Naturalization

Naturalization Naturalization is the way that a person not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting some requirements. This page will cover the most common types of naturalization:

  • Being a Lawful Permanent Resident for 5 years
  • Being a Lawful Permanent Resident for 3 years and being married to a U.S. citizen

Lawful Permanent Resident of 5 Years

To be eligible for naturalization, a foreign national must establish the following at the time of filing foreign national naturalization application:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least five years.
  • Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least five years.
  • Demonstrate physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years.
  • Have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district. Students may apply for naturalization either where they go to school or where their family lives (if they are still financially dependent on their parents).
  • Be a person of good moral character.
  • Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
  • Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
  • Take an oath of allegiance to the United States.

Certain applicants, because of their age and time as an LPR, do not have to take the English test for naturalization and may take the civics test in the language of their choice.

A LPR is exempt from the English language requirement, but are still required to take the civics test if he/she is:

  • Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception). OR
  • Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).

Note:

  • Even if the LPR qualifies for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, he/she must still take the civics test.
  • The LPR will be permitted to take the civics test in his/her native language.
  • If the LPR takes the test in his/her native language, he/she must bring an interpreter with him/her to his/her interview.
  • The LPR’s interpreter must be fluent in both English and the LPR’s native language.
  • If the LPR is age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, he/she will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.

A foreign national may be eligible for an exception to the English and civics naturalization requirements if he/she is unable to comply with these requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment.

Lawful Permanent Resident of 3 Years

To be eligible for naturalization, a foreign national must establish the following at the time of filing foreign national naturalization application:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have been living in marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse during such time.
  • Be a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least three years.
  • Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least three years.
  • Demonstrate physical presence in the United States for at least 18 months out of the three years.
  • Have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district. Be a person of good moral character.
  • Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
  • Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
  • Take an oath of allegiance to the United States.

Certain applicants, because of their age and time as an LPR, do not have to take the English test for naturalization and may take the civics test in the language of their choice.

A LPR is exempt from the English language requirement, but are still required to take the civics test if he/she is:

  • Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception). OR
  • Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).

Note:

  • Even if the LPR qualifies for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, he/she must still take the civics test.
  • The LPR will be permitted to take the civics test in his/her native language.
  • If the LPR takes the test in his/her native language, he/she must bring an interpreter with him/her to his/her interview.
  • The LPR’s interpreter must be fluent in both English and the LPR’s native language.
  • If the LPR is age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, he/she will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.

A foreign national may be eligible for an exception to the English and civics naturalization requirements if he/she is unable to comply with these requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment.

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