Per USCIS, naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the citizenship requirements.
You must have held a green card for at least three years, living in the United States for the last three years with your spouse, have been physically present in the United States at least 18 months out of the last three years.
You also must be able to read/write/speak English (some exceptions exist), have knowledge of United States history and government, and have good moral character.
You are eligible for citizenship once you have been a green card holder for at least 5 years, as a permanent resident for at least three years. You also must be able to read/write/speak English (some exceptions exist), have knowledge of United States history and government, and have good moral character.
It is possible to gain United States citizenship through qualifying service in the armed forces and as a child born to a United States citizen who is residing outside the United States.
The processing time for naturalization depends on multiple factors. Typical processing time from the submission of the form until the interview is 12-30 months.
The current processing times may be found at this link:
https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
Traveling with a valid passport from the country of origin, and a valid green card to allow admittance back to the United States, travel is allowed. However, it is important to keep in mind there will be a mandatory biometrics appointment and a requirement to be physically present in the United States as part of the citizenship requirements.
The first step will be gaining a permanent residency status (green card). See the section on green cards.
The Application for Naturalization filing fee is $640. There is a requirement for biometrics which is $85. It is possible to receive a reduced rate based on household income and a waiver on biometrics based on age.
Yes. If a person received citizenship illegally, conceals materials facts or willfully misrepresents, holds membership with certain organizations or gains citizenship through armed service and receives other than an honorable discharge, among the applicable reasons for revocation of citizenship.
No, once you receive your citizenship there is no requirement to renew.
