Naturalization
- Naturalization is the process through which an immigrant to the United States can become a U.S. citizen.
- Only certain immigrants are eligible: those who either have been green card holders (permanent residents) for 3–5 years or meet various military service requirements.
- To apply, you must meet the set requirements established by Congress and immigration regulations and procedures.
CITIZENSHIP
BENEFITS OF CITIZENSHIP
Becoming a Naturalized US Citizen carries with it important benefits, among which are:
- Voting rights
- Priority in family-based permanent residency petitions for loved ones
- Citizenship for children born abroad
- Eligibility for US Government jobs
- Eligibility to become an elected official
- Estate Tax benefits
Ability to sponsor relatives seeking immigration status
With a Certificate of Naturalization, you can sponsor any siblings, parents, or adult children who wish to apply for lawful permanent residence in the United States.
Automatic citizenship for children
Once you’re naturalized, your children will also obtain citizenship, even if they’re born abroad
Issuance of U.S. passport
As a citizen of the United States, you’re entitled to a U.S. passport, which comes with a number of benefits, including have visa-free access to over many countries and territories throughout the world. If there is an emergency while you are abroad, you will be able to contact the local U.S. consulate or embassy. You will also have complete freedom to travel the globe, as the U.S. government places no restrictions on the duration or frequency of trips abroad.
Other benefits include
naturalization
You may qualify for naturalization if you:
- Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years
- Have been a lawful permanent resident for 3 years and have been married to a US citizen during the entirety of those 3 years
- Have qualifying service in the US Armed Forces (See qualifications below)
- Are the child of a U.S. citizen born outside the country and currently residing outside the country, who, for some reason, did not fulfill requirements for citizenship at birth
Each of these paths include their own sets of eligibility requirements, including the necessity to demonstrate “Good Moral Character,” “Continuous Residence” in the US, and other qualifications that may be unique to the circumstances under which you are applying.
Applicants (in most cases) must also demonstrate an understanding of the English language, as well as knowledge of US history and government. After your application is filed you will be required to attend an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Officer and complete the Naturalization Test.
To qualify for Naturalization, the following requirements must be met:
01.
You must be at least 18 years old.
02.
You must Have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months
03.
You must have been a resident of the state where you plan to apply for citizenship for at least three months.
04.
You must have “good moral character,” broadly defined as character that measures up to the standards of average citizens in your community.
05.
You must pass a two-part naturalization test: the first is an English language test (covering reading, writing, and speaking skills) and the second a civics test (covering knowledge of U.S. history and government).
06.
You must be willing to serve in the U.S. military or perform civilian service for the United States if called upon to do so.
07.
You must register with the Selective Service System if you are male and have lived in the United States between the ages of 18 and 25.
08.
You must be willing to defend the U.S. Constitution.
naturalization
INTERVIEW AND NATURALIZATION TEST
The interviewing officer will ask you questions about your application and background, while also gauging your ability to speak English based on your responses. He or she will then test your abilities to read and write English by having you read one of three written sentences and write one of three spoken sentences. Next, the Civics portion of the Naturalization Test consists of questions, of which you must correctly answer most. The questions are chosen at random out of 100 civics-based options. The USCIS provides a wide range of helpful study materials that can help you to pass this test. These materials can be found here:
Once you have passed the Naturalization Test, your application will either be granted, continued, or denied. If continued, USCIS may request more information from you or request a second interview. If denied, you may be able to appeal the decision. If it is approved, you will be scheduled for an Oath Ceremony, at which time you become a U.S. citizen.
There are certain exemptions to the Language portion of the naturalization test:
Applicants aged 50 and older and have lived in the U.S. as a green card holder for at least 20 years
Applicants aged 55 and older and have lived in the U.S. as a green card holder for at least 15 years
Applicants aged 65 and older and have lived in the U.S. as a green card holder for at least 20 years
Applicants with medical disabilities that have lasted, or are expected to last, at least 12 months may apply for a waiver that will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
CITIZENSHIP
CITIZENSHIP FOR MILITARY MEMBERS (AND DEPENDENTS)
Those who have served in any branch of the US Armed Forces, and their dependents, may
qualify for unique naturalization provisions. Non-Citizen members of the military can apply for
citizenship through section 328 or 329 of the INA. This is often an expedited process that is a
significant benefit for those who are or were in the military.
Naturalization can be a complex process. It will take significant time, planning, and effort, but for most, it is the culmination of their immigration journey in the United States.