I AM A PERMANENT RESIDENT. HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR AND APPLY FOR AMERICAN / US CITIZENSHIP?

United States citizenship carries many responsibilities with it. The decision to become a US citizen is a very important one. Being granted US citizenship is known as naturalization. In most cases, a person who wants to naturalize must first be a permanent resident. By becoming a US citizen, you gain many rights that permanent residents or others do not have, including the right to vote. To be eligible for naturalization, you must first meet certain requirements set by US law.

What are the basic requirements to apply for naturalization?

Generally, to be eligible for naturalization you must:

• Be age 18 or older; and

• Be a permanent resident for a certain amount of time (usually 5 years); and

• Be a person of good moral character; and

• Have a basic knowledge of US history and government; and

• Have a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the US; and

• Be able to read, write and speak basic English. There are exceptions to this rule for someone who:

- Is 55 years old and has been a permanent resident for at least 15 years; or

- Is 50 years old and has been a permanent resident for at least 20 years; or

- Has a physical or mental impairment that makes them unable to fulfill these requirements.

When can I apply for naturalization?

You may be able to apply for naturalization if you are at least 18 years of age and have been a permanent resident of the US:

• For at least 5 years; or

• For at least 3 years during which time you have been, and continue to be, married to and living in marriage with your US citizen husband or wife; or

• Have honorable service in the US military.

Certain spouses of US citizens and members of the military may be able to file for naturalization sooner than noted above previously.

THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE. SUCH INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO EDUCATE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC GENERALLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS. READERS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO ATTEMPT TO SOLVE INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS ON THE BASIS OF INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO SEEK ADVICE FROM AN EXPERIENCED IMMIGRATION LAWYER REGARDING SPECIFIC CASE SITUATIONS.

Return to FAQ