Basics of Naturalization

Required initial evidence:
- Your permanent resident card (or a copy of front and back) (expired is ok in MOST jurisdictions, including Chicago);
- Your marriage certificate;
- All divorce certificates for you and your spouse;


Proof of valid marriage (if applying to naturalize after three years of residence):
- Living together (photos, mortgage, lease, witness statements);
- Children (birth/adoption certificates and proof of financial support);
- Financial commitments (joint bank accounts, taxes, bills, insurance, etc.);
- Phone logs, emails, texts, messenger, Whatsapp, any other communication;


Other considerations:
- International travel:
- You must not have been outside the United States for more than half of the time required to apply to naturalize;
- You must not have not traveled out of the United States for more than six months at any time since becoming a resident;
- 18 months total for three-year applications;
- 30 months total for five-year applications;
- Overdue taxes;
- Outstanding child support payments;
- Accidentally voting or registering to vote in a United States election;
- Registration for the Selective Service of men who lived in the United States during the ages 18 to 26 (even if undocumented)
- Controlled substances:
- Marijuana is still federally illegal and even the casual use of it makes you inadmissible! Stay away from it until you naturalize!
- Arrests (make sure to submit photocopies of the following items with your application and bring the official versions with you to your interview):
- Certified dispositions of all arrests – even from before becoming a lawful permanent resident;
- Expunged arrests must be temporarily unsealed to get disposition;
- Minor traffic infractions (speeding, running red lights, parking) do not require certified dispositions;
I-912, Request for Fee Waiver:
- Individuals earning less than 150% of the poverty level each year qualify for a waiver of 100% of the naturalization application government fee;
- Check the I-912P to determine how little you must make yearly based on your household size;
- Use the “total income” section on your most recent tax return to see if you qualify;
Naturalization Forms and Samples
Please use these resources and an example of a successful application to help you properly file your case. Make sure to use the most recent version of the forms by clicking on the Required Forms links above.