Whether you’re marrying a U.S. citizen, fleeing another country, or have simply always dreamed of calling America home, there are plenty of reasons to get your USA citizenship.

Before you do, though, there are 3 things you need to know:

1. You need to know exactly how to get a Green Card

Everyone who dreams of USA citizenship has to start by getting their Green Card. In order to do it as efficiently as possible, you’ll need to know exactly how the process works.

For example, knowing how to get a Green Card means knowing exactly what qualifications you need to meet. For example, legitimate reasons for getting a Green Card include coming to the U.S. to be with your family or coming here for a new job. No matter what your reason is, your Green Card will be your “ticket” to live and work in the U.S. permanently.

2. You’ll have to jump through some hoops

Once you’ve had your Green Card for 5 years (or 3 years, if you’re married to a U.S. citizen), you can take your citizenship exam. The test covers things like English and U.S. government procedures. The test itself is made up of 10 questions that are picked at random. As long as you can answer 6 of them correctly (and prove that you understand English by writing out certain sentences), you’ll pass.
That’s not all you’ll have to pass, though. Anyone who wants to get their USA citizenship will also have to successfully complete an interview.

3. There are certain perks and responsibilities after you pass

Once you’ve officially got your USA citizenship, there are a number of perks you’ll be able to take advantage of — one of the biggest being that you can fill out an application for a U.S. Passport. That way, no matter where you go, everyone will know that you’re a U.S. citizen. Luckily, you can download your entire application for a U.S. Passport online.

But once you’ve got your Passport, there are certain things you need to do to keep it. Since these documents aren’t good indefinitely, at some point you’ll have to fill out USCIS forms to renew your passport. Luckily, as long as you don’t let your passport sit for more than 15 years, the number of USCIS forms you have to fill out — and the red tape you have to go through — becomes a lot easier to deal with.

Need some help? The American Immigration Center, Inc. has everything you need to make your citizenship process run as smoothly as possible!