Naturalization

Naturalization is the process for a foreign citizen born outside of the United Stated to Non-U.S. Citizen parents voluntarily becomes a U.S. Citizen. Two of the main benefits of being a citizen of the United States are the right to vote and to apply for government job. The become a U.S. Citizen, you must be a lawful permanent resident for five years or more. If you obtained your green card through the marriage of a U.S. Citizen, you might apply for citizenship after three years.

Naturalization Eligibility Requirements

There are several requirements before an individual applies for naturalization. Here are the general requirements.

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing.
• Be a permanent resident (have a “Green Card”) for at least five years.
• Show that you have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where you apply.
• Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding the date of filing for naturalization.
• Show that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately preceding the date of filing for naturalization.
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
• Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
• Be a person of good moral character.
• Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.

Naturalization Test

As part of the requirements of naturalization, you must successfully pass a test. Aside from answering questions about your personal life and information on the application, the immigration officer will administer an English and civics test unless he or she qualifies for an exemption or waiver. The English test has three components: reading, writing and speaking.

1. Speaking Test
   An applicant’s ability to speak English will be determined by a USCIS Officer during the eligibility interview.
2. Reading Test
   An applicant must read aloud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English.
3. Writing Test
   An applicant must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English.
4. Civics Test
   There are100 civics questions on the naturalization test. During an applicant’s naturalization interview, he or she will be asked up to 10 questions from the list of 100 questions. An applicant must answer correctly six of the ten questions to pass the civics test.

You may be able to become a U.S. Citizen through your parents, if you were born from a U.S. Citizen parent or if one of your parents became a U.S. Citizen prior to you reaching the age of 18.

If you want to know more about becoming an U.S. Citizen, we can assist you with the process of becoming a U.S. Citizen. Call us!

Source of information:

https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/educators/naturalization-information#eligibility_reqmts