Those applying for naturalization because of a certain period or type of military service do not have to satisfy this «continuous presence» requirement. Consult this eligibility table to find out when certain members can apply for naturalization. There are two ways to become a U.S. citizen – by birth or naturalization. U.S. foreigners who want to obtain U.S. citizenship must go through a process known as naturalization. This process has several requirements, the most notable of which are discussed below. To apply for U.S. citizenship, you must have physically lived in the U.S. for at least half of five years (913 days to be precise, or about 2.5 years) or at least half of three years (specifically, 548 days or just over 1.5 years) if you are married to a U.S. citizen. While you are allowed to make multiple trips outside the U.S.

while waiting for 3-5 years, it`s important to follow the «continuous stay» requirements (see above) to ensure you also meet the «physical presence» requirement. If you do not need to register or have been exempted, you must request a «status information letter» from the selective service detailing one or both scenarios and send a copy to USCIS. USCIS collects biometric information as a prerequisite for naturalization. Your fingerprints are collected, among other information such as height, eye color, etc. Biometric screening is performed at local USCIS offices near you. The essence of this requirement is to conduct a background check on applicants. Some of the required information includes personal information such as your name, country of birth, date of birth, employment history, criminal record, etc. Other information such as family history is also required.

If you have trouble completing it, consult a lawyer. You must complete this last step before you can become a U.S. citizen. One of the requirements of the naturalization process is to pass the U.S. naturalization test. To meet requirement 4 above, a person must be a lawful permanent resident (have a green card) and apply for citizenship within a short period of time after the first authorization. A person is not eligible to apply for citizenship until they have had permanent residence for at least five years (three years if they are seeking naturalization as the spouse of a citizen). In this case, they must apply for citizenship within six months of receiving eligibility and complete the procedure within two years of application (unless there is a delay in processing the application).

NOTE: A lawful permanent resident who is not yet eligible to apply for citizenship at the beginning of their judicial employment may legally be employed by the judiciary if they submit an affidavit indicating their intention to apply for citizenship, if they are entitled to do so. A model of this affidavit has been made available to the courts. U.S. citizenship offers remarkable benefits, ranging from the right to vote and government protection, access to certain jobs, employment, the right to hold public office, the right to receive government support, and much more! This infographic provides a step-by-step guide to the naturalization process for a person to become a U.S. citizen. If your birth was registered before your 18th birthday, the embassy or consulate issued your parents with a document proving your U.S. citizenship. This document is known as the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA or Form FS-240). Learn how to request copies, additions, or corrections of a consular birth report abroad from the U.S. Department of State (DOS). Naturalization may also include civics – information about American history, government, affiliation with the United States, and related information.

Some applicants may be exempt from naturalization tests, such as children and the elderly. If you fail this test, you will have another chance, after which your application for naturalization will be rejected. To meet this requirement, it is advisable to prepare well before deciding on a naturalization interview. You can travel abroad, but you must have ties to the United States. For example, while traveling abroad, you continue to file taxes, maintain residency, and intend to return to the United States. If you plan to apply for citizenship, keep your travel outside the United States less than 6 months. USCIS believes that absences of 6 months or more have disrupted your requirement for continued residency. This requirement is different from the continuous and physical presence requirements above. To avoid being denied citizenship, you must convince the USCIS officer reviewing your petition that you do not intend to renounce your permanent residence in the United States while abroad (for more than six months but less than a year).

If the embassy or consulate has not issued an RCRA and you are 18 years of age or older, learn how to get a citizenship certificate. This document proves your U.S. citizenship and can be obtained from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You were born outside the United States to at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen and your parents have registered your birth with the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country.