EXIT

Citizenship & Naturalization

Citizenship & Naturalization

Naturalization Interview and Test: Episode 1 – Preparing for the Naturalization Interview and Test
Source: USCIS YouTube

Other video resources on USCIS’s YouTube page:

Below are basic guidelines to attaining U.S. citizenship. If you are interested in receiving citizenship from ILCM, please refer to our eligibility and intake requirements.

The information below is all included in our Fact Sheet on Citizenship and Naturalization.

Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Citizenship

To be eligible for citizenship or naturalization, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be 18 years old or older.
  • You must have been a legal permanent resident (LPR or green card holder) for 5 years, or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen.
    • If you served in the U.S. Armed Forces, you may be eligible even if you are not a legal permanent resident.
    • If you are a refugee, your 5 years begins on the date you entered the United States.
  • You must be physically present in the United States for at least half of the required residency period (3 or 5 years).
  • You must not have moved to another country or left the United States for more than 6 months at one time.
  • You must have good moral character.
  • You must take a test of U.S. history and government.
  • You must read, write, and speak basic English. There are a few exceptions:
    • To take the U.S. history and government test in your native language, you must be 55 years old and have been a legal permanent resident for at least 15 years, OR be 50 years of age and a legal permanent resident for at least 20 years.
    • To take a simplified version of the U.S. history and government test, you must be 65 years of age and have been a legal permanent resident for at least 20 years.
    • You can be exempted from some or all of the educational requirements if a doctor or psychologist adequately completes a form (N-648) for you indicating you have a condition(s) that makes it impossible for you to learn English and/or to take the U.S. history and government test.
  • You must swear loyalty to the United States in front of a judge.

Barriers to Becoming a US Citizen

See an immigration law attorney before applying for citizenship if any of the following is true.

  • You made trips out of the United States that lasted longer than 6 months.
  • You moved to another country since receiving your green card.
  • You are in deportation (removal) proceedings, or have been deported.
  • You have not filed you federal income taxes.
  • You have not provided financial support for your children.
  • You are a male and have not registered with the Selective Service.
  • You have been arrested, convicted, or have committed a crime.
  • You have ever been involved with drugs, prostitution, polygamy, firearms, domestic abuse, or child abuse.
  • You committed fraud to enter the United States or get your green card, or you were not eligible when you originally got your green card.
  • You lied or committed fraud to receive public benefits.
  • You falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen.
  • You helped someone enter the United States illegally.

Advantages of U.S. Citizenship

  • You can file to bring family members, such as children, parents, and siblings to live in the United States.
  • The process of reuniting your spouse and children usually will be much faster if you are a citizen.
  • Becoming a U.S. citizen can help your children. Any of your unmarried LPR children living with you under 18 years old will automatically become citizens when you do.
  • You can vote in all elections.
  • You can be elected to public office.
  • You can live and travel outside of the United States without losing your citizenship.
  • Many federal jobs require you to be a U.S. citizen.
  • Traveling to some foreign countries may be easier for a citizen of the United States.

Disadvantages of U.S. Citizenship

  • You may lose your citizenship in your native country, unless your native country allows you to have dual citizenship (citizenship in 2 countries).
  • If you become a citizen, you may have difficulty maintaining ownership of property in another country.
  • You may lose your right to vote in your native country.