Citizenship
Get started on your journey towards becoming a U.S. Citizen today!
We’re Here to Help
Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most important steps you can take as a New American to provide stability, protection, and opportunity for you and your family. You should begin your application as soon as you are eligible or learn what is required to become eligible for U.S. citizenship.
The International Institute of Minnesota is here to help you in this process.
We provide low-cost immigration legal assistance for people living in Minnesota.
Fill out the form below to get started
Why Citizenship?
Becoming a U.S. citizen has many advantages. Some of the benefits of citizenship include:
- Travel freely with a U.S. passport and live outside the U.S.
- Vote in elections and run for elected office
- Obtain citizenship for your eligible children under 18 years of age
- Apply for federal jobs
- Bring family members to the U.S.
- Obtain government benefits
- Become eligible for federal grants and scholarships
- Serve on a federal jury
- Feel a sense of community knowing you’re a permanent citizen of the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
• Lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) of five years
• Married to a U.S. citizen and lawful permanent resident for three years
• U.S. military service member (active duty or veteran)
• A child of a U.S. citizen
- Citizenship (N400)
- Citizenship Appeal/Hearing on Decision (N336)
- Citizenship through Parent (N600)
- Replacement of Citizenship Certificate (N565)
The Institute provides low-cost immigration legal help to refugees and immigrants in Minnesota. No applicant will be turned away for inability to pay.
The citizenship process varies depending on where you live in the United States and the current immigration processing times.
To see how long the process takes in your area, check USCIS Processing Times. Under “Form,” scroll down and click “N-400.” Under “Field Office,” pick the office near you.
The first thing you need to do is make sure you are eligible to apply.
Call our office to go through a screening to see if you are eligible at 651-377-8642. When you call, please leave one voicemail message. We will return your call within 1-2 business days.
The next steps are:
- Collect the necessary documents. Use the document checklist to make sure you have everything you need.
- Complete your biometrics appointment, if applicable
- Complete the naturalization interview and test at USCIS
- Receive a decision from USCIS
- Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
Yes. We have access to interpreters and staff who speak different languages. You are also welcome to bring your own interpreter.
The majority of citizenship applicants have to speak English in order to become a U.S. citizen and we encourage you to practice speaking English to prepare for the interview.
We offer Citizenship classes
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Citizenship Class
Prepare for the U.S. citizenship test and interview in this class. For students with beginning English skills.
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English
Learn how to read, write and speak English. From literacy to pre-college readiness, we teach all levels of adult English classes.
Our Reach
We assist over 2,000 refugees, asylees and immigrants with citizenship and immigration help each year. We believe that investing in the success of immigrants is an investment in the success of the community and the state of Minnesota.
Thanks to support from generous donors and volunteers, our Immigration Services team achieved several milestones last year:
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Success Rate
for our citizenship clients.
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New Americans
became U.S. citizens with IIMN help since 2001.
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Saved
by IIMN clients on citizenship application fees to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services last year.
Client testimony
“When I took the oath I was so relieved. Finally, I’m going to be part of this country. This is really my home now,” said Coraima, an Institute client and graduate from Ecuador who became a U.S. Citizen in 2024.
Coraima was expecting a difficult citizenship process, but the International Institute of Minnesota’s immigration team helped her all along the way and made it quick and easy.
Become a Volunteer
You can make an impact by helping qualified applicants with their citizenship application. Click to view our current volunteer needs.
Funding
Portion of funding for Citizenship & Immigration Services attributed to Minnesota Department of Human Services, Resettlement Programs Office (RPO).
Need Help? We’re Here for You.
Call us if you have an immigration question or need to make an appointment.
Immigration Intake
(651) 377-8642
Citizenship Help
Please fill out the form below. We will be in touch with you in 1-2 business days
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