The process of obtaining U.S. citizenship differs depending on one’s circumstances and method of obtaining permanent residency. Citizenship may be derived through one’s parents or upon birth in the U.S. Those born outside the country to foreign parents may acquire citizenship after completing a path to naturalization and first achieving permanent residency.
Persons applying for citizenship via employment will follow a process that differs slightly from spouses applying for citizenship to reside with their significant others in the U.S. The process of obtaining citizenship is extensive, regardless of the path taken. Additionally, you must know how to speak, read, and write in English, be knowledgeable of U.S. history, and maintain as an upstanding member of society to apply.
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Continue reading for an overview of the possible paths to obtaining U.S. citizenship. Consider them and determine which approach reflects your situation. Then, reach out to an immigration attorney to start the process of completing the necessary U.S. citizenship requirements you need to apply and obtain citizenship.
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General U.S. citizenship Requirements
To apply, the following U.S. citizenship requirements must be met:
- You are 18+ years of age.
- You’re a green card holder for 5+ years before filing your citizenship application.
- You must reside in the state or specific USCIS district for at least three months before filing.
- You must have consistently or continuously lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for 5+ years before filing.
- You must have been physically present in the U.S. for 30+ months of the last 60 months right before filing. It is possible that you may be exempt from this application prerequisite if your situation has resulted in a 6-12-month gap period.
- You must meet the basic U.S. citizenship requirements of being able to speak, write, and read in English.
- You have a basic understanding of U.S. history and the U.S. government and can answer the 100 questions of civic information that is part of the citizenship application.
- You are a moral person as it pertains to the objectives of the U.S. Constitution and are committed to the order and well-being of the United States.
Applying For Citizenship As A Foreign Spouse
Spouses looking to apply for U.S. citizenship must meet the U.S. citizenship requirements discussed above, in addition to the following:
- You have consistently lived in the U.S. with permanent residency for at least three years just before the time of your filing. You must have resided within the same living quarters as your spouse during this time.
- You must have been present in the U.S. for at least 18 months of the prior 36 months that took place immediately before filing for petition.
Work With A Trusted Attorney To Apply.
You can ensure that you’ll file for a petition correctly with the help of a qualified attorney. With this professional assistance, you will acquire all that you need to complete your paperwork accurately and meet the U.S. citizenship requirements to obtain U.S. citizenship. Contact an attorney you trust and start applying for citizenship today.
