of the United States. It may be
eligibility requirement for
(ASC) – USCIS offices where
changed only through amendment
naturalization. When determining
applicants usually have their
by Congress and ratification by
if an applicant has good moral
fingerprints taken. Once you have
three-fourths of the States.
character, USCIS considers such
filed your application with USCIS,
things as honesty and criminal
you will receive a notice telling
Continued – One of three things
records.
you which ASC serves your area.
that may happen to your case after
your interview (granted, denied, or Granted – One of three things that AR-11, “Alien’s Change of
continued). If your case is
may happen to your case after your
Address Card” – This is the form continued, it is put on hold until interview (granted, denied, or
you use to tell USCIS when you
further action is taken by you or
continued). If USCIS determines
have moved to a new address. The USCIS. If your case is continued,
that you are eligible, your
AR-11 is pre-printed with USCIS’
USCIS may ask you to provide
application will be approved or
address. It is very important to tell more documents or to come to an
“granted.” After you take the Oath
USCIS when your address changes. additional interview.
of Allegiance, you will be a United
This way, you will receive any
States citizen.
information USCIS sends you,
Continuous Residence – An
including interview notices and
important requirement for
requests for additional documents.
naturalization. Continuous
residence may be broken if you
Certificate of Naturalization –
take a single trip out of the country
A certificate given at the oath
that lasts for 6 months or more.
ceremony. It serves as evidence of
your citizenship. USCIS also
Denied – One of three things that
recommends getting a United
may happen to your case after your
States passport as evidence that
interview (granted, denied, or
you are a U.S. citizen.
continued). If your application is
denied, USCIS has determined that
you have not met the eligibility
requirements for naturalization.
8
A Guide to Naturalization
45
N-400, “Application for
N-600K, “Application for
Oath of Allegiance to the United
Naturalization” – The N-400 is