Table of Contents
Naturalization is the process by which a foreign citizen becomes a U.S. citizen. To qualify, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This article provides a straightforward overview of these requirements.
Residency Requirements
Applicants must have been lawful permanent residents (green card holders) for at least five years. If married to a U.S. citizen, the residency period is three years. During this time, applicants must have maintained continuous residence and physical presence in the United States.
Physical Presence and Continuous Residence
Applicants need to demonstrate they have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required residency period. They must also show they have maintained continuous residence, meaning they have not left the U.S. for extended periods that break their residency.
Other Eligibility Criteria
Additional requirements include:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Showing good moral character
- Having basic knowledge of English and U.S. civics
- Filing the correct application forms and paying fees