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Naturalization Requirements

To be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, you must:

 

  • Be at least 18 years old (children under 18 years old can automatically become U.S. citizens when their parents become citizens).
  • Have been a legal permanent resident (a green card holder) for at least the last five years (or three years, if married to a U.S. citizen).
  • Have been continuously living in the U.S.for at least five years (or three years, if married to a U.S.citizen).*
  • Have been physically present in the United States for at least a total of two years and six months during the past five years (or one year and six months if married to a U.S. citizen).
  • Have not been outside of the United States for more than one year at a time during the past five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
  • Be able to speak, read and write conversational English.**
  • Be able to pass a U.S. civics and history exam.**
  • Be a person of “good moral character”.***
  • Be willing to take an oath of loyalty to the U.S.(an oath of willingness to support and defend the U.S. and our constitution).

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    * Some members of the armed services may be eligible to apply sooner than these time periods.

     

    ** Some individuals with disabilities may be eligible to waive the English and civics and history testing requirements. Also, some individuals age 50 years and older may be eligible to waive the English test and complete the interview in their native language. See below for more details.

     

    ***There are some situations where one should be very careful about making the decision to apply for U.S. citizenship. You should obtain legal advice if you have been arrested for, convicted of or involved in a crime; lived outside of the United States for more than six months since becoming a green card holder; are currently in or have been in deportation proceedings; voted or registered to vote in a U.S. election; falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen; failed to pay taxes or paid as a non-resident; did not register for the Selective Service if required; or failed to support your children. These things do not necessarily mean that you cannot apply for U.S. citizenship but you should clarify your situation with an immigration attorney first.

     
    Call Causa toll-free at:

    1 (855) 884- CAUSA or 1 (855) 884-2287.