If you are living in the United States as a green card holder, your ultimate goal is most likely to go through the naturalization process. Transitioning your green card to citizenship is the dream for many immigrants, but it does come with many USCIS naturalization requirements. To go through the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, you need to first understand these requirements to ensure that you qualify. Here is everything you need to know about the naturalization process, including the timeline for filing important forms and who qualifies for naturalization.
What Is Naturalization?
The naturalization process is an option available to some immigrants who want to become U.S. citizens. Once an immigrant goes through the naturalization process, they will have all the benefits of being a U.S. citizen and won’t have the limitations of a green card.
However, immigrants can only qualify for naturalization if they have been green card holders for 3 to 5 years. The only exception to this is individuals who have met various military service requirements that allow them to become U.S. citizens.
Here are some additional naturalization requirements for individuals applying for naturalization without qualifying military service:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have been a resident for at least three months in the state where you are applying for citizenship.
- You must have good moral character.
- You must be able to pass a two-part naturalization test.
- You must be willing to serve in the U.S. military or perform civilian service if called to do so.
- You must register with the Selective Service System if you are a male and have lived in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 25.
Key Eligibility Criteria
If you believe you meet the naturalization requirements, here is a breakdown of the more specific eligibility criteria depending on different situations. This is important to understand since there are many different types of green cards that can create different naturalization requirements.
Here is a breakdown of how long you have to have physically lived in the U.S. before you can apply for naturalization, depending on the type of green card you have:
- Green card holder: You can apply for naturalization after five years, having been physically in the U.S. for 30 months.
- Green card holder with at least one year of peacetime military service: You can apply for naturalization while in the military or within six months of honorably separating with no required physical time in the U.S.
- Green card holder married to a U.S. citizen: You can apply for naturalization after three years, having been in the United States for 18 months.
- Green card holder with less than one year of peacetime military service: You can apply for naturalization after five years, having been physically present in the U.S. for 30 months.
- Widow or widower of a U.S. citizen who died while serving in the military: You can apply for naturalization anytime with no requirements for being physically present in the U.S.
- Green card holder with at least one year of peacetime military service and having been honorably discharged over six months ago: You can apply for naturalization after five years, having been physically present in the U.S for 30 months.
Additionally, anyone who has been a member of the military with any period of wartime service can apply for naturalization without any requirements regarding wait time or time spent in the United States. This is a military exemption that does not require the individual to have a green card.
Application Timeline from Green Card to Citizenship
Compared to other immigration pathways, applying for citizenship is relatively straightforward. After you have filed your citizenship application, you will usually attend the oath of allegiance ceremony 5.6 months later. Keep in mind that delays are common if you have a particularly complex situation or have issues with your paperwork.
The timeline for naturalization can also vary significantly depending on each individual situation and how busy the USCIS is.
It is strongly recommended that you hire a naturalization attorney to ensure this process goes smoothly without any delays.
Step-by-Step Overview of the Naturalization Process
Although the naturalization process can feel intimidating, there are only a few steps that you need to go through to obtain citizenship. The first thing you need to do is apply for naturalization through an N-400 application.
You also need to attend a biometrics appointment to have your fingerprints taken, and then a citizenship interview will be scheduled along with your citizenship exam. The citizenship exam will include a two-part naturalization test that includes the civics test and English language test, both of which you have to be able to pass.
Your attorney can help you go over what to expect during these appointments, including going over civics test preparation so that you don’t run into any issues.
If everything goes smoothly, the last step of this process will be to attend the oath of allegiance ceremony.
Hire an Immigration Attorney Today
Do you want to start the naturalization process? Contact us today at U.S. Immigration Law Counsel at 800-666-4996 to speak with a naturalization attorney about your situation. We will deal with the government, so you don’t have to!
FAQ:
How long must I hold a green card before applying?
The average green card timeline is usually 3 to 5 years, but this will depend on the type of green card and your circumstances.
What if I travel outside the U.S. before applying for naturalization?
Immigrants are usually able to travel outside of the U.S. while on a green card without it impeding their ability to apply for naturalization. However, you need to have continuously resided in the U.S. for the correct period of time, and you should avoid traveling outside of the U.S. for any longer than 180 days.
Can I apply early under the 90-day rule?
You can use the USCIS early filing calculator to take advantage of the 90-day rule. However, you cannot file Form N-400 more than 90 days after your anniversary date.
