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).

In most cases, an applicant for naturalization must be a permanent resident (green card holder) before filing.  Except for certain U.S. military members and their dependents, naturalization can only be granted in the United States.

To be eligible for Naturalization in the United States applicants must comply with the following requirements:

1. Have basic English skills;
2. Be able to pass a U.S. civics test;
3. Be a lawful permanent resident of the United States for five years, or three years for the spouse of a United States citizen;
4. Establish physical presence in the United States for at least half the requisite time;
5. Be at least 18 years old;
6. Maintain lawful permanent residence in a continuous manner;
7. Maintain residence in the State or USCIS District, in which the application for Naturalization is filed, for at least three months;
8. Be a person of good moral character;
9. Take an oath of allegiance to the United States.