Becoming a U.S. Citizen: Your Citizenship Application Packet

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a long and stressful ordeal, but once it’s over, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits that U.S. citizenship has to offer. First, however, you’ll need to assemble your citizenship application packet for submission to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services). The most important things to include in this packet are your Form N-400 and your cover letter, but these items are also necessary to complete your citizenship application packet.

Your Citizenship Application Packet: Payment

You’ll want to submit your application fee payment with your application packet rather than separately so that it has less of a chance of getting lost. USCIS receives thousands of applications each month, so make it as easy as possible for them to keep it all together. The current fee is $320 plus $70 for fingerprints. The fingerprint fee does not apply if you are over the age of 75 or are an active member of the U.S. military.

Your Citizenship Application Packet: Photographs

USCIS requires two passport-style photographs along with the rest of the information in your citizenship application packet. Because they have certain criteria for these photographs, it is best to have them taken at a store that provides passport photos. Write your name and your A-number (which can be found on your green card) in pencil on the back of each of the photos.

Your Citizenship Application Packet: Green Card Photocopy

Make a photocopy of both sides of your green card on two sheets of 8 ½-by-11-inch paper. Make sure that the photocopies are clear, and that you have used good-quality ink. It is best to make copies at Kinko’s or another store that offers similar services.

Your Citizenship Application Packet: Proof of Residence

Tax returns, property titles, magazine and/or newspaper subscriptions, credit card bills, and anything else that might demonstrate proof of residence should be included in your application packet. Make sure, however, that you do not include the originals of these documents, but legible photocopies.

Your Citizenship Application Packet: Waivers