Citizenship

Before applying for citizenship, a person must meet certain residency requirements, which will generally be based on the person’s immigration status:

• A lawful permanent resident who has received a Green Card may apply for Naturalization after having resided continuously in the U.S. for five years and must have maintained a physical presence in the United States for 30 months.
• The spouse of a U.S. Citizen will be eligible for Naturalization after having resided continuously in the United States for three years and having maintained a physical presence in the United States for 18 months.
• Children under the age of 18 who are currently living in the United States may apply for Naturalization if they are in the legal and physical custody of a parent who is a United States citizen.
• Children under the age of 18 who are outside the United States may apply for Naturalization after being lawfully admitted to the United States if their U.S. Citizen parents or grandparents have maintained a physical presence in the United States for five years.
• Individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces for at least one year may apply for Naturalization if they are lawful permanent residents, have resided continuously in the United States for five years, and have been physically present in the United States for 30 months.

Immigrants applying for naturalization will also need to prove that they have good moral character. This generally means that they have not been convicted of certain types of criminal offenses, including violent crimes, immigration fraud, or “crimes of moral turpitude.” During the naturalization process, a person must demonstrate a knowledge of American history and the workings of the U.S. Government by taking a Civics test, as well as an English test to determine if they can read, speak, and understand the language. When becoming a citizen, a person will take an oath of allegiance to the United States.