BECOME A CITIZEN

Dear District 7 neighbors, Attaining U.S. citizenship is a significant choice. In Boston, approximately 10% of residents are naturalized citizens, and around 30,000 individuals in the city are eligible for U.S. citizenship. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS To be eligible for citizenship, you must fulfill the following criteria:

• Attain the age of 18 or above.

• Hold legal permanent resident status for a minimum of 5 years (or 3 years if your green card is obtained through marriage to a U.S. citizen).

• Reside in the U.S. continuously for at least the past 5 years (or 3 years if your green card is based on marriage to a U.S. citizen).

• Demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing basic English.

• Possess a fundamental understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).

• Exhibit good moral character, which includes meeting financial obligations such as tax payments and avoiding conviction for serious crimes.

EXEMPTIONS AND ACCOMMODATIONS ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXEMPTIONS You do not need to meet the English language requirement if you are:

• Aged 50 or older with a legal permanent residency of at least 20 years.

• Aged 55 or older with a legal permanent residency of at least 15 years.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS If a disability prevents you from completing the English and civics test, you might qualify for an exemption.

• Examples of disabilities include but are not limited to blindness, intellectual disability, PTSD, OCD, schizophrenia, autism, cancer, muscular dystrophy, and epilepsy.

• To seek an exemption, you are required to submit the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions form (N-648).

APPLICATION STEPS: If you are eligible, here's how you become a U.S. Citizen:

• Start the naturalization process by completing the N-400 application form and submitting the required fees.

• Participate in your biometrics appointment, where USCIS will digitally capture your fingerprints, photograph, and signature using a live scan machine.

• Attend your citizenship interview and examination, during which USCIS will interview you and assess your knowledge through the English and civics test.

• Await a decision on your application, which will be communicated to you by mail. If approved, you'll be scheduled for a naturalization ceremony.

• Take the Oath of Allegiance at the naturalization ceremony, marking the official moment of becoming a U.S. citizen.

• Feel a sense of pride and enjoy the privileges that come with your newly acquired citizenship.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Requirements for application:

• Photocopies of both sides of your green card

• Payment of application fees (via check, money order, or credit card using the G-1450 form)

• If you are married or were previously married, provide duplicates of the following documents (if applicable):

1. Marriage certificates

2. Divorce decrees

3. Annulment certificates

4. Death certificates