Citizenship

​

Holders of lawful permanent residency are eligible to file for naturalization to become citizens after five years of permanent residence. Where lawful permanent residency is gained through marriage to an America citizen, the waiting period is only three years.

 

Naturalization

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 naturalization process (through which citizenship is obtained) includes an English and Civics exam as well as showing good moral character, and proving that you have been inside the United States for at least half of the last three years, without any trips abroad of six months or longer.

 

The general requirements for administrative naturalization include:

 

• A period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;

• Residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;

• An ability to read, write, and speak English;

• A knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;

• Good moral character;

• Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,

• Favorable disposition toward the United States.

• All naturalization applicants must demonstrate good moral character, attachment, and favorable disposition. The other naturalization requirements may be modified or waived for certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. citizens. Applicants should review the materials listed under “Useful Information” and carefully read the N-400 application instructions before applying.

 

Benefits of Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship holds several advantages to Permanent Residency, including

• U.S. Citizens have the right to vote.

• Only U.S. Citizens may possess U.S. passports.

• U.S. Citizens receive U.S. government protection when abroad.

 

Eligibility Criteria

If Permanent Residency was acquired through U.S. employment, the requirements for naturalization are as follows:

• 5 years as a Permanent Resident without leaving the United States for trips of six months or longer;

• 30 months of physical presence in the United States;

• 3 months in District or State of current residence.

 

If Permanent Residency was acquired through marriage to a U.S. Citizen, the requirements for naturalization are as follows:

• 3 years as a Permanent Resident without leaving the United States for trips of six months or longer;

• 18 months of physical presence in the United States;

• 3 months in District or State of current residence.

• Other General Requirements Summary

• In addition to the residency requirements listed above, the following requirements apply to all naturalization applicants:

• at least 18 years of age;

• an ability to read, write, and speak English;

• a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;

• good moral character;

• attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,

• favorable disposition toward the United States.

​

Contact us  if an application for citizenship is appropriate for you.

​