To prepare for your Chicago naturalization interview and oath ceremony, you must take several crucial steps, including reviewing your N-400 application, collecting all required documents, practicing for the relevant tests, and preparing to answer interview questions.
For more guidance on how to get ready for a naturalization review and to increase your chances of successfully completing the process, consult with a Chicago naturalization lawyer at Cho Immigration Law by calling 312-853-3088.
What to Expect During Your Chicago Naturalization Interview
According to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), one recent year saw the country welcoming 818,500 new U.S. citizens following naturalization ceremonies both domestic and abroad. This number continues to grow as more immigrants qualify for citizenship.
When going through the naturalization ceremony, there are aspects to keep in mind as you prepare for citizenship interviews and the oath ceremony. The following are steps of the process to complete before your interview:
Receive Your Oath of Allegiance Notice
While many immigrants undergoing naturalization might be able to attend a naturalization ceremony on the same day as their interview with immigration officials, this isn’t always the case. If you need to complete your oath ceremony at a later date, USCIS will send you Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, which will indicate the location, date, and time of your ceremony.
You have the option of returning this notice to USCIS with an explanation of why you are unable to attend your USCIS oath ceremony on the specified date and time, but doing this multiple times could make you ineligible for naturalization.
Attend the Ceremony
Attend your oath ceremony if you are available to do so. When you first arrive at the designated location, you will begin by checking in with USCIS to indicate your presence. An immigration official will then look over your oath of allegiance notice, including all answers to the questions on the form’s questionnaire.
Turn in Your Permanent Resident Card
When checking in, you will hand over your permanent resident card to immigration officials unless you have a valid explanation for why you’ve lost your card or otherwise do not have a physical card.
Pledge the Oath of Allegiance
Next, you will need to take the Oath of Allegiance in your formal ceremony. This oath expresses the principles disclosed in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
However, under some circumstances, individuals may need to pledge a modified version of this pledge or waive it entirely. For example, you may pledge a modified version of the pledge if the default version goes against your religious beliefs or ethical code. Meanwhile, individuals who are physically unable to understand or communicate the oath’s message because of mental or physical impairment may not need to pledge the oath.
Receive Your Certificate of Naturalization
After taking the pledge, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Be sure to check it to ensure it is free of errors before accepting it. This document will subsequently serve as your proof of citizenship.
Key Documents and Questions to Prepare for Your USCIS Interview
To keep the entire process consistently smooth and eliminate barriers to citizenship, make sure you have all the relevant documentation needed to help you complete the naturalization process.
Here are the main documents you will need to help you successfully undergo naturalization:
- Permanent Resident Card
- A driver’s license or another form of state-issued identification
- A valid or expired passport
- Tax returns from the previous five years
- Marriage certificates and other documents proving your marital status
- If needed, records of traffic violations and criminal background
Additionally, there are questions you will need to prepare for ahead of your interview. For instance, you will need to take a naturalization test that covers the English language, history, and government.
The USCIS official conducting your interview will also ask various questions about you, including your name, birthday, location of birth, and your race and nationality. Beforehand, you should know what disqualifies you from becoming a U.S. citizen and how to correctly answer these questions to prove your qualification.
USCIS provides resources to help prepare for the English and Civics tests and the topics they will cover. Plenty of practice can increase your chances of answering all questions correctly and, ultimately, passing.
Understanding the Chicago Oath Ceremony: What Happens Next
Knowing how the naturalization process will work could help you succeed in obtaining your Certificate of Naturalization and becoming a U.S. citizen. If you need help with this process, you may need to work with an experienced citizenship lawyer in Chicago.
A reliable attorney could help you in a number of ways before completing the naturalization ceremony. For example, he or she could help ensure you have answered all questions on Form N-445 before turning it in to USCIS officials. In addition, an attorney could help gather and organize all supporting documentation to prove that you qualify for citizenship.
Another way an immigration lawyer can help with legal residency is to find alternative options to citizenship if you do not currently qualify, and he or she could assist with sponsoring other relatives, whether you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or a citizen. He or she may also help prevent possible removal and deportation if you risk being unable to remain in the U.S.
In any case, the legal team at Cho Immigration Law is here to help you with any immigration matter. Contact us today to speak with one of our attorneys about your unique needs and possible representation.
