Becoming a U.S. citizen is the end goal for many people who come to America. Why? It guarantees that they can stay in the country permanently. There would be no risk of deportation.
Many people with family-based or employment-based green cards who come to the U.S. can seek naturalization, but there are some requirements. You should know that:
- You must have been in the United States for at least five years to seek naturalization. Out of those five years, at least 30 months must have been spent within the United States.
- Green card holders married to a U.S. citizen can apply for naturalization in just three years.
- You will need to fill out the appropriate forms correctly and without errors. There are factors that can influence your approval or denial, which is why many immigrants seeking naturalization work with an attorney.
Do you need to have an interview for citizenship?
Yes, you will need to take a citizenship test and interview. There is an English-language test and a civics test that helps the government know that you understand how it works. Getting coaching for those interviews can help since you will need to pass in order to obtain your permanent citizenship. On top of these requirements, you also need to be at least 18, be a permanent resident and have good moral character.
If you are interested in naturalization and want to seek it, you may want to look into legal support options. This is a complex process, and you will want to make sure that you do everything correctly. Our website has more on what you should know about the process of naturalization.