Naturalization

What is Naturalization?

Naturalization documents and small American flag

Naturalization is the process that confers United States citizenship upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended throughout the years. One requirement is that a naturalization applicant must pass a test on U.S. history and government, and another test on reading, writing and speaking English. Many schools and community organizations help naturalization applicants prepare for their citizenship tests.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), now located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is responsible for the administration of immigration and naturalization adjudication functions and for establishing immigration services policies and priorities. The USCIS website provides a lot of information including interactive self-tests and study guides to prepare for the U.S. government and history exams.


League Participation in Naturalization Ceremonies

Representatives of the League of Women Voters/Rochester Metro Area attend each oath ceremony and greet new citizens and register them as new voters. League members are welcome to attend any Naturalization Ceremony.  If interested, please contact Sheila Abeling at sheiler162007@gmail.com or 585.520.5105. 










Schedule - 2026

Federal Naturalization Ceremonies

(Check-in at 1pm, ceremony begins at 2PM. Federal Building)

  • Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
  • Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
  • Tuesday, March 17th, 2026
  • Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
  • Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
  • Tuesday, June 16th, 2026
  • Tuesday, July 21st, 2026
  • Tuesday, August 18th, 2026
  • Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 ***No September Roc Ceremony b/c of Brockport ceremony
  • Tuesday, October 20th, 2026
  • Tuesday, November 17th, 2026
  • Tuesday, December 15th, 2026
Special ceremonies:

Ceremonies start at 11am with check-in at 10am. 

  • Tuesday, March 10th, 2026; George Eastman Museum
  • Tuesday April 7th, 2026, RIT (check in 10:30am, ceremony 1130am)
  • Thursday, April 23rd, 2026: Women’s Rights Historical Park
  • Saturday, July 4th, 2026: Genesee Country Village & Museum
  • Tuesday, July 28th, 2026: George Eastman Museum
  • Wednesday, August 26th, 2026: Women’s Rights Historical Park
  • Thursday, September 17th, 2026: SUNY Brockport
  • Thursday, October 8th, 2026: Genesee Country Village & Museum
  • Thursday, November 19th, 2026: George Eastman Museum