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U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization
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While some people become U.S. citizens automatically (such as by birth in the United States, or birth abroad to U.S. citizen parents), others must apply for it. The process for this is called “naturalization.” With only a few exceptions, this process is open only to people who have first obtained U.S. lawful permanent residence, or a green card.
Such people must then wait a certain number of years – in most cases, five – and fulfill other requirements concerning residency in the United States, knowledge of U.S. history and government, ability to speak, read, and write English, and more, before applying for or obtaining U.S. citizenship.
Overview of Naturalization Process
The naturalization process, step by step.
The Rights and Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
Understanding the increased benefits that come with U.S. citizenship.
Find out which family members become eligible for green cards based on your U.S. citizenship.
How some applicants may, depending on whether their oath ceremony is being held in a court, can change their name as part of the naturalization process.
Fewer travel hassles, greater access to federal jobs, more family members for whom you can petition for green cards, and other benefits of citizenship.
The Risks of Applying for U.S. Citizenship
Find out when being rejected for citizenship can also put your green card in danger.
Eligibility for Naturalized U.S. Citizenship
The main reasons that a green card holder might be found ineligible for U.S. citizenship.
Examples drawn from actual applicants showing how some of the naturalization requirements can trip up applicants -- or ultimately be overcome.
Make sure you fit the various criteria for citizenship before you apply.
Special opportunities and exceptions that apply to members of the U.S. military.
Hay una excepcion important para extranjeros que recibieron la residencia permanenete (green card) por medio de matrimonio con un ciudadano americano y permanecieron casado con dicha persona.
Timing Your Application for Citizenship
How many years you have to wait before applying.
Spouses of U.S. citizens can, under certain circumstances, apply to naturalize after three years rather than the usual five.
Applying for Naturalized U.S. Citizenship
All about Form N-400, the interview, and other aspects of the citizenship application process.
Before sending in your N-400, read these tips to protect against the possibility of USCIS misplacing all or parts of it.
Crimes and U.S. Citizenship
Understanding the possible consequences of a criminal record when applying for U.S. citizenship.
A criminal record is likely to lead to a finding that an applicant lacks the good moral character required for U.S. citizenship (and could lead to deportation).
With a DUI on your record, it is possible for USCIS to decide that you lack the required good moral character for U.S. citizenship.
How to fill out your naturalization application if you've got traffic tickets on your record.
Lies and U.S. Citizenship
The consequences of lying during a citizenship interview.
Abandonment of Residence and U.S. Citizenship
If you are engaged in certain types of employment that require you to live in another country, you may be able to preserve your continuous residence (as required for naturalization) by filing USCIS Form N-470.
If you make your home outside the United States, you could not only damage your eligibility for citizenship, but lose your green card, based on a concept called "abandonment of residence."
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