Citizenship Help

Do you want to become a United States Citizen? The King County Library System can help! Find study materials, free classes, applications and other resources to help you become a U.S. citizen!

Literacy Towards Citizenship Program classes can help you prepare for the interview, learn about the application and naturalization processes and practice your English reading, writing and speaking skills. Classes are free and open to everyone.

You can also find Citizenship books, DVDs and free information to study at home or at your local library.

More Resources

Books/Study Guides

Citizenship Books
Citizenship DVDs
Tutor.com Citizenship Help

U.S. CITIZENSHIP INFORMATION: A GUIDE TO NATURALIZATION

This information is available in the following languages and can be downloaded to your computer or picked up at any Library location:

ALL GUIDES ARE BEING UPDATED TO REFLECT THE CORRECT APPLICATION FEE: $680 ($595 FILING FEE AND AN $85 FINGERPRINTING FEE)

(Select a language to download the information)

The United States Citizenship Information booklet was developed by The Seattle Public Library in partnership with the City of Seattle New Citizen Initiative and the King County Library System. Information was provided in collaboration with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Catholic Refugee and Immigration Services, and many volunteers and local community organizations.

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Naturalization

Becoming a United States citizen is done through a process called naturalization. Permanent residents (green card holders) age 18 or older who meet all eligibility requirements can apply for naturalization.

The Naturalization Process

1. Submit:

• N-400 Application
  • Includes information about personal history, travel history, family, work history…
  • Includes a “Morals and Ethics” section to determine moral character
• Copy of Permanent Resident Card
• 2 Passport Photos
• Application fee of $680 ($595 for application + $85 for fingerprints)
• Fee Waivers are possible.
• Additional Supporting documents if necessary

2. Get Fingerprinted

• At Tukwila Homeland Security Office
• Used for FBI background check
• Afterwards, you will be given a packet to help you study the 100 questions.

3. Attend Interview

• Once the background check clears, applicants receive an interview date.
• Usually given 2 months notice before the day of the interview.
• Attend the interview and take the naturalization test on English and U.S. history and government. If you pass the interview you become a citizen after your take the oath. If you don’t, you get another chance.

• Watch Video Tour of the King County Immigration Office

4. Oath

• If you pass the interview, you receive an oath ceremony date. At the ceremony you take the oath and receive a certificate of naturalization.
• You are now a citizen!

5. Processing Times

• According to USCIS, it should take an average of 6 months to process naturalization applications from start to finish.
• The application processing time can vary from 4 months to 2 years or more.

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USCIS Materials (United States Immigration and Citizenship Services)

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King County Immigration Office Video Tour

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