Naturalization is the process by which lawful permanent residents are granted U.S. citizenship after meeting requirements set by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years is the most common route to obtaining citizenship in the United States through naturalization. If you earned your green card by marriage to a spouse who is a citizen of the United States and retained it for three years, you can also apply for citizenship. Additionally, you must demonstrate the stability of your marriage to that partner.

Requirements

You must meet the following requirements to qualify for naturalization based on having been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years

• You must be at least 18 years old when submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
• Justify your five-year minimum legal presence in the US as a permanent resident;
• Show that you have lived in the United States continuously for at least five years before the date on which you file Form N-400;
• Verify that you have been physically present in the country for at least 30 months during the five years before that date;
• Prove your good moral character by demonstrating that you have done so for at least five years before the date on which you complete Form N-400;
• Demonstrate a commitment to the values and principles of the U.S. Constitution;
• Be able to read, write, and communicate in basic English;
• Possess basic knowledge of American history as well as the country’s founding ideals and system of government (civics); and
• Take the oath of allegiance to the country.

Contact us right now to learn more about how to apply for naturalization.

Marriage petitions

A permanent resident card Green card) can be acquired by being married to a citizen or authorized permanent resident of the United States. The permanent residency holder can remain and continue to work in the US under this status. Additionally, if qualified, the permanent resident may be able to use their green card to naturalize and become a citizen of the United States.

Requirements

• The U.S. citizen or permanent resident must file an I-130 Petition for Immediate Relative with USCIS to request consular processing on behalf of the beneficiary spouse.
• After USCIS accepts the I-130 petition, the National Visa Center will receive the petition (NVC). The NVC will start scheduling the consular procedure if an immigrant visa is available.
• The NVC will require the foreign spouse to submit the immigrant visa application (DS-260) and several supporting documents through their online portal, such as Form I-864; and Affidavit of Support, before a consular interview may take place. Processing fees for the affidavit of support and visa application are also required.