WORK-BASED VISAS WORK-BASED GREEN CARDS MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION FAMILY- SPONSORED IMMIGRATION GREEN CARDS FOR ABUSED OR WIDOWED US CITIZENSHIP BUSINESS INVESTOR OPTIONS Back to Home Page
Our Web Site is available in: CZECH FRENCH GERMAN HUNGARIAN SPANISH		(Naturalization) Naturalization is the process through which a green card holder obtains U.S. citizenship. There are certain core requirements which everyone must satisfy, but the waiting time varies. Core requirements include: Admission to the U.S. as a legal permanent resident (LPR) - (green card holder). U.S. permanent resident status for at least 5 years. This is the case for most LPRs, but in some cases, such as the spouses of U.S. citizens, it is possible to apply after having permanent resident status only 3 years. There are certain other cases, too extensive to list here, in which naturalization can be applied for after less than five years in permanent resident status. Should not have been absent from the U.S. for more than 6 months at any point during the previous 5 years (or 3 years in the case of the spouse of a U.S. citizen) or before completion of the naturalization process. Physical presence in the U.S. for at least half of the required time. This means 2.5 years for most applicants who are required to have permanent resident status for at least 5 years. It means 1.5 years for spouses of U.S. citizens. Residence for at least 3 months in the state where the naturalization application is filed. Ability to read, write, and speak ordinary English (which is tested during the naturalization interview). Knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history and government of the U.S. (also tested at the naturalization interview). Good moral character, attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution, and proper disposition to the good order and happiness of the U.S. This means that the person should not have been arrested or convicted for any serious crimes, and should be willing to support the system of government in the U.S. Be at least 18 years of age at the time of filing the naturalization application. It is possible for children under 18 years of age to naturalize, but they must do so based on an application filed by their parents. A permanent resident is free to choose whether to pursue U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Because there is no requirement to apply for citizenship at any time, a person does not automatically obtain citizenship. However, when a person applies for naturalization, the CIS checks the person’s criminal record, and whether the person was properly approved for the permanent resident status. As a result, it is even possible to lose the green card in the process, if the person did not properly qualify for the green card. In some cases if there is a serious criminal conviction, or a plea agreement in which the LPR admited to the elements of a serious crime, then CIS may even place theLPR into deportation proceedings. So, while the naturalization process is not extremely difficult, it is more than a mere formality. The information above is intended as a general description. Each individual's case requires specific advice and our firm offers an introductory consultation to review your case, the cost of which can be rebated against any retainer. We can assist you in getting settled in any U.S. state of your choice.
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		© 2003 Anthony Olson, P.A. All logos and trade marks or names are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Page uploaded 11/27/2007.