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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).

 

Generally, to be eligible for naturalization you must:

  • Be age 18 or older;

  • Be a permanent resident for a certain amount of time (usually 5 years but less for some individuals);

  • Be a person of good moral character;

  • Have a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government;

  • Have a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States; and

  • Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.

 

There a are exceptions to this rule for someone who:

  • Is 55 years old and has been a permanent resident for at least 15 years; or

  • Is 50 years old and has been a permanent resident for at least 20 years; or

  • Has a permanent physical or mental impairment that makes the individual unable to fulfill these requirements.

 

You may be able to apply for naturalization if you are at least 18 years of age and have been a permanent resident of the United States:

  • For at least 5 years; or

  • For at least 3 years during which time you have been, and continue to be, married to and living in a marriage relationship with your U.S. citizen spouse; orWhile currently serving honorably in the U.S. military, with at least 1 year of service, and you apply for citizenship while in the military, or within 6 months of discharge. Certain spouses of U.S. citizens, and those who served in the U.S. military during a past war or are serving currently in combat may be able to file for naturalization sooner than noted above.

 

Note: You may already be a U.S. citizen and not need to apply for naturalization if your biological or adoptive parent(s) became a U.S. citizen before you reached the age of 18.

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