Citizenship

Citizenship

Most lawful permanent residents (green card holders) must meet the following requirements in order to become naturalized U.S. citizens:

• 18 years or older
• Continuously reside in the United States for at least five years (60 months) after becoming a lawful permanent resident without leaving the U.S. for trips of six months or longer
• Physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the time (30 months) of the continuous residence period
• Resident for at least three months in the district or state where the naturalization application will be filed
• A person of “good moral character” during the five years prior to filing the application
• Basic knowledge of U.S. government and history (the U.S. civics test)
• The ability to read, write, and speak basic English (the English test)
• An understanding and willingness to take an oath of allegiance to the U.S.

There are fewer requirements for lawful permanent residents who are married to and have lived with a U.S. citizen for three years, and differ as follows:

• 18 years or older
• Continuously reside in the United States for at least three years (36 months) after becoming a lawful permanent resident without leaving the U.S. for trips of six months or longer
• Physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the time (only 18 months) of the continuous residence period
• Resident for at least three months in the district or state where the naturalization application will be filed
• A person of “good moral character” during the three years prior to filing the application
• Demonstrated basic knowledge of U.S. government and history (the U.S. civics test)
• The ability to read, write, and speak basic English (the English test)
• An understanding and willingness to take an oath of allegiance to the United States.

Straub Immigration encourages almost all lawful permanent residents to apply U.S. citizenship because it has the following benefits:

• The right to vote in federal or state elections
• The right to apply for certain government jobs that are only available to U.S. citizens.
• The ability to immediately apply for a foreign national spouse, child (under the age of 21), or parent to live and work in the U.S. (become a law permanent resident or “green card holder”).
• The ability to travel more freely with a U.S. passport

We take pride in preparing or clients for the citizenship test. As you can see from out Facebook page, many make perfect scores! We will be with you every step of the way, including the at the interview and test with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Take your first step by scheduling a consultation.