Citizenship requirements

The ultimate goal of many immigrants to the US is citizenship through naturalization (which means the acquisition of citizenship after birth).

Age requirement

The most basic requirement for naturalization is that the applicant must be at least 18 years old. Children younger than 18 whose parents are naturalized automatically obtain US citizenship as long as the children have also met the requisite residency requirements.

Residency requirements

There are a number of requirements related to residency in the US that must be satisfied for naturalization. In most cases, the applicant must

• have continuously resided in the US for five years after becoming a US permanent resident (three years if married to a US citizen);
• at least half of the permanent residency time must have been spent physically in the US;
• the applicant must have lived for at least three months in the jurisdiction where the application will be filed.

Additional requirements

The applicant must demonstrate good moral character and an attachment to the principles embodied in the US Constitution. Finally, they must possess basic English skills and knowledge of the history and government of the US.

Naturalization examination

We have posted several articles that discuss the U.S. naturalization exam. Note that at this time (2007) it is being changed and a new process will be implemented during 2008. As we get more information, we will update it. You may wish to read these articles:

• 20 of the more difficult US Citizenship Test questions
• New US citizenship test launched
• US unveils new citizenship test

• New Bill may halt increased US immigration fees
• United States sharply increases most immigration fees

Exceptions

There are some groups of people who, even if they could demonstrate these requirements, are still not eligible to become citizens. These include people who have held certain ideological beliefs and people who have deserted the US military. While criminal offenses do not of themselves preclude a person from being naturalized, after 1996 people convicted of aggravated felonies are unable to show good moral character. US law no longer contains provisions that prevent a person from naturalizing because of their ethnicity.