Who Is Eligbile for US Citizenship and Naturalization

To apply for US Citizenship and Naturalization, you must meet the following criteria:

  • you have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years or at least three years for spouses of US Citizens (with exceptions for refugees, people who get their green card through political asylum, and U.S. military personnel)
  • you have been physically present in the United States for at least half of the last five years
  • you have lived in the district or state where you are filing your application for at least three months
  • you have not spent more than a year outside the United States
  • you have not made your primary home in another country
  • you are at least 18 years old
  • you have good moral character
  • you are able to speak, read, and write in English
  • you are able to pass a test covering U.S. history and government
  • you are willing to swear that you believe in the principles of the U.S. Constitution and will be loyal to the United States.

Redesigned Naturalization Test Effective October 2008


US Citizenship & Immigration Services announced the new redesigned naturalization test on September 27, 2007. Naturalization applicants will begin taking the revised test on
October 1, 2008.


The following guidelines will determine whether naturalization applicants will take the current test or the redesigned version.  If an applicant:

  • Applies BEFORE October 1, 2008 and is scheduled for his or her naturalization interview BEFORE October 1, 2008, he or she will take the current test.
  • Applies BEFORE October 1, 2008 and is scheduled for his or her naturalization interview AFTER October 1, 2008, he or she can choose to take the current test or the redesigned version.
  • Applies AFTER October 1, 2008, he or she will take the redesigned version.
  • Is scheduled for his or her naturalization interview AFTER October 1, 2009, regardless of when he or she applied, he or she will take the redesigned version

Please contact us for a free initial consultation to determine whether or not you are eligible to apply for US Citizenship & Naturalization.  Our immigration attorney will help you file the application, attend the interview with you, and help you prepare and pass the naturalization test.  Our immigration attorney understands how important it is to become a US Citizen.  So please contact her now toll free at 800.993.9097.



LATEST NEWSFLASH

Form N400 Direct Mailing (09/15/08)

USCIS & FBI JOINT PLAN TO ELIMINATE FBI NAME CHECKS  (4/2/07)

USCIS PROJECTS QUICKER NATURALIZATION PROCESSING (4/2/07)

Naturalization through Military Service (posted 1/29/08)

Written Testimony of Director of USCIS, Emilio T. Gonzalez, Congressional Hearing on “Naturalization Delays, Causes, Consequences, and Solutions.”  Click here

Secretary Chertoff Advises of Changes in FBI Name Check Clearance Process: Click Here

USCIS Announces significant delays with US Citizenship Applications Filed After June 1, 2007. See USCIS Press Release.