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Citizenship Day

With Washington New Americans

Are you ready to take the next step toward becoming a U.S. citizen? Join us on October 19th for a special Citizenship Day in Yakima and Tacoma! Our team of experienced professionals will be there to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide the support you need to start your journey.

What to expect:

  • Personalized assistance with your citizenship application
  • Information on next steps in the process
  • Help from legal experts and volunteers
  • No appointments needed.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get the help you need in a friendly and welcoming environment. All services are free, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!

Keep reading for the eligibility requirements and the paperwork and documents you should bring with you to Citizenship Day.

Doors open at 9:00am. Spaces are limited. We recommend arriving early.

On average, clients spend 4-6 hours, but sometimes it can take longer. Bring food or whatever items you may need during that time.

For more information about the event of if you have any questions, call or text (206) 926-3924.

Locations

Tacoma

Tacoma Community House

1314 South L Street
Tacoma, WA 98405

Yakima

Yakima Valley Community College

Deccio Building
1000 South 12th Ave
Yakima, WA 98902

To Be Eligible to Apply, You Need To:

  • Be at least 18 years old by the date you file
  • If not married to a US Citizen:
    • Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years
    • Have been present in the US for 2.5 of the last 5 years, and have not been outside the US for 1 year or more of the last 5 years
  • If married to a US Citizen:
    • Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years
    • Have been present in the US for 1.5 of the last 3 years, and have not been outside the US for 1 year or more of the last 3 years

What to Expect at Citizenship Day

After arriving, you will make your way through 6 stations:

  1. Intake
  2. Attorney Screening
  3. Form Preparation
  4. Quality Review
  5. Copy
  6. Exit

Be prepared for long wait times. Interpreters will be available, but wait times may be shorter if you bring your own interpreter. We strongly recommend arriving early.

What to Bring to Citizenship Day

Everyone

  • Your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • List of home addresses for the past 5 years and the dates during which you lived at these addresses
  • List of employer names and addresses for the past 5 years, including the dates you worked for these employers
  • Dates you have been outside the US since becoming a permanent resident and the countries you traveled to during these trips. Bring your passport, itineraries, and, if available, any tickets purchased
  • Your children’s complete names, dates of birth, and their A# (alien registration numbers), if they have one.
  • Your most recent tax return and W-2 forms
  • All documents you have about your immigration record
  • $725 filing fee as a check, cashier’s check, or money order made out to “US Department of Homeland Security.” (Exceptions are possible.)

Other Documents

  • If you receive public benefits like SNAP (food stamps), SSI, TANF, or Medicaid, bring your most current award letter. Your card is not sufficient.
  • If you have been arrested, detained, or had to appear before a court for any reason during your time in the US, bring ALL certified court and police documents. Examples include police reports, court appearances, and dispositions.
  • If the name on your green card is different than your current legal name, bring documents that legally changed your name. Examples include marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court documents.
  • if you are applying for US citizenship based on a marriage to a US citizen, bring:
    • Information about your spouse’s previous marriages and divorces.
    • Documents showing that you and your spouse are living together. Examples include tax returns, bank statements, leases, mortgages, birth certificates for your children.
  • If you have been married more than one time, bring:
    • Marriage certificates and divorce or death decrees or specific dates of all marriages and divorces.
    • Any proof of your payment of court-ordered support, if applicable.
  • If you have been outside the US for more than 6 months in any year since becoming a Permanent Resident, bring details about the dates you left and came back to the US and proof that you maintained a job or home in the US.
  • if you have a spouse or children who do not live with you, bring:
    • Any court order requiring you to pay financial support.
    • Evidence of your financial support. Examples include cancelled checks, money order receipts, evidence of wage garnishments, or letters from the parent or guardian who cares for your children.
  • If your federal, state, or local taxes are overdue, bring copies of any documents, letters, or papers you sent to or received from the government about the problem.
  • If you registered for US Selective Service (the draft), bring the date you registered and your selective service number, if known.

Questions?

For more information about the event, call or text (206) 926-3924.