There are two main pathways to citizenship: the first is being born in the U.S.,which grants automatic citizenship or the second which is through naturalization. 

How do you gain Citizenship? 

If you are not born inside the borders of the United States, there are two pathways to U.S. citizenship:

1. Acquisition, which is for children born outside of the United States to a U.S. citizen parent; or

2. Naturalization, which is for eligible lawful permanent residents (green card holders).

Because acquisition requires birth to U.S. citizens, naturalization is the only means to obtain U.S. citizenship for most people.

What is the Naturalization Process? 

The Naturalization process involves several steps, here are the main ones you need to know. 

1. Eligibility. To apply for naturalization, you first need to confirm your eligibility. 

2. The Application. You must file a Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with the necessary supporting documents and filing fee. USCIS may ask you to provide fingerprints for criminal background checks if you haven’t already done so. 

3. The Interview. You will need to attend an interview where they will assess your level of English and knowledge of U.S. history and government. 

After the interview, USCIS can:

• grant or deny your application

• request further documents

• give you more time to retake the English or civics test if you failed 

From start to finish, the naturalization process can take between 18 – 24 months. 

Who is eligible for Naturalization? 

Eligibility requirements vary, depending on your marital status, the type of green card you hold and whether you have a disability or have served in the military. 

The following is a list of the general eligibility criteria for naturalization.

1. You must be 18 years old or older.

2. You must establish residency in your state (typically at least three months) prior to applying.

3. You must have “good moral character,” meaning you hold no criminal convictions, paid taxes, and have no accusations of dishonesty or fraud. 

4. You must pass the English and Civics test. (Note; some applicants are exempt from the test based on age and duration of the green card.)

5. If a male between the ages of 18 and 25 years, you must be enrolled in the Selective Service System. And be willing to serve in the U.S. military if required.

6. You must take the Oath of Allegiance and commit to defending the U.S. Constitution.

How long does Naturalization take? 

If you hold a standard green card without any special status, you can apply for naturalization five years after receiving your green card. To qualify, you must;

1. Maintain continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years before applying; and

2. Be physically present in the United States for at least 18 months. 

If you are a green card holder married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply after three years. To qualify, you must;

1. Maintain continuous residence in the U.S. for at least three years before applying; and

2. Be physically present in the United States for at least 18 months.  

Additionally, for non-U.S. citizens who served in the U.S. military or widows/widowers of U.S. citizens who died while serving, the timeframes to apply are shorter and the eligibility criteria is often less strict. 

What are the benefits of Naturalization? 

There are various benefits of naturalization, here is a brief list of some of them:

• Protects you and your children from deportation.

• Your children under the age of 18 with permanent residency automatically become U.S. citizens.

• You can petition for additional family members to immigrate to the U.S. (such as parents, siblings, or married adult children).

• You gain access to jobs with or in the federal government.

• You can travel freely between states, and even abroad.

• You have the right to vote and run for office, with the exception of the U.S. presidency.

• You access federal benefits available only to U.S. citizens.

Interested in applying for Naturalization? 

U.S. citizenship offers many benefits, however the process can be extremely time-consuming and demanding. The procedures are strict and there are many requirements. With the right guidance, you can gain citizenship.

Contact our naturalization and citizenship experts at Yellow Law Group using the online form or calling us at +1 (201) 899-6194. During the consultation, we will listen to your case and curate a personalized application based on your unique situation and help you plan how best to move forward.