Naturalization is the process by which US citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In other words, it is how a Green Card holder becomes a US Citizen.

To qualify for Naturalization an applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years of age at the time the N-400 is filed;
• Have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three years, if married to and residing with a US Citizen for the past three years, or have been a lawful permanent resident for the past five years;
• Meet both the continuous residence and the physical presence requirements;
• Unless granted a waiver, be able to read, write, and speak basic English;
• Demonstrate good moral character for the relevant statutory period;
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of United States history and government;
• Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the US Constitution; and
• Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

For detailed information and exceptions, including special provisions for those who have served in the US military, please see Naturalization through Military Service or Contact Us.

Continuous Residence

Applicants are required to show that they have:

• Resided continuously in the U.S. for five years before applying, (see legal basis), or
• Resided continuously in the US for three years in the case of qualified spouses of US citizens, (see legal basis)

“Continuous residence” means that the applicant has maintained residence within the United States for the required period of time shown above.

Extended absences outside of the United States may disrupt an applicant’s continuous residence.

Physical Presence

Unless there is an applicable exception, an applicant must demonstrate Physical Presence, Applicants are required to show that they were:

• Physically present in the U.S. for thirty months within the five-year period before applying, or (see legal basis)
• Physically present in the U.S. for eighteen months within the three-year period before applying in the case of qualified spouses of US Citizens (see legal basis)

In addition to the aforementioned, applicants are required to show they have resided for at least three months immediately preceding the filing of Form N-400 in the USCIS district or state where the applicant claims to have residency.

English Test:

The English test occurs during the interview and consists of three parts. They are outlined below.

Speaking 

The applicant’s ability to speak and understand English will be determined by a USCIS Officer during the Naturalization interview.

Reading 

The applicant must read aloud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English. The Reading Test Vocabulary List will help you study for the English reading portion of the Naturalization Test. The content focuses on civics and history topics.

Writing 

The applicant must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English. The Writing Test Vocabulary List will help you study for the English writing portion of the naturalization test. The content focuses on civics and history topics.

For information on exceptions or modifications to the English and Civics requirements for Naturalization, visit USCIS’  Exceptions and Accommodations page or contact us.

You may utilize the following links to study for the United States history and government test.

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/100q.pdf

https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/civics-practice-test-2008

Contact us for representation on the N-400 Application for Naturalization.