Naturalization Overview

November 18, 2008

There are 9 requirements for an applicant to consider when applying for United States citizenship or naturalization. The person must:

be a lawful permanent resident
be at least 18 years of age
have good moral character, keeping in mind certain bars to naturalization
be able to have a fairly simple conversation in English
be able to pass a test on United States history and government
have been residing in the United States for at least the last 5 years
have been physically present in the United States for at least half of the 5 years period
not disrupted their continuous residence in the United States for any of the last five years
believe in the principles of the United States Constitution and take an oath of loyalty to the United States, administered by USCIS or a court in a naturalization ceremony.

Each of these requirements has important exceptions that an experienced immigration practitioner can counsel you on.

If any of the following situations apply, you should seek the advice of an expert in immigration law before applying for naturalization.

Check all that apply

	You made trips out of the United States for more than six (6) months
	You moved to another country since getting your green card
	You are in deportation or removal proceedings or you have ever been deported
	You haven't filed your federal income taxes
	You haven't supported your children
	You are male and did not register for the Selective Service between the ages of 18 and 26
	You are on probation or parole for a criminal conviction
	You have contradictory information on your application
	You lied or committed fraud to get your green card or you were not originally eligible for your green card when you got it
	You have been arrested or convicted of a crime or you have committed a crime
	You lied or committed fraud to receive or to continue to receive public benefits
	You helped someone enter the United States illegally even if it was a relative
	You ever claimed to be a United States citizen but weren't
	You have been charged with committing domestic violence, child abuse or child neglect
	You have voted illegally in the United States
	You have made a living by illegal gambling
	You have been involved in prostitution
	You have been a habitual drunkard, a drug abuser or drug addict.