A U.S. passport, permanent resident card, and American flag on a table, symbolizing the pathway to U.S. citizenship.

Apply For Citizenship

Obtaining US citizenship through naturalization allows individuals born abroad to become US citizens. This process is available to foreign nationals who meet specific eligibility criteria. Samie Law Firm is here to assist you every step of the way in achieving your goal of US citizenship!

Who Qualifies for US Citizenship ?

There are multiple pathways to obtaining US citizenship through naturalization. These include eligibility through marriage to a US citizen, having a close relative who is a citizen, serving in the military, or having US citizen parent(s). Additionally, individuals who have obtained a green card (legal permanent resident status) through employment, asylum, or refugee status may also qualify to apply for naturalization. Below, Samie Law Firm will help you explore the options available to you.

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US Citizenship eligibility

While the specific naturalization category an applicant falls under may impose additional requirements, there are general criteria that must be met to apply for US citizenship through naturalization. These requirements include:

  • Being at least 18 years old when submitting the application.
  • Holding lawful permanent resident (LPR) status for a minimum of three or five years, depending on the applicable naturalization category.
  • Maintaining continuous residence and physical presence in the United States without extended absences.
  • Demonstrating the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
  • Exhibiting good moral character.
  • Possessing a basic understanding of US history and government.
  • Showing loyalty to the principles of the US Constitution.
  • Willingness to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Apply for Citizenship by Marriage

Marriage to a US citizen is one of the most common routes for foreign nationals to gain US citizenship. A foreign spouse who has been married to their US citizen partner for at least three years may apply for a green card and, later, for naturalization, provided all other statutory requirements are met.

Eligibility for naturalization through marriage includes fulfilling a three-year physical presence and continuous residence requirement, demonstrating good moral character, and passing the US civics and English exams. Certain exemptions may apply for individuals with disabilities or those meeting specific age criteria.

The process involves applying for a green card by providing proof of the marriage relationship between the immigrant spouse and the US citizen, along with various forms and documentation. If the foreign spouse is already in the US, they can simultaneously file for status adjustment; otherwise, this step will occur later.

Additional interviews may be conducted to verify the authenticity of the marriage before issuing the green card. Once the green card is obtained, the individual may apply for naturalization after fulfilling the required time and eligibility conditions.

US Citizenship Through Other Relatives

Naturalized citizens can sponsor close family members for US green cards under family-based immigration categories. These green card holders generally need to wait five years before becoming eligible for naturalization.

Naturalization applicants must satisfy the five-year physical presence and continuous residence requirement, demonstrate good moral character, and pass the US civics and English exams during the citizenship interview. It’s important to note that family-based green card processes can often take significant time to complete.

US Citizenship Through Military Service

Foreign nationals who honorably serve in the US Armed Forces may qualify for US citizenship through naturalization.

  • During Hostility Periods: Service members may apply for naturalization immediately after joining, provided they serve honorably.
  • During Peacetime: A minimum of one year of honorable service is required, along with obtaining a green card. The application must be filed while in service or within six months after discharge.

Applicants must submit specific forms and a certificate of military service to demonstrate honorable service. Legal guidance from an immigration attorney can help streamline the process.

Apply for Citizenship Through Parents

Some individuals may qualify for US citizenship at birth, either by being born on US soil or through US citizen parent(s). However, proving citizenship can sometimes be challenging due to circumstances such as undocumented parents or births outside of formal hospital settings. In such cases, secondary evidence like witness testimony, baptismal, medical, or academic records can establish citizenship.

Children born abroad to US citizen parents may also acquire citizenship, provided all legal requirements are met. Filing a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) with the US Embassy in the child’s birth country helps document their citizenship.

In situations where a parent becomes a US citizen after the child’s birth but before the child turns 18, the child may have a pathway to citizenship. However, the child must first become a legal permanent resident.

Apply for Citizenship Through Employment

Obtaining a green card is the initial step toward naturalization for individuals seeking citizenship through employment. Green cards may be secured through specific job offers, asylum, or refugee status. For instance, those with exceptional abilities may self-petition for green cards.

Once legal permanent residency is achieved, individuals may apply for naturalization after meeting the required waiting period and additional eligibility criteria. Consulting an experienced immigration attorney can help determine eligibility and guide applicants through the process.

US Citizenship Through Asylum or Refugee Status

Foreign nationals granted asylum or refugee status in the US may eventually qualify for naturalization. After obtaining a green card, individuals can apply for citizenship once the necessary time has passed and they meet all other eligibility requirements.

Like other naturalization categories, applicants must demonstrate good moral character, maintain physical presence and continuous residence in the US, and pass the US civics and English exams. Assistance from an immigration attorney can help ensure a smooth path to US citizenship for asylum and refugee applicants.

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Samie Othmane, immigration lawyer in the United States.

Have Question?

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US citizenship obtained through naturalization is generally permanent. However, citizenship can be revoked if it is proven that it was obtained fraudulently or if the individual voluntarily renounces their citizenship.

The Oath of Allegiance is a pledge taken by naturalization applicants during the citizenship ceremony. By taking the oath, you commit to supporting the US Constitution, renouncing allegiance to other nations, and faithfully fulfilling the duties of a US citizen.

 

Yes, most applicants must pass the English language test and the US civics exam during their naturalization interview. Exceptions or waivers may apply for individuals with disabilities or those who meet specific age and residency criteria.

The naturalization process timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances, application processing times, and interview scheduling. On average, the process can take 8-14 months from the date of application.

Asylum seekers and refugees can apply for naturalization after becoming green card holders and maintaining permanent residency for the required time (typically 5 years). They must also meet other naturalization requirements, such as physical presence, moral character, and passing the required exams.

 

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