What is your intention after naturalization?

When the USCIS officer asks about the applicant's intention after naturalization, the applicant should respond with sincere personal plans for what he or she intends to do once becoming a U.S. citizen. There is no single correct answer; sincere intentions vary widely. Common answers include: continue living and working in the United States; vote and participate in elections; petition for family members to immigrate; travel internationally with a U.S. passport; pursue specific career opportunities that require citizenship; serve the country through federal employment or military service; engage in community service; raise a family with the security and opportunities of U.S. citizenship; complete higher education in the United States; start or grow a business; or simply enjoy the rights and protections of citizenship.

Officers ask about post-naturalization intentions for several reasons. First, the applicant's intentions confirm continuing commitment to the United States. Second, the answer reveals whether the applicant intends to maintain U.S. residence or to leave for extended periods abroad (which can affect the value of citizenship and may suggest the application was not made in good faith). Third, the question tests basic English communication.

Applicants who plan to leave the United States permanently or for extended periods immediately after naturalization may face follow-up questions about why they are pursuing citizenship if they will not be exercising its benefits. Naturalization is intended for people who want to be Americans and live in the country. The U.S. does not require naturalized citizens to live in the United States permanently after naturalization (citizens are free to travel and live abroad), but the application process requires that the applicant intend to maintain a residence in the United States. The intent is judged at the time of naturalization.

Applicants whose plans involve substantial international travel or living abroad with a spouse from another country should be ready to explain their plans honestly. Many naturalized citizens travel internationally and even live abroad for periods, and that is fully consistent with citizenship. The question is more about confirming the applicant's commitment to the country than about restricting future plans.

Sincere personal plans, expressed in basic English, are the right answer. Examples: "I plan to continue working as a nurse and raising my children here." "I plan to vote in the next election and to serve on jury duty." "I plan to apply for a federal job that I am qualified for." "I plan to bring my mother to live with us." "I plan to start a small business now that I have the security of citizenship."