Becoming A Citizen: Permanent Residents' Path To Citizenship

The path to U.S. citizenship is a long and complex process, and it is not possible to apply immediately after becoming a lawful permanent resident. Typically, you will need to wait at least five years before applying for citizenship, during which time you must meet several requirements. These include demonstrating continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years, being physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 of those 60 months, and residing in a particular state or USCIS district for at least three months. Applicants must also be over 18, demonstrate good moral character, and pass tests in English and civics. The entire process, from submitting the application to taking the Oath of Allegiance, can take anywhere from 6 months to a year or more.

Processing time for naturalization (citizenship) averages 4.9 months

The processing time for naturalization (citizenship) averages 4.9 months. This is the time it takes to process the Application for Naturalization, and during this time, applicants must complete several steps before becoming citizens.

The first step is to submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, either online or by mail. The USCIS will then take your biometrics, including fingerprints and photographs, to process your application and perform background checks.

The next step is the citizenship interview and exam, which usually takes place about 4.9 months after the USCIS receives your application. The interview includes a two-part test: an English proficiency test and a civics test. If you pass the exam and the interview, your application may be approved on the same day. Otherwise, the USCIS has 120 days to send you its decision.

If your application is approved, the final step is to take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. This usually happens on the same day as your interview and exam, but if not, the USCIS will schedule it for a later date.

It is important to note that these are official averages and estimates, and the actual time may vary depending on the applicant's location and the specific USCIS field office handling the application. The USCIS publishes processing wait times for each field office, and these figures are updated monthly.

Before applying for naturalization, there are general eligibility requirements that must be met, including being at least 18 years old, having been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least five years, demonstrating good moral character, and showing an attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old

To be eligible for U.S. citizenship, applicants must be at least 18 years old. This is a mandatory requirement that must be fulfilled before submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The process of becoming a U.S. citizen typically involves several steps, including submitting the application, attending a biometrics appointment, and participating in a citizenship interview and exam.

The first step towards U.S. citizenship is ensuring that all eligibility criteria are met. In addition to being at least 18 years of age, applicants must have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least five years. This involves demonstrating continuous residence in the country for the specified period. It is important to note that applicants must not have taken any trips longer than six months outside the United States during this five-year period.

Once the eligibility criteria are met, individuals can proceed to submit their Application for Naturalization (Form N-400). This form can be filed online or through the mail. It is important to ensure that the application is complete and accurate, and all necessary supporting documents are provided. The processing time for naturalization applications averages around 4.9 months, but this can vary depending on the applicant's location and the specific USCIS field office handling the application.

Following the submission of the application, applicants will be required to attend a biometrics appointment. This usually takes place about a month after USCIS receives the application. During this appointment, fingerprints, photographs, and signatures are collected for background check purposes.

Subsequently, applicants will be invited to attend a citizenship interview and exam. The interview is typically scheduled about 4.9 months after the submission of the application. The citizenship test comprises two parts: an English proficiency test and a civics test focusing on U.S. history and government. It is beneficial to prepare adequately for both components of the exam.

Assuming the application is approved, individuals will be invited to attend an Oath of Allegiance ceremony, where they will receive their Certificate of Naturalization. This ceremony often takes place on the same day as the interview and exam, but there may be instances where it is scheduled for a later date.

It is important to note that the entire naturalization process can vary in duration, depending on individual circumstances and the workload of the USCIS field office. While the average processing time provides a general guideline, some applications may be processed faster or may take longer.

Applicants must show good moral character

To be eligible for U.S. citizenship, applicants must meet several requirements, including demonstrating good moral character. This means that the applicant has not been charged with or committed serious crimes, including intentionally lying to a government agency, illegal gambling, or failing to file income tax returns.

To prove good moral character, applicants must show that they have been a person of good moral character for at least five years immediately before submitting their Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This requirement is crucial, as any criminal history may impact an applicant's eligibility for citizenship. For example, certain types of crimes may result in a denial of citizenship, while others may require applicants to wait a certain number of years before submitting their application.

During the citizenship interview, applicants will be asked questions about their moral character. It is essential to answer these questions honestly and provide any relevant documentation or information. If there are any concerns about an applicant's moral character, the interviewer may request additional information or evidence to support their application.

In addition to demonstrating good moral character, applicants must also meet other requirements, such as being at least 18 years old, having a continuous residence in the United States for at least five years, and being able to read, write, and speak basic English. Applicants must also pass a two-part naturalization test, including an English test and a civics test demonstrating their knowledge of U.S. history and government.

Applicants must pass a two-part naturalization test

To become a US citizen through naturalization, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being at least 18 years old when you apply, being able to read, write, and speak basic English (depending on age), and being of good moral character.

In addition, you must fall into one of the following categories:

• Lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least five years
• Married to a US citizen and a lawful permanent resident for three years
• US military service member (active duty or veteran)
• Child of a US citizen

If you meet the above criteria, you will need to pass a two-part naturalization test as part of your citizenship interview. The two parts of the test are as follows:

English Test

During the English test, you must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. To demonstrate your ability to read in English, you will be asked to read aloud one out of three sentences correctly. To demonstrate your ability to write in English, you will be asked to write one out of three sentences correctly. The content of the reading and writing tests focuses on civics and history topics.

Civics Test

During the civics test, you will answer important questions about American government, history, and geography. The test is given verbally during the citizenship interview, and the immigration officer will ask you 10 questions out of a possible 100. To pass the civics test, you must answer at least six questions correctly.

Some applicants may be exempt from taking the English and civics tests due to age or disability qualifications. If you fail either part of the test at your initial interview, you will be retested on the failed portion (English or civics) between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview.

Applicants must take the Oath of Allegiance

To become a US citizen, a lawful permanent resident must remain in this position for at least five years, or three years if they are married to a US citizen. Once this period has passed, they can apply for naturalisation, which is the process of voluntarily becoming a US citizen.

The Oath of Allegiance is a crucial part of this process. It is an official oath that must be taken and subscribed to by every immigrant who wishes to become a US citizen. The Oath can be administered by any immigration judge or any authorised officer of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including any eligible federal judge.

The Oath of Allegiance is as follows:

> I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.

According to US regulations, the phrase "so help me God" is optional, and the words "on oath" can be replaced with "and solemnly affirm". The law also recognises that some prospective citizens may be unable or unwilling to promise to bear arms or perform non-combatant military service due to their "religious training and belief". In such cases, they may request to omit those clauses. However, they may be required to provide supporting documentation from their religious organisation.

The Oath of Allegiance requirement is waived for children under 14 years of age at the time of naturalisation. It may also be waived for any person unable to understand or communicate an understanding of the Oath due to a physical disability or mental impairment.

Frequently asked questions