Naturalization is a legal process that makes it, so you become a United States citizen.

To naturalize as a U.S. citizen, you must:

1. Complete an Application for Naturalization
2. Attend an interview
3. Pass an English and civics test

When you successfully complete these 3 steps, you take an oath of allegiance and become a United States citizen.

To be eligible to naturalize as a United States citizen, you must:

1. Be at least 18 years old when you apply
2. Have a green card, be a lawful permanent resident (LPR), for at least five (5) years, although there are exceptions that might allow you to naturalize in less time
3. Be a Green Card holder, a lawful permanent resident (LPR), and married to a United States citizen for at least (3) years
4. Have served honorably in the United States military for at least (1) year at any time during your life
5. Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States during the time required by law before filing for your naturalization
6. Be a person of “good moral character”
7. Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the United States Constitution. This means you understand and accept the principles of the U.S. Constitution. Anyone hostile to the basic form of government of the United States or who does not believe in the principles of the Constitution is not eligible for naturalization.
8. Read, write, and speak basic English words in ordinary usage.
9. Know and understand the fundamentals of United States history and government (pass the civics test)
10. Be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the United States, understanding that you:
    • Take the oath freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion
    • Sincerely and absolutely renounce all foreign allegiance
    • Give true faith and allegiance to the United States, its Constitution, and laws
    • Discharge all duties and obligations of citizenship, including military and civil service, when required by the law

If one of your parents was a United States citizen when you were born, you might already be a U.S. citizen even if you were born in another country. You need to prove a blood relationship between you and your United States citizen parent(s) and have documentary evidence showing that your parent was present in the United States before you were born.

EXAMPLES OF DOCUMENTATION

Some documents that might show your parent(s) had a physical presence in the U.S. might be:

• Wage or tax statements (W-2)
• Academic transcripts
• Employment records
• Rental receipts
• Records of honorable U.S. military service
• Employment with U.S. Government or certain intergovernmental international organizations
• A dependent, unmarried child and member of the household of a parent in such service (above) or employment with some exceptions
• U.S. passport stamps may be considered but should not be the only document.
• Drivers’ licenses are not evidence of a physical presence

The United States Congress changes the transmission rules from time to time. Whether you are a citizen of the United States depends on the rules when you were born.

It is critical that you have help from an Immigration Specialist with knowledge of the current and past immigration laws of the United States.