The United States of American Citizenship is usually acquired by birth when the child is born in the territory of the United States under the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution, but those who were not born in the country but are permanent residents can apply and be granted U.S. citizenship.

• Form N-400 (Rev. 11/01/2006) (Application for Naturalization).

• 2 color passport size photographs,( 2" x 2")

• Photocopy of your alien registration card (green card), front and back.

• $675.00 application and fingerprint fee, by money order or personal check, payable to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), with your name, address and alien registration number on the front of the check.

• If applying as a spouse of a U.S. citizen, a copy of your marriage license and U.S. spouse's birth certificate (if born in the U.S.) or Certificate of Naturalization (if naturalized).

• A photocopy of USCIS Form N-648 (Medical waiver) completed by a psychologist or physician if you have a mental or physical disability that makes it difficult to learn English and/or take the Redesigned Naturalization Test.

When you have all the documents ready, fill in the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) and send the application, other documents and application fee to appropriate service center.

When you receive an appointment letter from USCIS, have your fingerprints taken, mail additional requirements if USCIS requests them then wait for CIS to schedule your interview.

As soon as you receive an appointment for interview, go to the indicated office at the specified time for your oral interview then take the New Citizenship Test. The test is designed to measure your knowledge of U.S. government and history. When the test is complete and the petition for your naturalization is filed, you will be notified to appear in court for a final hearing.

The judge will listen to your reasons and will decide on your naturalization.

When you have been granted naturalization, you will have to take an oath of allegiance or loyalty to the United States and promise to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and the laws of the United States of America. You will be given a certificate of naturalization to prove that you have been granted U.S. citizenship.

• Addresses and dates of residences for the past five years

• Passport(s) used since you became a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

• Children's birth certificates and green cards

• Court disposition(s) or arrest records of all criminal arrests/convictions (if applicable)

• Current marriage certificate and divorce decree or death certificate for former spouse

• Dates of all the trips you took outside the United States since becoming a permanent resident

• List of employers for the past five years, including business name, address and dates

• Permanent Resident Card or Green card

• Social Security card or number

• Spouse's green card or Certificate of Naturalization (if applicable)

• Spouse's Social Security number, Alien Registration number and date of birth (if applicable)