Are you eligible for naturalization?

 Posted on February 01, 2022 in naturalization & citizenship

Naturalization is the culmination of the American Dream for many immigrants who come to the United States, and you may have similar goals as well as questions about how to become a citizen. In most cases, discovering your eligibility is the first step in the process.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration notes that several factors, such as your parents’ citizenship status, can help you determine your own status and which you must meet before you reach eligibility.

Age

You must reach the age of 18 before attempting to apply for naturalization. You may want to obtain documents that prove your age. Children under the age of 18 receive automatic citizenship if they were born in the U.S. or if their parents carry U.S. citizenship.

Marital status

If your spouse is a U.S. citizen, then you are likely eligible to apply for citizenship. The time span required for residency is also shorter if your spouse is already a U.S. citizen, at three years compared to five for non-married green cardholders.

Completing military registration

All males applying for citizenship must register with Selective Service and agree to perform civil services, such as jury duty. You may want to ask your local immigration office about which services apply to you so an error does not delay your application. This condition does not apply to women applicants.

Avoiding long absences from the United States and obtaining all the proper documents before you attempt to apply can help streamline the process and avoid wait times. While requirements may differ, meeting the basic eligibility conditions beforehand can help you decide your current status.