Citizenship through 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 Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Age

In order to apply for naturalization an applicant must first be a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States of at least 18 years of age.

Good Moral Character Requirement

All applicants for naturalization must be of good moral character. Certain crimes and bad acts, may make one ineligible to naturalize for lack of good moral character. In addition, some crimes or acts can cause to your application for naturalization to be denied and you can be placed in proceedings to be removed from the United States. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney before submitting your application for naturalization.

Continual Residence Requirement

Applicants must have resided continuously within the United States at least 5 years after having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence or at least 3 years if applicant’s permanent residence was obtained by marriage to a U.S. citizen.

Physical Presence Requirement

In order to naturalize an applicant must demonstrate that s/he has, subsequent to lawful admission as a permanent resident, resided has been physically present in the United States at least 30 of the past 60 months or 18 of the past 36 months where the applicant’s permanent residence was obtained by marriage to a U.S. citizen.

Test

Most naturalization applicants are required to take a test on: English Civics (U.S. history and government)