U.S. Citizenship FAQs

Becoming a U.S. citizen

The process a foreign citizen takes to become a U.S. citizen is called naturalization. The requirements are outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Why should I become a U.S. citizen?
Besides protecting you from deportation, U.S. citizenship gives you all the rights the U.S. offers. You will be able to vote in all government elections - provided you're at least 18 years old - and you will also be able to get a U.S. passport.

How long before I can apply for citizenship?
The standard waiting period is five years after you get your green card. However, there are some exceptions. For example, wait times can be reduced to:

• 4 years for political refugees
• 3 years if you were married to a U.S. citizen (and are still together)

How do you become a U.S. citizen?
First, you need a green card. Then you must:

• Be a lawful permanent resident for at least five years (with exceptions)
• Have been in the United States for at least half the time
• Have lived for at least three months in the state where you filed your citizenship application
• Have not been away from more than one consecutive year
• Make the U.S. your primary home
• Be 18 years old or older

What other requirements are there?
Completing the waiting period isn't enough. In order to be considered for citizenship, you must also:

• Have “good moral character” (meaning that you don't break the law, you pay your taxes and, if applicable, you are registered for the draft)
• Speak, read and write in English
• Pass a test about U.S. history and government
• Promise to be loyal to the U.S.

What happens once I apply?

Once you apply for citizenship, the USCIS will investigate you carefully. If it discovers something that makes you inadmissible - for example, if you obtained your green card through fraud, abandoned your residency by making your home outside the United States , or have become deportable for any reason - it can strip you of your green card and deport you.