Who is Eligible for US Citizenship?

Many of us want to become a US citizen. Becoming a US citizen is a complex process. There are certain eligibility criteria that must be satisfied to become a US citizen. The person must have a good moral character and no criminal records.

Permanent Resident

The first and foremost requirement for becoming a US citizen is that you must be lawfully admitted to the US for permanent residence. A permanent resident can apply for US citizenship four years and nine months after obtaining a green card. If the green card is obtained through marriage to a US citizen, the waiting period is reduced to three years, provided that the permanent resident alien is still married to and lives with the US citizen. Certain applicants who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to file for naturalization based on current or prior U.S. military service.

Residency Requirements

Immediately preceding the filing of the application, the applicant must have resided continuously as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 5 years prior to filing with absences from the United States totaling no more than one year; and physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the previous five years (absences of more than six months but less than one year break the continuity of residence unless the applicant can establish that he or she did not abandon his or her residence during such period); and resided within a state or district for at least three months. A lawful permanent resident is excused from any specific period of required residence, period of residence in any specific place, or physical presence within the United States if an application for naturalization is filed while the applicant is still serving or within six months of an honorable discharge.

Language and Knowledge of US

You must be eligible to speak, read and write English. You will be exempt from this requirement if:

• Have been residing in the United States subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence for at least 15 years and are over 55 years of age;
• Have been residing in the United States subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence for at least 20 years and are over 50 years of age; or
• Have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, where the impairment affects the applicant’s ability to learn English.

You must have a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history and of the principles and form of government of the United States.

Getting Legal Help

US immigration laws are complex. The eligibility criteria for becoming a US citizen are strictly enforced. An experienced US immigration attorney can study your case and let you know if you are eligible for US citizenship. If you are not eligible, an experienced US immigration attorney can advise you on how you can become eligible.