US citizenship: 10 steps Kenyans, others must follow to become American citizens

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- USCIS has established a structured 10-step naturalisation pathway for eligible lawful permanent residents seeking US citizenship

- Applicants must generally have held permanent residency for at least five years and meet several other legal requirements before applying

- In fiscal year 2019, USCIS naturalised 843,593 new citizens, with Mexico, India, and the Philippines among the top countries of origin

Elijah Ntongai is an experienced editor at TUKO.co.ke, with more than four years in financial, business, labour and technology research and reporting. His work provides valuable insights into Kenyan, African, and global trends.

Becoming a United States citizen is one of the most consequential decisions an immigrant can make, unlocking rights such as voting in elections, running for public office, and applying for federal positions that require citizenship.

For eligible lawful permanent residents, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has laid out a 10-step naturalisation process governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

In fiscal year 2019, USCIS welcomed 843,593 new citizens, with Mexico, India, the Philippines, China, and Cuba accounting for the largest share of successful applicants.

General Eligibility Requirements

Before beginning the process, applicants must confirm they meet the baseline criteria. These include being at least 18 years old, holding lawful permanent resident status, having resided in the United States for a minimum of five years as a permanent resident (or three years if married to a US citizen), and having been physically present in the country for at least 30 months.

Applicants must also demonstrate good moral character, basic English language proficiency, and a foundational understanding of US history and government.

Certain groups, including military service members who served honourably during designated conflict periods, qualify under special provisions that waive or modify some of these requirements.

The 10 Steps to Naturalisation

According to the USCIS, the process begins with two preliminary checks: first, determining whether an individual may already hold citizenship by birth or through a parent, and second, confirming eligibility for naturalisation.

Step | Action | Key Details |

1 | Determine if you are already a US citizen | You may already be a citizen if born in the U.S. or born abroad to U.S. citizen parents. You may also derive citizenship if you were under 18 when a parent naturalised. Refer to Form N-600 or N-600K. |

2 | Determine your eligibility to become a US citizen | Generally, you must be 18+ years old and have been a permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a US citizen). Use the Naturalisation Eligibility Tool at uscis.gov/citizenship. |

3 | Prepare Form N-400, Application for Naturalisation. | Complete and sign Form N-400, get 2 passport-style photos (if outside the US), and collect documents demonstrating your eligibility. File online at uscis.gov/n-400. |

4 | Submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalisation. | Submit the application, documents, and fees. Include Form N-648 for disability exceptions if applicable. Keep a copy for your records. |

5 | Go to the biometrics appointment, if required. | USCIS will schedule fingerprinting and photograph for FBI background checks. You will receive a notice with the date, time, and location. |

6 | Complete the interview | Attend your USCIS interview. Answer questions about your Form N-400. Take the English and civics tests (unless exempt). A decision may be made that day or continued for further review. |

7 | Receive a decision from USCIS on your Form N-400 | You will receive a written notice. If granted, proceed to Step 8. If denied, you may appeal by filing Form N-336 within 30 days. |

8 | Receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance | USCIS will mail you a notification with the date, time, and location of your scheduled oath ceremony. |

9 | Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States | You are not a citizen until you take the Oath. Complete Form N-445, turn in your Permanent Resident Card, and receive your Certificate of Naturalisation. |

10 | Understanding U.S. citizenship | As a citizen, you gain rights (voting, running for office, federal employment) and responsibilities (supporting the Constitution, paying taxes, serving on juries). |

The final step involves understanding the full scope of citizenship, including rights such as freedom of expression, jury trial protections, and suffrage, alongside responsibilities including paying taxes, obeying federal and state laws, and serving on a jury when called upon.

USCIS offers free information sessions and citizenship preparation materials through its Citizenship Resource Centre at uscis.gov/citizenship.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.