You’ve been interested in naturalization since you were 14. You knew your parents had come to the United States when you were young, so you are eager to become a citizen. You want to get rid of the feeling that you could be removed from the country. You want to know that you’re permanently allowed to be in the United States.
Preparing for naturalization is a process. To begin with, you’ll need to be 18. If you are, then you need to meet a few other requirements before you can apply. These include:
- Having a permanent residency for at least five years
- Showing that you were a resident of the United States for at least five years (continuously) before applying
- Showing that you’ve been physically present within the United States for at least 30 months of the previous five years
- Showing that you’ve been a resident in your state or district for the last three months
- Having the ability to speak, write and read basic English
- Being of good moral character
If you can meet all the above requirements, then you may be ready to apply for naturalization. The process can be long, so you should be prepared for it. You’ll start with the application, but you will also need to have your fingerprints taken, go through an interview and wait for a decision from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you are approved, you will be able to take the Oath of Allegiance.
There is a test that you will take during the naturalization interview. If you have questions about it or your ability to get a waiver or exemption, your attorney will be able to give you more information.
