Naturalization is the process a foreign citizen goes through to become a citizen of the United States. Certain requirements must be fulfilled in order to gain U.S. citizenship. There are nine ways to gain a US Citizenship through Naturalization.

It is important to note that immigration is a highly individualized process, and approvals are granted on a case-by-case basis. You may have a special case that does not follow the general naturalization requirements, but may be considered with special exceptions or waivers. A good immigration attorney can be a great resource if you have a special case.

Age Requirement

You must be 18 years of age. Applicants less than 18 years old must follow procedures outlined for Naturalized Citizen’s children.

Green Card

You must be a permanent resident (obtained your green card) to be approved for citizenship.

Physical Presence

You must have 5 years as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. prior to filing, with no single absence from the United States of more than 1 year. You must have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the previous five years. If you’ve been away for more than 6 months but less than a year, you’ll need to prove that you did not intend to abandon your U.S. residence during that period.

Good Moral Character

You must show that you have been a person of good moral character. This includes your time within the U.S. as well as prior to coming here. However, if you’ve been granted permanent residence status, you can be reasonably certain that you’ve already proved good moral character for the period prior to coming to the U.S.

You must disclose all relevant facts including your criminal history, even if the crime is not the type that would count against your good moral character.

Attachment to the Constitution

You must show that you are “attached” or agree with and follow the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

English Language

You must be able to show that you can proficiently read, write and speak the English language.

U.S. Government and History Knowledge

You must pass the Naturalization exam, which tests your knowledge and understanding of the principles and government of the U.S. We have developed several free Naturalization civics test that you can use to test your knowledge before you attend your US Citizenship interview to ensure your success at the civics portion of your interview. To take the free tests click on: Free US Citizenship Civics Tests.

Oath of Allegiance

The final step in becoming a U.S. citizen is taking the Oath of Allegiance.

There are 9 ways to become a U.S. citizen

• US Citizenship through Naturalization
• US Citizenship through Birth
• US Citizenship through Parents
• US Citizenship through Adoption
• Reclaim Lost Citizenship
• Posthumous Citizenship
• Doctrine of Constructive Retention
• Doctrine of Double Constructive Retention
• Certificates of Consular Registration of Birth

Click on the link The 9 ways to become a U.S. citizen if you want to read the details.

The Redesigned Naturalization Test

The new Naturalization test is comprised of a civics portion to test your understanding of American history, society and civics; as well as an English language test which shows that you are able to speak, read and write English in a manner which is easily understood by the USCIS interviewing officer. See our free Study Materials for the Naturalization Test if you would like to prepare for this test.

Click on the link The Redesigned Naturalization Test if you would like to read the details.

U.S. Citizenship through the U.S. Military

Military Members U.S. Citizenship Eligibility Requirements
Naturalization process for military members and their spouses
The Army’s New Non-Citizen Recruiting Program For Foreign Health Care Professionals
U.S. Military Now Offers Path to U.S. Citizenship
U.S. Citizenship Through Military Service.
Join the army and become a US citizen in 6 months.

US Green Card – None Employment Based
The Green Card Lottery

The annual USA Diversity Visa Green Card Lottery makes 55,000 diversity immigrant visas (green cards) available every year to persons who meet two basic eligibility requirements. Participation in the green card lottery program is open to all individuals worldwide who meet these two basic entry requirements. The Green Card Lottery Program makes green cards available to the lottery winners, authorizing the winners and their families to live, study and work in the United States of America as permanent residents.