When a lawful permanent resident wants to become a U.S. citizen, he or she may be eligible to do so through the naturalization process. There are certain steps he or she must take.
Eligibility requirements
The applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time the application is filed, must have been a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. for the last three or five years depending on the naturalization category the person is applying for and must have a continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
He or she must also read, write and speak basic English, have good moral character, understand U.S. history and government, demonstrate loyalty to the U.S. Constitution and be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the U.S.
Interview and decision
After the applicant submits the application and pays the application fees, he or she may be asked to set up a biometrics appointment. Then, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will schedule an interview to complete the naturalization process.
USCIS will notify the applicant of the outcome by mail or electronic notice. USCIS will either grant, continue or deny the application. If the application is granted it means it is approved. If it is continued, it means that USCIS needs additional information or the applicant failed his or her English or civics test. If it is denied, it means that USCIS did not find the applicant eligible for naturalization.
If the application is granted, the applicant will attend a naturalization ceremony and take an oath of allegiance to the U.S.
If a person needs assistance with the naturalization process, an experienced attorney can help.
