Become a Citizen!

Benefits | Requirements | Process

Benefits
As a U.S. citizen, you will be able to:

• Vote in national, state, and local elections. As a citizen, you will have a more powerful voice in your community.
• Run for public office and serve on juries.
• Sponsor family members to immigrate to the United States.
• Gain citizenship automatically for your children (under 18).
• Have a U.S. Passport. You can travel and live overseas without time restrictions or having to obtain a reentry permit.
• Lose your fear of deportation. Unlike people with green cards, a U.S. citizen can never be deported or denied entry to the United States.
• Apply for more employment opportunities. Many government and private jobs require U.S. citizenship.
• Access public benefits. Many government scholarships, loans, and grants are available only to U.S. citizens.
• Solidify your position in the United States. Citizens never have to renew their status or notify USCIS if they move.

Requirements
In order to be eligible for U.S. citizenship, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have been a legal permanent resident (have a green card) for five years. If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you only need to have been a permanent resident for three years.
• Have been physically present in the United States for 30 months during the past five years (18 months if married to a U.S. citizen). You may not have made any trips outside the U.S. longer than six months.
• Have a basic knowledge of English and U.S. History/Civics (age exemptions are available for those who qualify).
• Be a person of good moral character.

Process

1. Submit an N-400 application. The application must include all necessary documents.
2. Get fingerprinted at a USCIS facility.
3. Pass the interview and exam. You will have to answer questions about your application and complete a U.S. civics test. The interview and exam is in English, although age exemptions are available for he English requirement.
4. Take the Oath of Allegiance. Congratulations, you are now a U.S. citizen!

Want to learn about immigrants who have gone through the citizenship process?
Read about their stories

Are you ready?
Contact a citizenship promoter near you today!