Citizenship and Naturalization

Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions an immigrant can make. Depending on your situation, there may be different ways to obtain citizenship:

• Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements.
• Acquisition of citizenship is obtained through U.S. citizen parents either at birth or after birth, but before the age of 18.

Naturalization is the process by which an individual who was not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen. The most common path to U.S. citizenship through naturalization is by being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years.

Before you can apply for naturalization, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. For example, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old when you submit the petition.
• Show you have been a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States for at least five years.
• Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least five years immediately before the date you file the petition.
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English, among other requirements.

You are exempt from the English language requirement, but are still required to take the civics test if you meet one of the following conditions:

• 50/20 Exception: You are age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the United States for 20 years.
• 55/15 Exception: You are age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years.