Naturalization

As a United States citizen, you will not be subject to any forcible removal from the United States. This remains true even if you are arrested or convicted of a crime.

No Immigration Forms

You will no longer have to file forms with the USCIS. This means that you will not have to pay any more filing fees, renewals for green cards, or green card replacements.

Citizenship for Children

If you are naturalized, your children will automatically obtain United States citizenship even if the child is born abroad. However, if your child is born abroad, you must notify the U.S. consulate or embassy.

Sponsoring Relatives

As a United States citizen, you can sponsor a parent, sibling, or adult child who wants to apply for lawful permanent residency in the United States.

United States Passport

With a United States passport, you can travel to over 180 countries. While traveling, you can also receive assistance from the U.S. consulates or embassies while abroad.

These are just a few of the benefits you receive once you complete the naturalization process and are considered a United States citizen.

Who is eligible for naturalization?

The USCIS provides various requirements for an individual to be eligible for naturalization. These requirements include:

• The individual must be at least 18 years old when filing the application.
• The individual must have been a lawful permanent resident for the last 3 or 5 years (depending on the naturalization category under which the individual is applying) or serve or have served in the U.S. military.
• The individual has a continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
• The individual must be able to speak, read, and write basic English.
• The individual must be able to demonstrate good moral character.
• The individual must demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the history and government of the United States.
• The individual must show loyalty to the principles under the United States Constitution.
• The individual must be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Are there any exemptions to the naturalization requirements?

Some applicants who meet all of the eligibility requirements may be exempt from 1) the English test or 2) the Civics test to receive naturalization.

Those who are exempt from the English language test include:

• Individuals who are 50 years old or older when applying for naturalization and have lived in the United States as a permanent resident (i.e., with a Green Card) for twenty years. This is referred to as the “50/20” exemption.
• Individuals who are 55 years old or older when applying for naturalization and have lived in the United States as a permanent resident (i.e., with a Green Card) for 15 years. This is referred to as the “55/15” exemption.
• Individuals with physical or developmental disabilities or mental impairment.

Those exempt from the Civics test include those who have a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment. In order to be exempt under these exceptions, you must submit Form N-648, the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. A licensed medical doctor, osteopathic doctor, or licensed clinical psychologist must fill out this form.