What Are The Requirements For Becoming A Naturalized U.S. Citizen?

To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, there are certain requirements every applicant must satisfy. Applicants who satisfy these requirements can then go through the naturalization process.

By being aware of these requirements, and the process of naturalization, becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen is much easier. 

What Are The Requirements For Becoming A Naturalized U.S. Citizen?

 To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, every applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years old, when filing the application.
• Have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least five years.
• Have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least three years, if married to a U.S. citizen.
• Have a continuous resident within the United States.
• Have a continuous presence within the United States that does not include absences of more than six-months.
• Be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Demonstrate good moral character and, if having had legal issues in the past, show that they’ve been resolved.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of U.S. history.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of how the United States governs.
• Demonstrate their loyalty to the U.S. constitution and what it stands for.
• Take the Oath of Allegiance.

Applicants who fail to meet these requirements cannot become a naturalized U.S. citizen.

 What Are The Benefits Of Becoming A Naturalized U.S. Citizen? 

By becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, immigrants are allowed to:

• Vote in local, state, and federal elections.
• Obtain citizenship for children that were born in the United States.
• Travel outside of the United States with their U.S. passport.
• Travel outside of the United States for longer than six-months.
• Apply for temporary residence visas for members of their immediate family.
• Work for federal agencies and institutions.
• Serve on a jury.

Every single one of these benefits allows immigrants to live and interact with the United States, and its institutions, in a way that lawful permanent residency does not allow for.

How Can You Become A Naturalized U.S. Citizen? 

The process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen consists of several key steps. Every applicant is different and, as such, the specifics underlying these key steps vary from applicant to applicant.

To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, every immigrant must go through these key steps:

• Consider the requirements outlined above and determine if they are eligible for U.S. citizenship.
• Prepare, and then submit, a Form N-400.
• Go to a biometrics appointment, if required.
• Conduct an interview with USCIS.
• Receive their notice from USCIS; the request will be “Granted,” “Denied,” or, if more information is needed, “Continued.”
• Participate in a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance.

Right after an applicant completes these steps, they will go from being a permanent resident of the United States to a U.S. citizen.

Speak With A Houston Immigration Lawyer 

The requirements for becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen can be as confusing as the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Speak with a skilled Houston immigration lawyer today. We will walk you through the naturalization requirements and assist you in going through the naturalization process.

 Sources: 

uscis.gov/forms/explore-my-options/become-a-us-citizen-through-naturalization

uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/chapter4.pdf

uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/M-618.pdf

uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/10-steps-to-naturalization

uscis.gov/n-400