If you have been a permanent resident for at least 4 years and 9 months, you may be eligible to apply to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. If you have been married to and living with a U.S. Citizen for the duration of at least 2 years and 9 months while being a permanent resident, then you may be eligible to apply for naturalization.
Some of the benefits of U.S. Citizenship include:
- The ability to help family members immigrate to the United States; U.S. citizens are able to sponsor their parents, married children, and siblings for permanent residence
- The ability to help your minor children become U.S. citizens
- The right to remain in the United States after criminal convictions
- The right to vote in all federal, state, and local elections
- The right to serve on a jury
- The right to run for elected government office
- The right to be employed in certain government jobs that require U.S. citizenship
- The right to obtain a U.S. Passport
Some of the other requirements for naturalization include the following:
- During the past 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), you have been physically present in the United States for at least half of that time
- You are a person of good moral character
- You can read, write, and speak basic English and pass a test of U.S. history and government in English
If you are over age 50 and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, or if you are over age 55 and have been a permanent resident for at least 15 years, then you might be permitted to take the naturalization test in your native language.
There are other requirements that you must fulfill besides those listed in order to apply for naturalization.
Many clients have obtained U.S. citizenship with the careful guidance of our office.