A Certificate of Naturalization is a document that proves that the person named in the document has obtained citizenship of the United States through the naturalization process. Naturalization refers to the process in which a person not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen. For foreign-born persons, naturalization is the most common way to become a U.S. citizen. This document is different than a Certificate of Citizenship.
In order to get citizenship through naturalization, you need to be a Green Card holder first who qualifies to become a US Citizen.
You then need to apply for citizenship by filling out the form N-400. This is the form to apply for citizenship through naturalization. You can get this form from the USCIS office or their website. You can also file this form online through the USCIS website.
Once you file the application along with the required documents you will then need to pay the USCIS fees for naturalization. This fee keeps changing so it is always a good idea to go to their website to see the current fees at the time of your filing.
You will then be required to appear for biometrics and an in-person interview. Once you pass the interview, you take the citizenship oath and that’s it.
The day you take an oath you will become naturalized. You will be handed a certificate of naturalization at their swearing-in ceremony.
You will then need to apply for a U.S. passport. This is a separate process and has nothing to do with the process of naturalization. This is an important document and you should get it. This document will help you travel freely as a citizen of the United States. At the ceremony, you will be given an application to file for a passport but you can file at a later time if you prefer.