If you have been in the US for more than 5 years and meet these requirements, you are eligible for US citizenship
To obtain US citizenship, it is important to meet certain requirements, such as living in the US for at least 5 years.
A person can become a U.S. citizen by birth or through a process known as naturalization, which is how a foreigner not born in the United States can become a U.S. citizen.
Foreigners or immigrants who have received a permanent resident card, commonly known as a Green Card, are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. The most common route to U.S. citizenship through naturalization is to be a legal permanent resident for at least 5 years.
According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), most people who became naturalized in 2024 were eligible for naturalization after holding a Green Card for at least 5 years. However, other eligibility requirements must also be met.
These are the requirements for obtaining U.S. citizenship for people with a Green Card
The USCIS points out that, in addition to demonstrating that they have been a legal permanent resident of the United States for at least five years, a person must meet these requirements if they wish to become a U.S. citizen:
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Demonstrate that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months in the past five years.
- Demonstrate that you have resided for at least three months in a state or USCIS district that has jurisdiction over your place of residence.
- Be a person of good moral character.
- Demonstrate adherence to the principles of the United States Constitution.
- Be able to read, write, and communicate orally in basic English.
- Have knowledge and understand the fundamentals of history, and the principles and form of government of the United States (civics).
- Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, these are the steps to follow to obtain U.S. citizenship:
- Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen
- Determine your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen
- Prepare Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- File Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Go to the biometrics appointment, if this requirement applies
- Complete the interview (this is where they give the civics tests)
- Receive a decision from USCIS on your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Receive a notice to take the oath of allegiance
- Take the oath of allegiance to the United States
To determine if you are eligible to become a U.S. citizen, you can use the USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Tool. This resource will help you identify if you may be eligible for naturalization. However, it does not determine if you will ultimately be eligible for citizenship. USCIS will review your case and your eligibility to determine if you can become a citizen.
No matter your immigration status, it is important to #KnowYourRights when interacting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Visit https://t.co/pAEf7GdsPN for information in multiple languages. Contact our office if you need any assistance. #FederalResourceFriday pic.twitter.com/x4abBgNWUG
— Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (@RepEmiliaSykes) January 31, 2025
Benefits of Being a U.S. Citizen
The benefits that a person gains by becoming a U.S. citizen include: the right to vote, the right to run for public office, eligibility for federal employee benefits, and benefits under U.S. tax law. In addition, you will not be subject to deportation and will be able to help your family members obtain a Green Card or citizenship.
For more information about the naturalization process, visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
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