|
Must obtain permanent residence before applying for naturalization unless the person served in the armed forces during a period of hostilities. |
|
Must be 18 years or older. |
|
Must be a permanent resident for five years. However, if a person is married to a U.S. citizen, the individual may be eligible for naturalization in three years if:
- the couple has been married for 3 years,
- if the U.S. citizen spouse was a citizen during that entire period, and
- if the couple are living in marital unity
|
|
Must have resided for three months in the state where the petition was filed. |
|
Must be physically present in the U.S. for at least one half of the five years, 6 months of every year (or one half of three years if spouse is a citizen). |
|
Must have resided continuously within the U.S. from the date the application was filed to the time of admission to citizenship. |
|
Must not be absent from the U.S. for a continuous period of more than one year during the periods for which continuous residence is required. Exceptions-military service abroad and employees posted abroad who have approval to preserve residency. |
|
Must be a person of good moral character for the five years. i.e. no criminal record, etc. |
|
Must demonstrate loyalty to the U.S. as opposed to home country. |
|
Must demonstrate an elementary level of understanding, reading and writing of the English language. Exceptions - person over fifty, resident in the U.S. for 20 years as a permanent resident; and person over 55 , living in the U.S. for 15 years as a permanent resident. Certain disability exemptions may apply in appropriate cases. |
|
Must demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of U.S. government and history. Again, disability exemptions may be available in certain cases. |
