What to Expect at Your Naturalization Ceremony

The naturalization ceremony marks the final step in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. While the ceremony has great legal significance, it is also a time to celebrate with your loved ones and reflect on your journey to citizenship. There are two types of ceremonies: the judicial ceremony and the administrative ceremony.

The oath ceremony will take place in the district you live in. You must attend your ceremony unless you request a new date. You could be scheduled as soon as the same day you pass your interview or you might have to wait several months before taking the oath.

Brooklyn is among the top naturalization sites in the country. The Brooklyn court and its district office in Central Islip naturalize 50,000 to 60,000 citizens annually. In fact, more than 9,000 prospective U.S. citizens were approved for naturalization in New York City and Long Island in the first three months of 2016 (as published by NY Daily News).

Who Can Become a Naturalized American Citizen?

These are some of the requirements to become a U.S. citizen:

• You have been a permanent resident for 5 years or more
• You have been married to a U.S. citizen for 3 years or more
• You have qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces

If you meet all the eligibility requirements, you may file Form N-400 correctly. A USCIS officer will revise your application and if everything is in order, you will receive a notice in the mail of the location and time of the ceremony, with a few questions on the back. Answer these questions ahead of time. You should also plan to wear business attire to the ceremony - It’s important to dress appropriately for such an important day.

What Happens at The Oath Ceremony?

Here’s what you should expect at your naturalization Ceremony:

1. Check in at the Ceremony
2. Return your Permanent Resident Card
3. Take the Oath of Allegiance
4. Receive Your Certificate of Naturalization

What do you Need to Bring?

• Notice of naturalization Ceremony
• Form N-445
• Your permanent resident card
• Your reentry permit or Refugee Travel Document
• Any immigration documents you may have
• Any other documents requested by USCIS

What Will You Pledge at The Oath Ceremony?

At the ceremony, you will raise your right hand and recite the oath of allegiance. The oath is about 150 words long and pledges you to accept all the obligations of American citizenship. You will give up allegiance to your country of origin and declare that you will support and defend the U.S. Constitution.

After swearing your allegiance to the United States, you will receive a certification of naturalization, which allows you to obtain a U.S. passport and a new Social Security card. Once you are a U.S. citizen, you’ll be able to vote in national, state, and local elections.

Contact us to Apply for Naturalization Today

Our goal as a New York City immigration firm is to help people achieve their dreams of U.S. citizenship. Feel free to contact Alice Antonovsky at (718) 924-2896 or use any of the contact forms on our website to schedule your private consultation. We have the expertise to provide our clients with accurate legal representation on all immigration-related issues. Call us today!