U.S. Citizenship
As a citizen, you can:
VOTE. Only citizens can vote in federal elections. Most states also restrict the right to vote, in most elections, to U.S. citizens.
SERVE ON A JURY. Only U.S. citizens can serve on a federal jury. Most states also restrict jury service to U.S. citizens. Serving on a jury is an important responsibility for U.S. citizens.
TRAVEL WITH A U.S. PASSPORT. A U.S. passport enables you to get assistance from the U.S. government when overseas, if necessary.
BRING FAMILY MEMBERS TO THE UNITED STATES. U.S. citizens generally get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to this country.
OBTAIN CITIZENSHIP FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE. In most cases, a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen is automatically a U.S. citizen.
APPLY FOR FEDERAL JOBS. Certain jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship.
BECOME AN ELECTED OFFICIAL. Only citizens can run for federal office (U.S. Senate or House of Representatives) and for most state and local offices
KEEP YOUR RESIDENCY. A U.S. citizen’s right to remain in the United States cannot be taken away.
BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS. Many financial aid grants, including college scholarships and funds given by the government for specific purposes, are available only to U.S. citizens.
OBTAIN GOVERNMENT BENEFITS. Some government benefits are available only to U.S. citizens.
Naturalization
Before you apply for naturalization, you must meet a few requirements.
Generally, an applicant for naturalization must:
Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
Be a permanent resident (have a “Green Card”) for at least 5 years.
Have lived within the state or US Citizenship and Immigration Services district with jurisdiction over your place of residence for at least 3 months before the date of filing Form N-400.
Have continuous residence in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N–400.
Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
Be a person of good moral character.
Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
The links below will help you find information from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) about naturalization and the application process. For a list of available USCIS naturalization resources in Spanish, please see Recursos para la Ciudadanía.
Apply for Citizenship
Identify the steps needed to apply for citizenship.
Understand Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities
Learn about important citizenship rights and responsibilities.
Learn About Naturalization
Understand the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.
Study for the Test
Prepare for the naturalization interview and test.
Local USCIS Contact Information
USCIS Salt Lake City Field Office
660 S 200 E #400, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(800) 375-5283
In order to visit USCIS or speak with an Immigration Information Officer, you must have an appointment scheduled by USCIS. Click here to learn more about scheduling your USCIS appointment. You can also call USCIS toll-free at 1-800-375-5283 for automated information and live assistance concerning immigration services and benefits.
Roxana Orellana, Policy Advisor for Refugees & New Americans
Office of the Mayor
451 South State Street, Room 345
Salt Lake City, UT 844114-5474
Phone: 801-535-6381
TTY: 711
Fax: 801-535-6331