What Are The 5 Main Requirements For Becoming A Naturalized Citizen?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Age. ...
  • Residency. ...
  • Residence and Physical Presence. ...
  • Good Moral Character. ...
  • Attachment to the Constitution. ...
  • Language. ...
  • U.S. Government and History Knowledge. ...
  • Oath of Allegiance.

How do I know if I am eligible for citizenship?

You may be eligible to apply for U.S. through if you: Have been a permanent resident for the past 5 years Learn more >> Are currently married to and living with a U.S. citizen and have been married to and living with that same U.S. citizen for the past 3 years Learn more >>

Who is eligible to become a naturalized citizen?

In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.

What are 2 ways to become a natural born citizen?

You can become a U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization . Generally, people are born U.S. citizens if they are born in the United States or if they are born abroad to U.S. citizens. You may also derive U.S. citizenship as a minor following the naturalization of one or both parents.

What is the difference between citizen and naturalized citizen?

A US citizenship certificate is granted to a person who acquires or derives citizenship from his US citizen parents. But a certificate of naturalization is granted to a person who becomes a citizen of America through naturalization. ... Before that, the person who seeks to become a US citizen must be a Green Card holder.

How long does it take to get citizenship after applying 2020?

The average processing time for citizenship (naturalization) applications is 8 months as of May 31, 2020. However, that's just how long it takes USCIS to process Form N-400. The entire naturalization process has several steps and takes an average of 15 months.

Do I need a lawyer to file for citizenship?

Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? No. You can file USCIS forms yourself , including Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online.

How can I become a US citizen in 2020?

Be of the minimum required age (typically, at least 18 ) Continuously and physically live in the United States as a green card holder for a certain number of years. Establish residency in the state or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district where they intend to apply. Have “good moral character”

What are 4 ways to become a citizen?

In all, there are four fundamental ways to become a U.S. citizen: citizenship by birth in the U.S., citizenship through derivation, citizenship through acquisition, and citizenship through naturalization . Most immigrants in the United States become citizens through the naturalization process.

How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen in 2021?

The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725 . That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.

Are you a natural born citizen if one parent is a citizen?

You may be a U.S. citizen if you were born abroad to at least one parent that was a U.S. citizen. If you were born abroad to two U.S. citizens and at least one of your parents lived in the United States at some point in his or her life, then in most cases you are a U.S. citizen.

Is a naturalized citizen?

Naturalization is the process to become a U.S. citizen if you were born outside of the United States . If you meet certain requirements, you may become a U.S. citizen either at birth or after birth.

What are the 2 types of citizens?

The first sentence of § 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment contemplates two sources of citizenship and two only: birth and naturalization .

What is an example of naturalization?

The term “naturalization” refers to the process of allowing a foreigner who lives in one country to become a citizen of another country. For example, naturalization involves a process by which the foreigner must live, for an extended period , in the country he wishes to become a citizen of.

What is the fastest way to get US citizenship?

The fastest way to get a US green card is through sponsorship from an immediate relative . Unlike other permanent resident visa categories, the IR visa is not subject to quotas or lengthy waiting periods. You are eligible for this visa if you are a spouse, child under 21, or parent of a current US citizen.

Can I apply for citizenship after 3 years of marriage?

As a permanent resident who is married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for naturalization after just three years. ... To qualify, you must have lived in the U.S. continuously for the three years immediately preceding the date you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.