Naturalization is a legal process where a non-citizen may acquire citizenship after fulfilling certain requirements outlined in the Immigration Nationality Act.
To apply for U.S. Citizenship, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Be eighteen (18) years of age or older to file;An applicant must be in Legal Permanent Resident Status, for the following timeframes:
- If married, three (3) years; or,
- Not married, five (5) years;
- The applicant must have maintained Good Moral Character (excluding traffic offenses) for three (3) to five (5) years;
- The applicant must reside in their respective State for at least three (3) months;
- The applicant must have resided in the U.S. as an L.P.R. for at least five (5) years;
- The applicant must have knowledge of U.S. Government History;
- The applicant must be able to speak, write, and read ordinary English;
- From the day the Naturalization Application is filed, the applicant must remain in the United States until the admission of citizenship is approved; and,
- The applicant must be able to take the U.S. Oath of Allegiance.
While the requirements of the Naturalization process seem straightforward, there are exceptions and rules that can complicate the application process. It is best to seek legal advice from a competent attorney that practices immigration law. Here at the Law Office of Michael D. Post, we will be able to answer your questions and assist you through the process so that you can achieve the ultimate of goal of becoming a United States citizen.
- DISCLAIMER: Our office does not provide deportation defense to people in Immigration custody.