NATURALIZATION

becoming a u.s. citizen

If you have made this country your home, and want to acert your civil rights and privileges, you may be ready to take the next step: Naturalization.  

Could  you be a citizen without knowing it?  

U.S. CITIZENSHIP

Naturalization.

  • Must be a permanent resident for at least 5 years, or 3 years if the applicant is married to a US citizen and has been living together with the US citizen spouse for the past 3 years. 
  • Must maintain continued residence in the US for the required period,, i.e. 5 years in general or 3 years if married to a US citizen. 
  • Have physical presence in the US for at least half of the required period.*

*Exceptions of the continued residence and physical presence requirement applies to members of the military and certain spouses of US citizens residing abroad. 

  • English Language Requirement.
  • Knowledge and Understanding of the Fundamentals of U.S. History and Government Requirement.
  • Good Moral Character and Attachment to the Principles of the U.S. Constitution Requirement.

Citizenship acquired by birth.

A child born abroad with at least one US citizen parent may be a US citizen by birth if:

  • Parent was a US citizen by birth or naturalization at the time the child was born,
  • US citizen parent has the required physical presence time in the US, and  
  • Child is under 18 at the time he/she applies for the citizenship 

Derivative Citizenship.

A child born abroad may automatically become a US citizen by law when:

  • One of the parents is a US citizen by birth or naturalization,
  • The child is under 18 years old,
  • The child is in the US as a legal permanent resident (Green card holder),
  • The US citizen parent has custody of the child. 

FAQ

As a permanent resident, you have most of the rights of U.S. citizens. However, there are many important privileges conferred only to U.S. citizens:

  • Keep your residency!!
    A U.S. citizen’s right to remain in the United States cannot be taken away.  
  • Obtain government benefits.
    Some government benefits are available only to U.S. citizens.  
  • Vote.
    Only citizens can vote in federal elections. Most states also restrict the right to vote, in most elections, to U.S. citizens
  • Travel with a U.S. passport.
    A U.S. passport enables you to get assistance from the U.S. government when overseas, if necessary.
  • Bring family members to the U.S.
    U.S. citizens generally get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to this country.
  • Obtain citizenship for children under 18 years of age.
    In most cases, a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen is automatically a U.S. citizen.
  • Apply for federal jobs.
    Certain jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship.
  • Become an elected official.
    Only citizens can run for federal office (U.S. Senate or House of Representatives) and for most state and local offices.
  • Become eligible for federal grants and scholarships.
    Many financial aid grants, including college scholarships and funds given by the government for specific purposes, are available only to U.S. citizens.