Citizenship and Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the INA.

To apply for your U.S. Citizenship, you must:

• Have been a permanent resident or green card holder for at least 5 years or if you are the spouse of a U.S citizen, you have been a permanent resident for 3 years or more;
• Be 18 or older at the time of filing;
• Have continuous residence in the United States as a green card holder for at least 5 years before filing for your U.S citizenship;
• Be physically present in the U.S for at least 30 months out of the 5 years before filing for your U.S citizenship;
• Be able to read, write and speak English and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government; and
• Be a person of good moral character

There are certain exceptions to the Civics and English language test. This depends on your age and the time you have been a green card holder. There is also a medical exception to the Civics and English language test that requires a medical examination by a licensed physician.

Once you pass the interview, an oath ceremony will be held where you will become a U.S. citizen.