Citizenship Requirements

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Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

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Eligibility Requirements

If you are a green card holder of at least 5 years, you must meet the following requirements in order to apply for naturalization:  

• Be 18 or older at the time of filing

• Be a green card holder for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing.

• Have lived within the state, or USCIS district with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence, for at least 3 months prior to the date of filing the application. Students may apply for naturalization either where they go to school or where their family lives (if they are still financially dependent on their parents).

• Have continuous residence in the United States as a green card holder for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application

• Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application

• Reside continuously within the United States from the date of application for naturalization up to the time of naturalization

• Be able to read, write, and speak English and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).

• Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States during all relevant periods under the law