What Are the Requirements for Applying for U.S. Citizenship?

 Posted on August 04, 2023 in Citizenship

Becoming a United States citizen is a dream for many immigrants who come to this country seeking better opportunities and a brighter future. The process of applying for U.S. citizenship, also known as naturalization, can be complex and time-consuming. By understanding the requirements involved, you can make sure you will be able to complete the naturalization process successfully.

General Eligibility Criteria for U.S. Citizenship

In order to apply for U.S. citizenship, you must fulfill certain general eligibility criteria:

• You must be at least 18 years old.

• You must have been a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) of the United States for at least five years (or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen).

• You must have resided in the United States continuously during those five (or three) years.

• You must have been physically present in the United States for at least half of the continuous residence period.

• You must demonstrate good moral character.

If you meet these general eligibility criteria, you can move forward with the naturalization process by completing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and submitting it along with all required documentation to USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).

English Language Proficiency Test

An important requirement when applying for U.S. citizenship is demonstrating your ability to speak, understand, read, and write English. The English language proficiency test assesses your command over basic spoken and written English skills such as reading sentences aloud in English or writing simple sentences on designated topics given by immigration officers during your interview process.

Civics Test

In addition to the English language proficiency test, you are also required to pass a civics test as part of your naturalization process. The aim of this test is to assess your knowledge and understanding of the U.S. government and the history of the United States.

The civics test consists of 100 questions about various topics such as the American Revolution, the U.S. Constitution, the branches of the U.S. government, the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens, holidays in the United States, etc. During your naturalization interview, you will be asked up to 10 randomly selected questions from these 100, and you will need to answer at least six questions correctly in order to pass.

Exemptions for English Language and Civics Tests

There are some exceptions or accommodations made for certain individuals when it comes to meeting the requirements for English language proficiency or taking the civics test:

• If you are above 65 years old at the time of filing your application for naturalization with at least 20 years as a Green Card holder (also known as the "65/20" exception), you may be exempt from the English test, and the civics test will be limited to 20 specially marked questions. You can take the civics test in whatever language you choose.

• If you are above 55 years old at the time of filing with at least 15 years as a Green Gard holder (also known as the "55/15" exception) or if you are above 50 years old and have had a Green Card for at least 20 years (known as the “50/20” exception), you may be exempt from the English tests, and you can take the civics test in the language of your choice.

• If you have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that affects your ability to learn English or take tests, you may be exempt from the civics test, the English test, or both.

Oath of Allegiance

After successfully completing all other requirements and passing the required tests, an oath ceremony will be scheduled. During this ceremony, you will take an Oath of Allegiance where you swear loyalty to the United States. The oath will state that you renounce allegiance to any foreign state or ruler, are committed to supporting and defending the Constitution and laws of the United States, and will serve in the armed forces if required by law. After taking this Oath, you will become a U.S. citizen.

Contact a United States Citizenship Attorney

Applying for U.S. citizenship can be a complex process with various requirements that need to be met. It is essential to understand the eligibility criteria, prepare your application correctly, and provide all necessary documentation for a successful outcome. As you take steps to apply for U.S. citizenship, Immigrate Lawyer can provide you with guidance and assistance throughout the process. Our U.S. naturalization lawyers have helped numerous individuals apply for citizenship and address other immigration issues. Contact us today at 844-464-4727 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can guide you on your journey toward becoming a U.S. citizen.