Becoming a Citizen

Learn how to obtain a U.S. Citizenship.

Eligibility

To apply to be a naturalized citizen, you must meet all the eligibility requirements below or have a special circumstance.

  • Permanent Resident for 5 Years

    You must be a green card holder (permanent resident) for at least 5 years before you apply for citizenship, or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen.

  • Live in the U.S.

    You must have lived in the U.S. for 30 months while a permanent resident, or 18 months if married to a U.S. citizen. You must have not traveled outside of the U.S. for trips longer than 6 months in duration.

  • 18 years of age or older
    Read, write, and speak basic English
    Honest and law-abiding person
Contact Us to Become a Citizen

A person can be a citizen of the United States either by birth or through naturalization.

What is naturalization?

Naturalization is the process that a person not born in the U.S. must voluntarily undergo to become a citizen. You’ll hear this word freqently throughout the immigration process. Unless you were born a citizen, you must be naturalized.

How long is this process?

Becoming naturalized is a long process, usually a minimum of 4-6 years, which is why you want someone experienced to guide you through it. If you don't file for your greencard or leave the country for extended trips, you may have to wait even longer.

Paths to Citizenship

Greencard Most Common

This path to citizenship is the most common. Permanent residents that have held a green card for at least 5 years can apply to become a U.S. citizen, provided they meet the following requirements:

  • Be 18 or older at the time of filing
  • Be a green card holder for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
  • Have lived within the state, or USCIS district with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence, for at least 3 months prior to the date of filing the application. Students may apply for naturalization either where they go to school or where their family lives (if they are still financially dependent on their parents).
  • Have continuous residence in the United States as a green card holder for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application
  • Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application
  • Reside continuously within the United States from the date of application for naturalization up to the time of naturalization
  • Be able to read, write, and speak English and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
  • Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States during all relevant periods under the law

Marriage

Another common way to become a U.S. citizen is through marriage. You must still have been a green card holder for at least 3 years and have lived with your spouse during this time.

  • Be 18 or older
  • Be a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
  • Have been living in marital union with the U.S. citizen spouse, who has been a U.S. citizen during all of such period, during the 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application and up until examination on the application
  • Have lived within the state, or USCIS district with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence, for at least 3 months prior to the date of filing the application
  • Have continuous residence in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application
  • Reside continuously within the United States from the date of application for naturalization until the time of naturalization
  • Be physically present in the United States for at least 18 months out of the 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application
  • Be able to read, write, and speak English and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government (also known as civics)
  • Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States during all relevant periods under the law

Parents

There are several ways that a child of a U.S. citizen can become naturalized. Please contact us about your specific case and read through the various cases on the official USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship/citizenship-through-parents

Military

Non-citizen members of the U.S. military, and their families, can become naturalized if they meet several qualifications. Please contact us to learn more and review the official USCIS page here: https://www.uscis.gov/military/citizenship-military-personnel-family-members