your arrest and/or conviction that you would like USCIS to consider. If you have ever failed to file an income tax return since you became a Permanent Resident, send: All correspondence with the IRS regarding your failure to file. If you have any federal, state or local taxes that are overdue, send: 1. A signed agreement from the IRS or state or local tax office showing that you have filed a tax return and arranged to pay the taxes you owe; and 2. Documentation from the IRS or state or local tax office showing the current status of your repayment program. NOTE: You may obtain copies of tax documents and tax information by contacting your local IRS offices, using the Blue Pages of your telephone directory, or through its website at www.irs.gov. If you are applying for a disability exception to the testing requirement, send: An original Form N-648, 'Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions,' completed less than six months ago by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor or licensed clinical psychologist. If you did not register with the Selective Service and you (1) are male, (2) are 26 years old or older, and (3) lived in the United States in a status other than as a lawful nonimmigrant between the ages of 18 and 26, send: A 'Status Information Letter' from the Selective Service (Call 1-847-688-8888 for more information). Step 4: Determine your filing location based on where you live: Check the USCIS N-400 Information Page for the current filing location based on where you live. Step 5: Attach "E-Notification" Form (Optional): Clip a completed G-1145 (E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance), to the first page of your application (on top of the cover page). By completing this form and attaching it, USCIS will send you an email and/or text message to alert you when your application was received. Step 6: Mail the package with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation. Send via USPS: IMPORTANT! Make TWO copies of the entire package before you send it in. This includes money orders or checks too. You want to have a perfect replica of the package you are sending in. All Forms that you submit must be originals with original signatures. Supporting Evidence that you submit may be photocopies. Retain ALL original supporting Evidence since the USCIS has the right to check them by issuing an RFE (Request For Evidence). If you receive an RFE, follow the direction exactly, and make two copies of what you sent back. During any future interviews the USCIS may also want to examine the original supporting evidence.

BE WARNED: You must qualify to file for an I-130 in the US. Not everyone does, and in some cases doing so can be considered fraud and result in being deported and banned from re-entry into the US for a period of time. If you attempt to file and you do not qualify your legal status in the US can be placed in jeopardy. J1 Visa holders will almost always require a waiver and should consult with an immigration lawyer or the USCIS for more information. If you have any doubt, consult an immigration attorney. If your fiance/fiancee came to the US on a tourist visa with the intent of immigration and marriage, and you are not yet married, then he/she should return to his/her home abroad, and the K-1 visa should be filed (using an I-129f) instead of the I-130 to avoid a denial, deportation, or even being banned from re-entry to the US. If you are already married, and your spouse came to the US on a tourist visa with the intent of immigration and marriage, then he/she should return to his/her home abroad, and the I-130 (or along with an I-129f for a K-3 Visa) should be filed with the relative outside of the U.S. to avoid denial, deportation, or even being banned from re-entry to the US. The above conditions are serious and can result in the separation of families for many years if not taken seriously. Download the Following Forms: 1. I-130 2. I-130A 3. I-864 4. I-485 5. I-765 (optional) 6. I-131 (optional) 7. G-1145 (optional) The above forms can be filled out on your computer and printed. Make sure you sign and date them as required. Anything you cannot fit by typing, you can hand-write (very neatly) in black ink in the blank instead. You should always verify the current forms at www.uscis.gov. Assembling the I-130 Package: Checklist Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.): 1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a personal check so you can track the payment. Money Orders are also accepted. Read the Guide to Paying USCIS Immigration Fees. 2. Cover Letter. Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-130), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet. 3. Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative 4. Copy of the Full Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport. This is used to establish citizenship. 5. A copy of petitioner's proof of naturalization. (If applicable) 6. A copy of petitioner's proof of permanent residency. (If applicable) 7. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate and/or passport along with English translation. (If in any language other than English) 8. A certified copy of your certified marriage certificate (again, translated if not in Engligh) 9. A certified official copy of the petitioner's and/or intending immigrant's divorce documents. (If one or both of you have been divorced before) 10. A copy of a prior spouse's death certificate. (If filing for a spouse, and one or both have you were married before, and the prior spouse died) 11. Two passport-type photos (see specification) of the US Citizen. Write the full name on the back of each photo. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Insert Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding I-130. 12. Two passport-type photos (see specification) of the foreign spouse. Write the full name of the beneficiary on the back of each photo. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of (insert name) ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding I-130. 13. Evidence of a bonafide marriage (see note below for what to include) 14. Form I-130A: Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary Evidence of a Bonifide Marriage The USCIS now requires that when filing an I-130 for a spouse that you include evidence of a bonifide marriage. They list examples of acceptable evidence as: 1. Documentation showing joint ownership or property; or 2. A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence; or 3. Documentation showing co-mingling of financial resources; or 4. Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to you, the petitioner, and your spouse together; or 5. Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship (Each affidavit must contain the full nameand address, date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner of beneficiary, if any, and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage); or 6. Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union. Assembling the I-485 Package: Checklist Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.): 1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a personal check so you can track the payment. Money Orders are also accepted. Read the Guide to Paying USCIS Immigration Fees. Be sure to include the payment for both the I-485 and the biometrics fee*. >> The fee for I-485 applications filed on or after July 30th 2007 inlcudes the cost of the I-131 and I-765 (no need to pay for them if filed with or while your I-485 application is pending adjudication -- as long as you paid the "new" rate for the I-485 effective July 30th 2007). 2. Cover Letter. Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-485), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet. 3. Form I-485: Petition for Alien Relative 4. Form I-944 (Declaration of Self-Sufficiency with applicable supporting documents) (no longer required as of March 9, 2021) 5. Copy of the non US Citizen Spouses Passport (biographical page as well as entry stamps). 6. Electronic I-94 Copy or (for older entries) a copy of the non US Citizen Spouses valid paper I-94 (front and back of form) 7. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate along with English translation. (If in any language other than English) 8. A certified copy of your marriage certificate. (If filing for your spouse) 9. A copy of the petitioner's and/or intending immigrant's divorce documents. (If filing for a spouse, and one or both of you have been divorced before) 10. A copy of a prior spouse's death certificate. (If filing for a spouse, and one or both have you were married before, and the prior spouse died) 11. Two passport-type photos (see specification) of the Non US Citizen Spouse. Write the full name on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Insert Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding I-485. 12. I-693, Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status 13. I-864, Affidavit of Support (see poverty limits here) >> Include any additional required supporting documentation 14. I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if you want to work while your application is processed (optional) >> Include any additional required supporting documentation or photos as well as payment per USCIS instructions. 15. I-131, Application for Travel Document, if you need to travel outside the United States while your application is processed (optional) >> Include any additional required supporting documentation or photos as well as payment per USCIS instructions. 16. I-485 Supplement A, and penalty fee if applicable. See 8 CFR 245.10 17. I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Excludability**, if applicable * Fingerprint fee not needed for applicants under 14 ** an I-601 is NO FEE, if, and ONLY if filed WITH an I-485. Later filing DOES require a fee. Whether to file an I-601 is an important decision -- like the J-1, consulation with an attorney is recommended. Add an overall cover page: It is useful to add an overall cover sheet with the description of the package and pertinent information such as the applicants name and address. Make sure the cover sheet indicates the package is an Immediate Relative (Spouse) Family Based Adjustment of Status Application with a concurrent I-130 filing. List the major contents of the package (i.e. I-485 and evidence, I-130 and evidence, I-765, I-131,etc). I-944 (Declaration of Self-Sufficiency) Information: This form is required to be submitted with your I-485 for all applicants, and is in addition to the required I-864 (Affidavit of Support). The supporting documents list is lengthy and includes a tax transcript (not actual tax return) of the U.S. citizen, last foreign tax return filed by the fiancé, asset statements, certificates for any English courses taken, higher education verification, if applicable (including diplomas and equivalency evaluations), and several other onerous requirements. The most troublesome item is the requirement for a U.S. credit bureau credit report, or a letter from a credit bureau stating that no credit report is available. Since most recent immigrants will not have a credit record in the U.S., no credit report will be available, and the 3 credit bureaus have not been issuing letters stating no report is available. Our best advice at this point is to write a letter explaining why no credit report is available. You can find an example of this letter and an example filled out I-944 here. Attach "E-Notification" Form (Optional) Clip a completed G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, to the first page of your application (on top of the cover page). By completing this form and attaching it, USCIS will send you an email and/or text message to alert you when your application was received. Where to File Everything: You should mail the completed form(s) to the USCIS address here (Note the PO Box address for your filing type: Form I-130 with Form I-485). Mail the package with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation. Send via USPS. IMPORTANT! Make TWO copies of the entire package before you send it in. This includes the money orders too. You want to have a perfect replica of the package you are sending in. All Forms that you submit must be originals with original signatures. Supporting Evidence that you submit may be photocopies. Retain ALL original supporting Evidence since the USCIS has the right to check them by issuing an RFE (Request For Evidence). If you receive an RFE, follow the direction exactly, and make two copies of what you sent back. During any future interviews the USCIS may also want to examine the original supporting evidence. After Filing: What to do? Now starts the waiting game. If you filed for an EAD, your spouse will get their Employment Authorization Document approved in 30 to 90 days and will be scheduled to have their picture taken and to have their EAD card issued. After your spouse has received their EAD, the real wait begins. I-485's can take several months to couple years for approval, and often leaves the petitioner feeling completely hopeless of ever receiving approval. DO NOT GIVE UP! Though it seems like forever, the CIS will eventually get to your petitions! Your spouse may also be required to have a medical sometime during the AOS process. The medical must be done by a CIS accredited doctor. Your CIS office should give you a list of CIS accredited doctors in your area, if not check with your local office to get one. The medical exam can cost anywhere from $100-200 dollars, many physicians will not take a check, but only accept cash. Be prepared of the cost before your spouse gets this done. It would be wise to collect their vaccination information before going to the appointment as the doctor will need to have record of them. At the appointment your spouse will be tested for TB, AIDS and Syphilis. If they do the skin test for TB, they will be required to return to the CIS doctors office to have the site checked before they finish the exam paperwork. Note: Some CIS Offices allow you to schedule your appointment when you want, as long as it is done before the AOS appointment, check with your CIS office to see how they handle CIS medical exams before filing your AOS paperwork. Your spouse will be required to have biometrics taken at some point including fingerprints and photo's. This can typically precede the interview date by up to 15 months, however is ussually much closer. Eventually you will receive a letter from the CIS informing you of your interview date. You and your spouse will need to bring supporting evidence of the relationship... i.e. photos, joint checking account, joint lease, joint mortgage, and birth certificates of children if any etc. Also, it is very important to bring the current passport of the applicant, as the CIS will stamp his/her passport with the I-551 stamp if they are approved. This stamp is proof of permanent residency that can be used until they receive their greencard. This normally can take up to six months. The interview is fairly painless and may be video recorded and lasts between 15-30 minutes. NOTE: If you are married less than 2 years, your spouse will have to renew his/her greencard 2 years from issuance by filing the I-751 to remove conditional status.

Preparation: Download the Following Forms: 1. Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5) 2. I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (K-2, K-3, and K-4 Visa Holders Only) The above forms can be filled out on your computer and printed. Make sure you sign and date it as required. Anything you cannot fit by typing, you can handwrite after you print it (very neatly) in black ink instead. Print the following webpage out (K-1 Visa Holder Only😞 >> RM 10211.530 Find your local Social Security Agency (SSA) Office: Click here to Find your SSA Office Reminder: On the visa application Form DS-230, you saw the following offer: "Do you want the Social Security Administration to assign you an SSN (and issue a card) or issue you a new card (if you have an SSN)? You must answer "Yes" to question 43b ("Consent To Disclosure") to receive an SSN and/or card." Please note that this program is ONLY for Immigrant Visa holders (CR-1, etc). If you checked this box, a Social Security number will NOT be generated for you if you are a K-visa holder. As a K-visa holder, use the following guide to get your first, or replacement, Social Security number/card. If you have ever had a Social Security number, that is your number for life; you will need to visit your SSA office to get new card with the same number. The Application Process: :: For K1 Visa Holders :: As a K-1 Visa Holder you are eligible to receive a SSN upon producing a valid I-94 (unexpired). Do not wait until you only have a few weeks left until your I-94 expires to file for a SSN. Many SSA offices will not allow you to file for a SSN if your I-94 is about to expire (generally 14 days prior to the expiration on your I-94). On the other hand, you should also not file for a SSN too soon either. You should wait 2 weeks after you arrived in the US before applying for a SSN. If you go too soon your record of arrival will not be in the SAVE-ASVI system yet, and it will require manual verification from the USCIS. As this will add weeks to the period it takes to process the SSN, it is advisable to attempt to wait the two weeks to be safe. If you have waited the 2 weeks and they tell you they can not verify you arrival record via the SAVE database, you may allow them to to process it (but remember the potential delay for manual verifications). You can ask if they will check the computer again for you in a few days or return personally to have them look again -- thus eliminating the manual verification. The manual verification will require the SSA office to file a G-845 with the USCIS. To apply for a SSN you will need to go to your local SSA office and bring the documents below. These documents are proof of your eligibility to file for a SSN: 1. The SS-5 form you downloaded and filled out (they have some at the office if you forget). 2. your Passport (with the K-1 Visa in it) 3. your valid I-94: Electronic I-94 Copy; or (for older entries) an original (and bring a front/backside copy) of a valid paper I-94 4. another form of valid ID (as defined in the SS-5 instructions) 5. You should also bring the document RM 10211.530 that you printed out Make sure to bring all the documents above because some offices have staff that are not aware that a K-1 Visa Holder is eligible to file for a SSN. A friendly reminder is a nice thing to have -- if not you could be turned away incorrectly. Once you have successfully applied for your SSN, the SSN card will come in the mail in about 2 weeks. You can check on the status of the SSN application and/or often get the SSN in advance by returning in person (try calling) to the SSA office. If you need your SSN before it arrives in the mail you may ask them for an SSA-7028, Notice to Third Party of Social Security Number Assignments, to be sent to your employer or other interested third party once a SSN has been assigned. Your card, when you receive it, will be marked with the words "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION" indicating to an employer that you must also have an unexpired EAD to be eligible to work. :: For K2, K3, K4 Visa Holders :: As a holder of a K2, K3 or K4 visa you must first have an EAD from the USCIS. You will be required to show this to the SSA agency to be eligible to receive a SSN. To apply for a SSN you will need to go to your local SSA office and bring: 1. The SS-5 form you downloaded and filled out (they have some at the office if you forget). 2. Passport (with the K-2, K-3, or K-4 Visa in it) 3. your valid I-94: Electronic I-94 Copy; or (for older entries) an original (and bring a front/backside copy) of a valid paper I-94 4. another form of valid ID (as defined in the SS-5 instructions) 5. A valid EAD Only persons age 12 and older must apply in person. A derivitive visa beneficiary (K2 for example) may elect to have their parent (the K1 for example) apply on their behalf (they will still need all the required documents). The SSA will most likely need to verify the validity of the EAD and will make a copy to send to the USCIS as part of the SSN processing. Once they verify the EAD you will receive your SSN card in the mail. You can check on the status of your SSN application and/or often get the SSN in advance by returning in person to the SSA office. If you need your SSN before it arrives in the mail you may ask them for an SSA-7028, Notice to Third Party of Social Security Number Assignments, to be sent to your employer or other interested third party once a SSN has been assigned. Your card, when you receive it, will be marked with the words "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION" indicating to an employer that you must also have an unexpired EAD to be eligible to work.