N-400 – US Citizenship Application
You may be able to apply for naturalization if you are at least 18 years of age and have been a permanent resident of the United States: (1) For at least 5 years; (2) For at least 3 years during which time you have been, and continue to be, married to and living in a marriage relationship with your U.S. citizen husband or wife; or (3) Have honorable service in the U.S. military. As a note, certain spouses of U.S. citizens and/or members of the military may be able to file for naturalization sooner than noted above.
Application Procedure
Once eligible to file, the US Permanent Resident would file Form N-400 with USCIS to commence their citizenship application. As an important note, the applicant must have resided in the US state where the application is filed for at least 90 days before the application is submitted. Once the N-400 has been reviewed and processed, the applicant will be required to attend an in-person interview at a USCIS field office, where they must demonstrate requisite knowledge of the English Language, US History and Government. The final step requires the applicant to swear an oath of allegiance to the US and renounce allegiance to all other sovereigns.
What is the benefit of obtaining US Citizenship?
U.S. citizenship provides many rights, but also involves many responsibilities. Thus, the decision to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization is important. In most cases, a person who wants to naturalize must first be a permanent resident. By becoming a U.S. citizen, you gain many rights that permanent residents or others do not have, including the right to vote. To be eligible for naturalization, you must first meet certain requirements set by U.S. law.
Importantly, US Citizens cannot lose their ability to live and work in the US, even if they permanently move to a foreign country or commit a criminal offense. In comparison, Permanent Residents may lose their status, either through Voluntary Abandonment or Deportation due to a criminal offense.
