Meet These Requirements and You Could Become a US Citizen

For green card holders in the United States, naturalisation represents the culmination of a journey towards full citizenship, unlocking civic privileges ranging from voting rights to protection against deportation. 

While permanent residency grants the right to live and work in the US indefinitely, naturalisation offers a deeper integration into American society. According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data for fiscal year 2024, most individuals naturalising had held green cards for at least five years. This five-year residency, however, is only the first step. Applicants must meet several requirements to demonstrate their assimilation into American society and dedication to its democratic principles.

Eligibility necessitates applicants to be at least 18 years old, with physical residency in the US for a minimum of 30 months out of the preceding five years. They must also reside for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where they plan to submit their application. Beyond these logistical measures, assessments of moral character, English proficiency, and civic knowledge are pivotal. 

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English, alongside a solid understanding of US history and government. The process concludes with the Oath of Allegiance, a symbolic and legal declaration of loyalty to the United States. Alternative routes to naturalisation exist for specific groups. Spouses of US citizens can apply after three years of permanent residency, provided they fulfil other eligibility criteria. 

Active-duty military personnel and veterans are granted expedited procedures in recognition of their service. Children of US citizens can also acquire citizenship under certain conditions, often circumventing the full naturalisation process.

The USCIS details a ten-step naturalisation process, starting with eligibility verification and ending with the oath ceremony. 

The agency advises potential applicants to utilise its Naturalisation Eligibility Tool as an initial guide, whilst cautioning that it serves only as a preliminary assessment and does not guarantee approval. Citizenship transcends mere legal status, facilitating access to federal employment and simplifying the sponsorship of relatives for immigration.