Citizenship through Naturalization

If you are a permanent resident of the United States and are thinking about applying for U.S. citizenship, the first question you might ask is why bother applying in the first place? There are significant fees involved and it does require a lot of documentation. However, by becoming a U.S. citizen, you gain many rights that permanent residents or others do not have, including the fact that you will be able to vote, hold government jobs, and serve on a jury trial. However, for most people, the number one reason to become a citizen is that it becomes much easier to get your relatives into the United States.

A permanent resident can apply only on behalf of their spouse and unmarried kids. A U.S. citizen, however, can sponsor his or her spouse, married or unmarried kids, mother and father, and even brothers and sisters. There is a wait time associated with getting your relatives inside the U.S. but depending on the relative, there is hardly a wait time at all if you are already a citizen. For example, if you are a permanent resident, the current wait time for your foreign spouse to obtain a visa is seven years, while a U.S. citizen spouse does not need to wait in line at all to sponsor his or her spouse for a visa. See Visa Bulletin for March 2014

So, what are the basic requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen? The process of applying for U.S. citizenship is known as naturalization. In order to be eligible, you must first meet some basic requirements:

1. Be a lawful permanent resident of the United States for 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years (although there are certain exceptions to this requirement for persons who have honorable service in the U.S. Armed Forces)
2. Be physically present in the United States for over 50% of the required residency period
3. Be a person of “good moral character”
4. Take an oath of loyalty to the United States
5. Be able to speak, read and write simple words and phrases in the English language (although there are certain exceptions to this rule)
6. Pass a test in U.S. history and government

Finally, your next question might be when can I apply? You may be able to apply for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States 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 with your U.S. citizen husband or wife.

If you have further questions about citizenship and how to obtain citizenship status, please give us a call at 1-888-252-4668 or use the inquiry form above.