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The USCIS M-476 form, known as the Guide to Naturalization, serves as a vital resource for individuals seeking U.S. citizenship. This comprehensive guide walks applicants through the various requirements and processes involved in naturalization. Key areas of focus include the benefits and responsibilities that come with citizenship, such as the commitment to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States. It outlines eligibility criteria, emphasizing that applicants must demonstrate good moral character and meet residency and physical presence requirements. Furthermore, the form details the steps in the naturalization process—from preparing to apply and getting fingerprinted to attending an interview and taking the Oath of Allegiance. By navigating these essential elements, the M-476 form guides prospective citizens toward understanding their journey, assuring them of available support and resources throughout the application process.

Uscis M 476 Example

A GUIDE TO

NATURALIZATION

M-476 (REV. 03/12)

Table of Contents

Welcome

Page 1

What Are the Beneits and Responsibilities of

Page 3

Citizenship?

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Page 5

Who Is Eligible for Naturalization?

Page 17

Table of Eligibility Requirements

Page 18

Time as a Permanent Resident

Page 22

Continuous Residence

Page 22

Physical Presence in the United States

Page 23

Time as a Resident in a USCIS District or State

Page 24

Good Moral Character

Page 25

English and Civics

Page 26

Attachment to the Constitution

Page 28

What Should I Expect From the Naturalization

Page 31

Process?

 

Preparing to Apply

Page 32

Completing Your Application and Getting Photographed

Page 33

Getting Fingerprinted

Page 35

Being Interviewed

Page 36

Taking the Oath

Page 38

What Kind of Customer Service Can I Expect?

Page 41

Where Do I Go for Help?

Page 43

Glossary of Terms

Page 45

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Welcome1

E Pluribus Unum - Out of Many, One

-Motto inscripted on the Great Seal of the United States

Welcome

We are very pleased that you want to become a U.S. citizen. The United States is a nation of immigrants. Throughout our history, immigrants have come here seeking a better way of life and have strengthened our Nation in the process.

For more than 200 years, the United States has remained strong because of our citizens and the common civic values we share. Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions in a person’s life. If you decide to apply for naturalization, you will be showing your permanent commitment to the United States. You will also be showing your loyalty to its Constitution and its people.

When you are naturalized, you agree to accept all of the responsibilities of being a citizen. You agree to support the United States, its Constitution, and its laws. In return, you are rewarded with all the rights and privileges that are part of citizenship. We welcome your interest and hope you will read on to learn more about naturalization.

What Is Naturalization?

Naturalization is commonly referred to as the manner in which a person not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen.

What Is This Guide for?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) created this Guide to provide better and more consistent information to people interested in naturalization. It is written mainly for people 18 years or older who want to become citizens. Please take the time to review this information to make sure that you are eligible to apply

for naturalization. You can find more information at www.uscis.gov or by calling Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 or

1-800-767-1833 (for hearing impaired).

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WhatAre the Benefits and Responsibilities of Citizenship?

Benefits

The Constitution and laws of the United States give many rights to both citizens and non-citizens living in the United States. However, some rights are only for citizens, such as:

Voting. Only U.S. citizens can vote in Federal elections. Most States also restrict the right to vote, in most elections, to U.S. citizens.

Bringing family members to the United States. Citizens generally get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to this country.

Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad. In most cases, a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen is automatically a U.S. citizen.

Traveling with a U.S. passport.

A U.S. passport allows you to get assistance from the U.S. government when overseas.

Becoming eligible for Federal jobs.

Most jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship.

Becoming an elected official. Many elected offices in this country require U.S. citizenship.

Showing your patriotism. In addition, becoming a U.S. citizen is a way to demonstrate your commitment to your new country.

The above list does not include all the benefits of citizenship, only some of the more important ones.

Responsibilities

To become a U.S. citizen you must take the Oath of Allegiance. The oath includes several promises you make when

you become a U.S. citizen, including2 promises to:

Give up all prior allegiance to any other nation or sovereignty;

Swear allegiance to the United States;

Support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States; and

Serve the country when required.

U.S. citizens have many responsibilities other than the ones mentioned in the Oath. Citizens have a responsibility to participate in the political

process by registering and voting in elections. Serving on a jury is another responsibility of citizenship. Finally, America becomes stronger when all of its citizens respect the different opinions, cultures, ethnic groups, and religions found in this country. Tolerance for differences is also a responsibility of citizenship.

When you decide to become a U.S. citizen, you should be willing to fulfill the responsibilities of citizenship. We hope you will honor and respect the freedoms and opportunities citizenship gives you. At the same time, we hope you become an active member of your community. It is by participating in your community that you truly become

an American.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How can I become a U.S. citizen?

AYou may become a U.S. citizen (1) by birth or (2) through naturalization.

Q2. Who is born a U.S. citizen?

A Generally, people are born U.S. citizens if they are born in the United States or if they are born to U.S. citizens:

(1) If you were born in the United States:

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Normally you were a U.S. citizen at birth.1 (Including, in most cases, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and after November 4, 1986, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands),

(2) If you were born abroad to TWO U.S. citizens:

And at least one of your parents lived in the United States at some point in his or her life, then in most cases you are a U.S. citizen.

(3) If you were born abroad to ONE U.S. citizen:

In most cases, you are a U.S. citizen if all of the following are true:

• One of your parents was a U.S. citizen when you were born;

• Your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the United States before you were born; and

• At least 2 of those 5 years in the United States were after your citizen parent’s 14th birthday.2

Your record of birth abroad, if registered with a U.S. consulate or embassy, is proof of your citizenship. You may also apply for a passport to have your citizenship recognized. If you need additional proof of your citizenship, you may file an “Application for Certificate of Citizenship” (Form N-600) with USCIS to get a

Certificate of Citizenship. Call the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676 to request Form N-600, or download the form at www.uscis.gov.

1The exception is persons who were born not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, such as children of foreign diplomats.

2If you were born before November 14, 1986, you are a citizen if your U.S. citizen parent lived in the United States for at least 10 years and 5 of those years in the United States were after your citizen parent’s 14th birthday.

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Q A

3. How do I become a naturalized citizen?

If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth or did not acquire/derive U.S. citizenship automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the naturalization process. Eligible persons use the “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400) to apply for naturalization.

Persons who acquired citizenship from parent(s) while under 18 years of age use the “Application for Certificate of Citizenship” (Form N-600) to document their citizenship. Qualified children who reside abroad use the “Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate under Section 322” (Form N-600K) to

document their naturalization. You may call the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870- 3676 to request a Form N-400, N-600, or N-600K; or you may download all of these forms at www.uscis.gov.

Q A

4. What are the requirements for naturalization?

Please see Section 4, “Who Is Eligible For Naturalization?,” beginning on page 17 for more details on the eligibility requirements for naturalization. You should also complete the Eligibility Worksheet in the back of this Guide to help you find out if you meet the eligibility requirements.

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5. When does my time as a Permanent Resident begin?

Your time as a Permanent Resident begins on the date you were granted permanent resident status. This date is on your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as an Alien Registration Card or “Green Card”). The sample cards on this page show where you can find important information such as the date your Permanent Residence began.

“A–number”

Date you became a Permanent Resident

(January 1, 1980)

“A–number”

Port-of-Entry or office where you were granted adjustment of status

“A–number”

Front

Back

This card does not have Port- of-Entry on it.

Date you became a Permanent Resident

(April 3, 1980)

Port-of-Entry or office where you were granted adjustment of status

Date you became a Permanent Resident

(July 12, 1991)

NOTE: The “A–number” is the Alien Registration Number

 

 

 

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Form Characteristics

Fact Name Details
Form Title The form is officially titled "A Guide to Naturalization" and is designated as M-476.
Last Revision Date The most recent revision of the form was in March 2012.
Purpose This guide helps individuals understand the naturalization process and their eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements Covers various eligibility criteria, including age, residency, and moral character.
Interview Process Applicants must undergo an interview as part of the naturalization process.
Civics Testing Naturalization applicants are required to demonstrate knowledge of English and U.S. civics.
Oath of Allegiance Successful applicants must take an Oath of Allegiance to become U.S. citizens.
Support Resources The guide provides resources for help, including a customer service contact number.

Guidelines on Utilizing Uscis M 476

Filling out the USCIS M-476 form is an important step for anyone looking to become a U.S. citizen. The form requires careful attention to detail to ensure that all information is accurate and complete. By following these steps, you can successfully fill out the form and move closer to achieving your goal of naturalization.

  1. Start with the personal information section. Fill in your full name, current address, and date of birth accurately.
  2. Record your immigration status. Include details about your current permanent residency and any relevant identification numbers.
  3. Complete the section on continuous residence. This requires you to provide information about how long you’ve lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident.
  4. Provide details on your physical presence in the United States. Be prepared to supply exact dates and locations.
  5. List any periods of absence from the U.S. that may impact your continuous residence requirement.
  6. Answer the questions regarding your good moral character. Be honest and thorough in your responses.
  7. Indicate your proficiency in English and your commitment to studying civics.
  8. Sign and date the application at the end to confirm that all information is true to the best of your knowledge.

After completing the form, your next steps will involve gathering supporting documents and submitting your application to USCIS. Following this, you will likely receive instructions for the next phases of the naturalization process.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is Form M-476, and who is it for?

Form M-476 is a guide to the naturalization process, created by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is primarily intended for individuals aged 18 and older who are interested in becoming U.S. citizens. This guide outlines the naturalization process, including eligibility requirements, responsibilities of citizenship, and the steps involved in applying for naturalization.

What are the eligibility requirements for naturalization?

To qualify for naturalization, applicants must meet several criteria. These include being a permanent resident of the United States for a specified period, demonstrating continuous residence in the U.S., and showing good moral character. Applicants also need to have knowledge of the English language and U.S. civics. Additional requirements exist, including the need to support the Constitution and laws of the United States.

What should I expect during the naturalization process?

Applicants can expect to go through several stages after submitting their application. These stages include an initial review of the application, fingerprinting, and an interview with a USCIS officer. During the interview, applicants will be tested on their English skills and knowledge of U.S. civics. Successful completion of these steps will lead to taking the Oath of Allegiance, at which point applicants will officially become U.S. citizens.

How can I get help or more information regarding the naturalization process?

If you have questions or need assistance with the naturalization process, resources are available. You can visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov or call their Customer Service for guidance. The hotline is available in multiple formats, including for those who are hearing impaired. These resources can provide clarity and support throughout your journey to becoming a citizen.

Common mistakes

Completing the USCIS M-476 form can be a straightforward process, but several common mistakes may lead to delays or complications in the naturalization process. Understanding these pitfalls can help applicants submit a more accurate application.

One frequent mistake is providing incorrect personal information. This includes errors in names, addresses, and dates of birth. Any discrepancies between the application and official documents can result in confusion. Ensure that all personal details are consistent and accurate, reflecting what appears on legal documents.

Another common error is failing to disclose necessary information about immigration history. Many applicants might forget to include previous addresses or trips outside the United States. Omitting this information may raise red flags during the review process, even if the reason was unintentional. Be thorough in outlining every relevant detail.

Many applicants also do not adequately prepare the required supporting documents. The USCIS requires specific documentation to support claims made in the application. This can include proof of residency, taxes, and records of any legal issues. Incomplete documentation can lead to requests for additional information, which delays the naturalization process.

It's also essential to pay attention to the deadlines. Applicants sometimes miscalculate the time they have to submit their applications or fail to understand expiration dates on supporting documents. Missing a deadline can result in rejection of the application or the need to start the process over.

Another oversight involves understanding the requirements for good moral character. Some individuals might underestimate the importance of this requirement or misunderstand what it entails. It's vital to be aware of the implications of past legal issues or behavior, as these factors could influence eligibility.

Lastly, applicants often neglect to review their application thoroughly before submission. Typos and unclear language can lead to misunderstandings during the review process. A careful review can ensure clarity and accuracy, helping to avoid unnecessary complications.

Avoiding these mistakes can streamline the naturalization process. Pay close attention to details and seek guidance if unsure about any aspect of the application. Preparation is key to a successful outcome.

Documents used along the form

When applying for naturalization in the United States, the USCIS Form M-476 often accompanies other important documents. These forms and documents help streamline the application process and clarify eligibility. Here are some commonly used forms along with brief explanations for each:

  • Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization): This is the primary application form that individuals must fill out when seeking U.S. citizenship. It gathers personal information, including your residence, employment history, and biographical details. Completing this form accurately is crucial as it forms the basis of your naturalization request.
  • Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card): Often referred to as a green card, this document proves that you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States. It is essential to submit a copy of your green card with your application to demonstrate that you meet the residency requirement for naturalization.
  • Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative): If you choose to have someone represent you in your application process, this form must be completed. It officially informs USCIS that the individual designated can act on your behalf regarding your naturalization application.
  • Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions): This form is used if an applicant has a medical condition that prevents them from fulfilling the English or civics requirements of the naturalization process. A licensed medical professional must complete and sign this form to provide appropriate documentation of the disability.

Having these forms organized and ready can significantly ease your journey toward becoming a U.S. citizen. Each document plays a vital role in establishing your eligibility and ensuring a smooth application process. Take the time to gather everything you need and feel free to seek guidance if necessary.

Similar forms

  • Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization): This is the primary form used by individuals applying for U.S. citizenship. Like the M-476 guide, it outlines eligibility requirements and provides a detailed application process.
  • Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): This document is for individuals wishing to change their immigration status to that of a lawful permanent resident, similar to how M-476 guides individuals toward achieving citizenship.
  • Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship): This form is specifically for individuals who are claiming U.S. citizenship through their parents. Similar to M-476, it provides important information about citizenship rights and responsibilities.
  • Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): Used by U.S. citizens to establish a relationship with an eligible relative, this form also highlights guidelines and requirements, much like the M-476 guide does for naturalization.
  • Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence): This form is for conditional residents seeking to remove those conditions to gain permanent residency. Its purpose is akin to securing citizenship as outlined in the M-476.
  • Form N-565 (Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document): This is used to replace naturalization certificates and bears similarities with M-476 in that it addresses important aspects of citizenship documentation.
  • Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)): Although focused on fiancés, this form sets forth eligibility requirements and processing guidelines, much like the M-476 does for those pursuing citizenship through naturalization.

Dos and Don'ts

Things to Do When Filling Out the USCIS M-476 Form:

  • Read the entire guide carefully to ensure you understand all instructions.
  • Gather all necessary documents before beginning the application process.
  • Complete the form honestly and thoroughly, providing accurate information.
  • Double-check your application for any errors or missing information.
  • Submit your application using the appropriate method as indicated in the guide.
  • Keep copies of your application and any documents you submit for your records.

Things Not to Do When Filling Out the USCIS M-476 Form:

  • Do not rush through the application; take your time to ensure completeness.
  • Avoid omitting any required information, as this could result in delays.
  • Do not provide false information, as this can lead to serious consequences.
  • Do not submit your application without reviewing it one last time.
  • Refrain from using abbreviations or slang that may not be understood.
  • Do not ignore any communication from USCIS after your application is submitted.

Misconceptions

Understanding the USCIS M-476 form is crucial for anyone considering the path to U.S. citizenship. However, several misconceptions can cloud this important process. Below are six common misunderstandings about the form:

  • Naturalization is automatic after a certain period as a permanent resident. Many believe that simply living in the U.S. for a specific amount of time guarantees citizenship. In reality, applicants must actively apply for naturalization and meet all eligibility requirements.
  • Only immigrants from certain countries can apply. Some think that naturalization is restricted to individuals from specific nations. In truth, anyone who meets the requirements, regardless of their country of origin, can pursue U.S. citizenship.
  • The M-476 form is all that is needed to become a citizen. It is a common myth that completing the M-476 form alone suffices for naturalization. The form serves as a guide but applicants must also complete various other forms and provide required documentation.
  • Proof of English proficiency is not required. Some individuals believe that knowledge of English is not necessary for citizenship. However, demonstrating basic proficiency in English and understanding U.S. civics is essential for the naturalization process.
  • Once I apply, I will automatically be scheduled for an interview. Many applicants assume that submitting their application leads directly to an interview appointment. Instead, after submitting the M-476 application, USCIS reviews it and then schedules an interview based on their assessment.
  • I can apply for naturalization in a different state than where I reside. Some individuals think they can file their application in any USCIS district or state. However, applicants must apply in the district that has jurisdiction over their current residence.

The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is both significant and complex. Understanding these misconceptions can help individuals better navigate the requirements associated with the USCIS M-476 form.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the USCIS M-476 form for naturalization is a crucial step in becoming a U.S. citizen. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind.

  • Understand the Importance: This form represents your commitment to the United States and its Constitution. It is a significant decision that requires careful consideration.
  • Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the guide, including residency and moral character requirements.
  • Gather Necessary Documents: Collect all required documentation before starting the form. This includes proof of permanent residency and any relevant identification.
  • Complete the Form Accurately: Take your time when filling out the M-476 form. Inaccuracies can lead to delays or denials in the application process.
  • Review the Naturalization Process: Familiarize yourself with every step of the naturalization process, from completing the application to taking the oath of allegiance.
  • Prepare for the Interview: An interview is a key part of the naturalization process. Be ready to answer questions about your application and your background.
  • Know Your Rights: As an applicant, you have rights. Understand what you can expect from USCIS and feel empowered to seek help if needed.
  • Utilize Resources: The guide provides resources for additional support. Visit the USCIS website or contact customer service if you need help.
  • Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any changes to the application process and requirements. USCIS updates information regularly, so don’t miss important updates.

By understanding these key takeaways, you can navigate the naturalization process with greater ease and confidence. Make sure to approach this important step with diligence and care.