Who Is Eligible to Naturalize?
The general requirements for naturalization are as follows:
- Person must be a legal permanent resident (LPR) "green card holder"
- Person must be at least 18 years of age at the time of filing the application for naturalization
- Person must have continuously resided in the U.S. as a LPR for a period of 5 years immediately prior to filing the naturalization application or 3 years if "green card" was obtained through marriage to a U.S. Citizen
- Person must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5 year period prior to filing for naturalization or 18 months out of the 3 year period for green cards obtained through marriage to a U.S. Citizen
- Person must have resided in the state where the application is filed for at least 3 months immediately prior to the filing of the naturalization application
- Person must have a good moral character
- Male "green card" holders between the ages of 18-26 must register for the U.S. military selective service
- Person must taken and pass the English Exam (showing proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English)
- Person must take and pass the Civic Exam (showing fundamental knowledge of U.S. government and history)
- Person must take the Oath of Allegiance (swearing to support the U.S. Constitution and pledge allegiance to the United States)
Note: Recent changes in U.S. immigration law and USCIS procedures now make it easier for U.S. military personnel to naturalize.
Helpful Tips
- Do NOT travel overseas if you have an expired or soon-to-expire "green card"
- Do NOT travel continuously for more than 6 months without consulting an immigration attorney first
- ALWAYS file your taxes. Even if you are overseas during tax filing period, you MUST file your taxes.
- If you were arrested for ANY crime, contact an immigration attorney before you decide to naturalize
