“Good moral character” is broadly defined by USCIS as one that meets the standards of average citizens. Whether an applicant meets this requirement is decided by the government on a case-by-case basis. There are also exceptions for certain military candidates (see here for details). Specifically, good morality means that you: If you`ve been abroad for a year or more, USCIS automatically assumes that you have renounced your permanent residency in the United States. You will reject your application for U.S. citizenship and you will have to wait before you can reapply: You have had a permanent resident (green) card for at least five years or at least three years if you are registering as the spouse of a U.S. citizen To meet the residency requirement, you must have resided in the USCIS state or district for at least three months previously. in which you wish to apply for citizenship. to apply for naturalization. (For exceptions to this requirement due to military service, see our detailed guide to naturalization.) Determining Your Eligibility to Become a U.S. Citizen Information about renouncing or losing your U.S. citizenship is also available.

A licensed lawyer trained in citizenship issues can help you with questions about your situation. A local bar can often give a good recommendation. As a permanent resident, you are generally entitled to naturalization after five years. This is the most common way people apply to become U.S. citizens. A U.S. citizen by birth or naturalized INA 301 (8 U.S.C. 1401), INA 310 (8 U.S.C. 1421) or a non-U.S. citizen INA 308 (8 U.S.C. 1408), INA 101(29) (8 U.S.C.

1101(29)) loses his or her U.S. citizenship (“expatriate”) by committing a lawful act of expatriation within the meaning of INA 349 (8 U.S.C. 1481) or the preceding law, but only if the act (1) is performed voluntarily and (2) with the intention of: renouncing U.S. citizenship. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled (Afroyim v. Rusk, 387 U.S. 253 (1967) and Vance v. Terrazas, 444 U.S. 252 (1980)): A person can lose his or her U.S.

citizenship only if he or she voluntarily renounces that status. The English component combines the naturalization interview with the reading and writing tests. You will be asked for specific answers you gave on your citizenship application, and you will also be asked to write and read simple sentences dictated to you by a USCIS official. Before you think about becoming a naturalized citizen or applying for a green card, you must be eligible. For example, naturalization is only allowed for adults (aged 18 and over). You must also be a current permanent resident, have good character, and meet other USCIS licensing requirements. If you were born in the United States and there is no birth certificate on file, you will need several different documents to prove your citizenship: To apply for U.S. citizenship, you must be at least half of five years old (specifically, 913 days, or about 2.5 years old) or at least half of three years old (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 your biological or adoptive parents became U.S. citizens before the age of 18, you may already be a U.S. citizen and do not need to apply for naturalization. For more information, visit the USCIS Citizenship by Parents page. This first requirement to be eligible for naturalization is that you must be at least 18 years old when you submit your N-400. However, minor permanent resident children automatically receive U.S. citizenship when their parents complete the naturalization process. One of the requirements of the naturalization process is to pass the U.S. naturalization test. To be naturalized as a U.S.

citizen, there are nine main requirements: 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! There are two ways to become a U.S. citizen – by birth or naturalization. The following information provides general advice on how a person can acquire or lose U.S. citizenship. Please scroll down for more information. 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. You must complete this last step before you can become a U.S. citizen. If you pass the naturalization test, your application will be approved shortly after your interview. Before becoming a U.S. citizen, you must attend a public swearing-in ceremony designed to give candidates the opportunity to swear allegiance to the United States. After the swearing-in ceremony, individuals receive a certificate of naturalization that serves as proof of U.S. citizenship.

After fulfilling the conditions for continuous residency, you must apply for naturalization using a special form (N-400). USCIS, along with other government agencies, helps verify the information provided on the form. The form must be completed completely and honestly to avoid any refusal. If you are a permanent resident married to a United States. Citizens can be naturalized after only three years. Dual citizenship (or dual citizenship) means that a person can be a citizen of the United States and another country at the same time. U.S. law does not require a person to choose one citizenship or another. 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). Learn the steps to becoming a U.S. citizen, including how to apply, sample test questions, and the naturalization process. You`ll also find information about dual citizenship, how to get proof of your U.S. citizenship if you were born abroad, or how to replace your lost or stolen citizenship certificate. You will also have an interview with USCIS. This is where USCIS will determine if you have met all the requirements to become a U.S. citizen. Finally, if approved, you will take an oath of allegiance at a naturalization ceremony where you will officially become a U.S.

citizen. U.S. citizens have many rights and obligations, which means that there are several requirements to be approved for naturalization. These requirements are discussed in more detail below. However, you must notify USCIS. Applicants must also meet physical location requirements, i.e. live in a specific USCIS district or state.