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