U.S. Citizenship – Naturalization FAQs
- 1. What are the main benefits of becoming a US citizen?
- 2. When should I apply for citizenship?
- 3. What are the general requirements to become a US citizen?
- 4. How much time can one spend outside of the country to still be eligible to apply for naturalization?
- 5. How long is the US citizenship application process, and how long after the interview will I be sworn-in?
- 6. Can I apply for naturalization while my application for removal of residency conditions, I-751, is still pending, if I fulfill the 3 year requirement based on my marriage to a US citizen?
- 7. I got my green card by marrying a US Citizen, but we are no longer married. Can I apply for citizenship after 3 years of having my legal permanent residency or do I have to wait 5 years?
- 8. Can I still be eligible for US citizenship if I have been arrested or charged with a crime?
- 9. I don’t speak English well, do I still have to take the language and civics exam, or are there any exceptions?
1. What are the main benefits of becoming a US citizen?
2. When should I apply for citizenship?
3. What are the general requirements to become a US citizen?
In most situations, a person is eligible to apply for Naturalization, if they meet the following requirements:
- Applicant has been a lawful permanent resident for five years (or three years for spouses of United States Citizens)
- Applicant is 18 years old
- Applicant is of good moral character
- Applicant can speak, read, and write English
- Applicant must pass a test on U.S. history and government
- Applicant was physically present in the U.S. at least half the requisite time
- Applicant has maintained lawful permanent residence continuously
- Applicant swears loyalty to the U.S. by taking an oath of allegiance
(Note: minor children of U.S. naturalization applicants may also be eligible and included in a naturalization application, under certain circumstances)
4. How much time can one spend outside of the country to still be eligible to apply for naturalization?
5. How long is the US citizenship application process, and how long after the interview will I be sworn-in?
6. Can I apply for naturalization while my application for removal of residency conditions, I-751, is still pending, if I fulfill the 3 year requirement based on my marriage to a US citizen?
7. I got my green card by marrying a US Citizen, but we are no longer married. Can I apply for citizenship after 3 years of having my legal permanent residency or do I have to wait 5 years?
8. Can I still be eligible for US citizenship if I have been arrested or charged with a crime?
9. I don’t speak English well, do I still have to take the language and civics exam, or are there any exceptions?
There are only a few exceptions. You do not have to take the English test and may take the civics test in the language of your choice if you fit into one of the following categories:
- If you are age 50 or older and have lived in the United States as a Permanent Resident for periods totaling at least 20 years.
- If you are age 55 or older and have lived in the United States as a Permanent Resident for periods totaling at least 15 years.
- If you are age 65 or older and have lived in the United States as Permanent Resident for periods totaling at least 20 years you may take an abbreviated civics exam.
To qualify for one of these exceptions, your time as a Permanent Resident does not have to be continuous. You are eligible for the exemption as long as your total time residing in the United States (as a Permanent Resident) is at least 15 or 20 years. Remember your time as a conditional resident counts towards this time as well.
You may also be able to qualify for a language and civics test exception if you have extraordinary health conditions.
If you are located in or coming to Massachusetts or surrounding areas and need assistance processing your immigration petition, personal injury claim or criminal matter, call to make an appointment with one of our experienced Boston immigration, criminal and personal injury lawyers, at: (617) 303-2600.