Citizenship / Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Schedule an Appointment with USCIS

The bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes all naturalization applications and provides the Court with a list of the candidates selected to be naturalized in the Federal Court. To schedule an appointment with the USCIS office go to INFOPASS. USCIS does not take personal phone calls.

Citizenship Ceremonies

The culmination of the Naturalization process is the administration of the Oath of Citizenship. In the Eastern District of Washington, approximately 1,000 petitioners take the oath of citizenship in a formal ceremony every year. The ceremony typically lasts for about an hour. For specific questions regarding the Citizenship ceremony, please contact the clerk's office in your location.

2024 Naturalization Calendar

How will I be notified of my naturalization ceremony date?

Approximately two to three weeks prior to the ceremony, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services office will send you a written notice of the date and time to report.

Attending a Citizenship Ceremony

If the ceremony is held in the courthouse, you must show a photo ID to enter the building in order to pass through security.

Typically cameras are not allowed in the courthouse, however, the judges have authorized the use of cameras during the Citizenship ceremony and the reception.

No weapons of any type, drugs or other illegal items are allowed.

Candidates for Citizenship are to appear in advance of the ceremony for check-in. If you plan to invite guests to attend the ceremony you are scheduled for, please refer to your Appointment Letter for the check-in time and the ceremony start time so your guests can plan accordingly.

Immigration Records

I lost my certificate of naturalization. Can I get a copy from the Court?

No. You must request a copy from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services office.

Can I get verification of citizenship from the Court?

Yes. The Clerk's Office can verify citizenship information derived from Court records.

The Clerk of Court keeps a record of name changes and will provide a letter identifying the date of citizenship and name change. For a copy of the letter, contact the clerk's office in the location where you attended the ceremony. You will need to know the date of the ceremony. For all other records, please contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

U.S. Citizenship Practice Test

All of those petitioning the United States government to become a citizen must first pass a U.S. citizenship test. To take a 25-question practice test, click here.

In the News: Citizenship Ceremonies from our District

Spokane - 9.24.19 - New Citizens Take Oath, Then Register to Vote

Richland - 9.17.19 - 27 people naturalized in Richland on Citizenship Day

Spokane - 9.17.19 - 98 people from 40 countries come together in Spokane Valley to become U.S. ctizens

Spokane - 9.17.19 - 'The story of America': Almost 100 immigrants become U.S. citizens in Spokane Valley

Spokane - 9.17.19 - 'It's nice to finally be home': 98 people from 40 countries become citizens in Spokane Valley

Spokane - 5.01.19 - More than 100 people become U.S. citizens in Spokane

Spokane - 4.09.19 - Gonzaga's School of Law hosts naturalization ceremony for 60 new citizens

Spokane - 4.09.19 - Sixty New Americans Take the Oath of Citizenship

Spokane - 9.17.18 - 97 new U.S. citizens from 39 countries sworn in at Spokane Valley’s CenterPlace

Spokane - 9.17.18 - Local immigrants become new U.S. citizens

Richland -9.17.18 - Honoring Constitution Day

Spokane - 6.16.18 - Mead High School senior becomes U.S. citizen

Spokane - 6.16.18 - Community celebrates children at Spokane's World Refugee Day

Yakima - 2.15.18 - 24 immigrants become U.S. citizens in Yakima courtroom

Spokane - 5.1.17 - Over 100 Immigrants Become U.S. Citizens

Richland - 9.17.15 - 50 immigrants become U.S. citizens in Richland naturalization ceremony

Spokane - 4.17.15 - Local Students Become U.S. Citizens