There is a widespread misconception that joining Freemasonry requires an invitation. In actuality, applying to join is the proper course of action. But before you do this, be sure you have no illusions about Freemasonry and that it is an organization you want to be a part of. Freemasonry is not an organization that aims to provide or generate economic or professional advantages; rather, upon admission, a candidate must explicitly declare that he does not anticipate any financial benefit from his participation. Many candidates have been disillusioned by this false idea and have resigned from the organization in a comparatively short amount of time. Before you can apply to be initiated into Freemasonry, you must fulfill a number of formal prerequisites.