Table of Contents
- U.S. Citizenship Eligibility: Are You Ready to Apply?
- 1. Are You at Least 18 Years Old?
- 2. Do You Have Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card) Status?
- 3. Have You Maintained Continuous Residence in the U.S.?
- 4. Have You Met the Physical Presence Requirement?
- 5. Do You Live in a USCIS District for at Least 3 Months?
- 6. Do You Have Good Moral Character?
- 7. Can You Read, Write, and Speak Basic English?
- 8. Are You Willing to Take the Oath of Allegiance?
- 9. Have You Registered for Selective Service? (For Male Applicants)
- 10. Are You Prepared to Pay the Naturalization Fee?
- Conclusion: Are You Ready to Apply?
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Navigating the U.S. citizenship application process can be complex, and understanding eligibility requirements is crucial for success. This guide outlines the key criteria for naturalization, helping you determine your readiness to apply. If you need assistance, consider seeking an immigration attorney near you for expert guidance.
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Discover the essential requirements for U.S. citizenship eligibility in this comprehensive guide. From age and residency to the naturalization process, learn how to prepare your application and find an immigration attorney near you for expert assistance.
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U.S. Citizenship Eligibility: Are You Ready to Apply?
Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is a major milestone that offers new rights, benefits, and responsibilities. But before you apply, you need to ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements. The naturalization process is governed by strict rules, and even small mistakes can lead to delays or denials.
This guide provides a detailed checklist of requirements you must meet before submitting your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. We’ll cover:
- Age and residency requirements
- Good moral character and criminal history considerations
- English and civics test requirements
- Continuous residence and physical presence rules
- Special exceptions and waivers
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for U.S. citizenship, this checklist will help you determine if you're ready to apply.
💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”
1. Are You at Least 18 Years Old?
To apply for naturalization, you must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400. Minors can only become U.S. citizens automatically if their parents are naturalized while they are under 18.
2. Do You Have Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card) Status?
To qualify for U.S. citizenship, you must be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) and hold a valid green card. In most cases, you need to have had your green card for:
- At least 5 years as a permanent resident (most applicants).
- At least 3 years if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.
Some exceptions apply, such as for military service members. If you're not sure about your green card status, check Green Card Renewal: Everything You Need to Know.
3. Have You Maintained Continuous Residence in the U.S.?
“Continuous residence” means that you have lived in the U.S. without extended trips abroad. If you have spent too much time outside the country, your eligibility may be affected.
- 5-Year Rule: You must have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least five years before applying.
- 3-Year Rule: If applying through marriage to a U.S. citizen, you must have continuously lived in the U.S. for at least three years.
- Absences of 6+ Months: Any trip longer than 6 months may disrupt your continuous residence unless you prove you intended to maintain ties to the U.S.
If you’ve taken long trips outside the U.S., you may need legal guidance before applying.
4. Have You Met the Physical Presence Requirement?
In addition to continuous residence, you must meet the physical presence requirement, which means spending a certain amount of time inside the U.S.:
- At least 30 months (2.5 years) out of the last 5 years.
- At least 18 months out of the last 3 years if applying based on marriage.
If you’ve spent too much time abroad, your application may be denied.
5. Do You Live in a USCIS District for at Least 3 Months?
You must have lived in the state or USCIS district where you are applying for at least three months before filing your application.
For example, if you recently moved to a new state, you may need to wait before applying for naturalization.
6. Do You Have Good Moral Character?
USCIS requires applicants to demonstrate good moral character (GMC), which is reviewed over the past 5 years (or 3 years for marriage-based applicants).
Criminal history is a major factor in this determination. USCIS may deny your application if you have been convicted of:
- Serious crimes (murder, drug trafficking, aggravated felonies).
- Crimes of moral turpitude (fraud, theft, domestic violence).
- Multiple DUI offenses or drug-related violations.
Other factors that could impact good moral character include:
- Failing to pay taxes.
- Failing to pay child support.
- Providing false information on immigration forms.
If you have a criminal record or other issues that might affect your eligibility, consult an immigration attorney before applying.
7. Can You Read, Write, and Speak Basic English?
Most applicants must demonstrate basic English proficiency by passing the naturalization test, which includes:
- An English test (reading, writing, and speaking).
- A U.S. civics test (questions about American history and government).
However, some applicants may qualify for an exemption from the English test if they meet certain age and residency criteria:
- 50/20 Rule: If you are 50 years old or older and have lived in the U.S. for at least 20 years as a green card holder, you can take the civics test in your native language.
- 55/15 Rule: If you are 55 years old or older and have lived in the U.S. for at least 15 years as a green card holder, you can also take the civics test in your native language.
- Medical Exemptions: If you have a disability that prevents you from learning English or civics, you may qualify for a waiver by submitting Form N-648.
To prepare for the test, check out What Happens During a Green Card Interview?
8. Are You Willing to Take the Oath of Allegiance?
To become a U.S. citizen, you must take the Oath of Allegiance, which includes a pledge to:
- Support and defend the U.S. Constitution.
- Renounce allegiance to other countries.
- Serve in the U.S. military or perform civilian service if required.
If you have religious or moral objections to certain parts of the oath, you may request a modified version.
9. Have You Registered for Selective Service? (For Male Applicants)
If you are a male between the ages of 18 and 26, you must have registered for Selective Service (the military draft) before applying for naturalization.
Failure to register could result in a delay or denial of your application.
10. Are You Prepared to Pay the Naturalization Fee?
As of 2024, the naturalization filing fee is $640, plus an $85 biometric services fee, for a total of $725.
- Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver if they meet income requirements.
- Veterans and military service members may apply for free.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Apply?
If you meet all the above requirements, you are likely eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. Here’s what to do next:
- Gather necessary documents (green card, travel history, tax records).
- Complete Form N-400 and submit your application.
- Prepare for the English and civics test to ensure you pass.
- Attend your USCIS interview and complete biometrics.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your naturalization certificate.
If you’re unsure about any part of the process, an immigration attorney can help ensure your application is error-free and successful.
Need legal guidance? ReferU.AI connects you with experienced immigration attorneys near you to help you navigate naturalization with confidence. Apply for citizenship today!
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