Family Immigration Services
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Who Is Eligible to Naturalize?
Most lawful permanent residents become eligible to apply for naturalization after five continuous years of lawful permanent residence in the United States. The period is reduced to three years for LPRs who are currently married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse. Additional eligibility requirements include:
- Physical presence in the United States for at least half of the required residence period (30 months in a 5-year period, or 18 months in a 3-year period).
- Continuous residence in the United States — extended absences can interrupt the continuity requirement and, in some cases, start the clock over.
- Residence in the USCIS district or state where the application is filed for at least three months before filing.
- Good moral character throughout the required period and generally since arriving in the U.S.
- Ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
- Knowledge of U.S. history and government (the civics requirement).
- Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and willingness to take the Oath of Allegiance.
The Naturalization Process
Naturalization begins with filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with USCIS, along with the required supporting documentation and filing fee. After filing, the applicant is scheduled for a biometrics appointment and then a naturalization interview, at which a USCIS officer tests English language proficiency and civics knowledge and reviews the application. If the application is approved, the applicant takes the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony and becomes a U.S. citizen.
Citizenship Through Parents
Some individuals acquire U.S. citizenship at birth or automatically after birth through a U.S. citizen parent, without going through the naturalization process. Our attorneys advise on claims of citizenship through parentage, including the acquisition of a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600) from USCIS.
Special Considerations
Naturalization applications can be complicated by factors such as extended foreign travel, certain criminal history, prior public benefit usage, tax compliance issues, or gaps in filing required tax returns. Our attorneys review each client’s full background before filing to identify and address any potential bars or complications — rather than discovering them at the interview.
