Naturalization

Overview

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The general requirements for administrative naturalization include:

• a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United
• residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;
• an ability to read, write, and speak English;
• a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
• good moral character;
• attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution;
• favorable disposition toward the United States.

All naturalization applicants must demonstrate good moral character, attachment, and favorable disposition. The other naturalization requirements may be modified or waived for certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. citizens. Applicants should review the materials listed under "Related Links" and carefully read the N-400 application instructions before applying.

Note: Recent changes in immigration law and USCIS procedures now make it easier for U.S. military personnel to naturalize (see Naturalization Information for Military Personnel).

More information on this can be looked at USCIS website

Requirements

One must have stayed for 60 months in United Stated on a Permanent Resident Alien or Green Card. If the individual has received his or her Permanent Resident Alien status based on marriage to a US Citizen, he/she can file for Citizenship after staying 36 months (3 years) in United Stated on Green Card.

Half of your time must have been in the US (30/18 months) and no longer than 6 months out of US at one time. If one have been out of the US for over 6 months, he or she need to wait 4 years and 1 day from the last time you were out for 6 months (2 years and 1 day if based on marriage to a US Citizen)

The individual must live in the United state while filing the citizenship application. At the time of the interview (approximately 3-6 months from the time the application is filed) the individual must be able to read, write and speak English.

Applicants exempt from this requirement are those who on the date of filing, not 90 days before: Have resided in the US for over 15 years and are over 55 years old or Have resided in the US for over 20 years and are over 50 years old or

If the individual has any physical or mental impairment, where the impairment affects the ability to learn English, he or she can file a N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.

Other Requirement:

The total fee to file for US Citizenship is $530. If you are 75 years old or over you do not need Fingerprints and the fee is $70 less.

One must show good moral character.

One must be current with your Federal Income Tax

Financial support.

No criminal convictions including DUI.

NOTE: If your Permanent Resident Alien card expires within 6 months, you will also need to renew your “green card”.

Process

If the individual meets the requirements listed above you are ready to file for citizenship application. You will need:

Cash, check or money order in the amount of $530.00. (No Credit/Debit cards accepted

Permanent Resident Alien “green” Card

A list of any places (with dates) visited outside US since you had the Permanent Resident Alien Card

A list of your addresses for the last 5 years (and dates)

A list of your employers for the last 5 years (with dates and addresses)

If applicable, your spouse’s name, Birth date, and SS #, (if Naturalized, place and date or copy of Citizenship Certificate)

If your name is different than on the Resident Alien “green” Card, you will need the supporting documents (i.e. Marriage Certificate or Divorce papers)

If you have any children, their names, birth dates and places of birth