When you apply for U.S. citizenship, you’ll need to prove that the above conditions were met during your 3–5 year Green Card period. Expect USCIS to ask for proof of your travels, including itemized credit card statements, work and school records, tax documents, visas, receipts from hotels and airlines, etc., to show how long you were out of the United States. To make things easier on yourself, avoid leaving the United States as a permanent resident for more than six months at a time. So the key takeaway is that your green card is only as safe as you make it. Maintaining your physical presence in the United States is paramount to sustaining your green card and keeping your U.S. citizenship eligibility intact.
Next, you will complete two steps that speak to your respect for the American flag and love for this country. The first is to sign a statement of allegiance to the United States, and the second is to say the following Oath of Renunciation and Allegiance before an official at a special citizenship ceremony. You’re not technically a U.S. citizen until both steps are completed.
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a big responsibility, and it’s important to take this step very seriously. It’s often the first step towards becoming an American, in both the literal and metaphorical sense. To be sure, this is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, but there are many incentives for doing so. If you meet the relevant requirements as laid out by the U.S. government, then you should seriously consider applying for naturalization and officially becoming a citizen of the United States of America.
Naturalization is often a highly sought-after and valuable goal for many people. It can provide great benefits for them and their families, including access to better job opportunities and the possibility of starting a business. Many other privileges are associated with being a U.S. citizen as well, such as voting in elections and applying for certain government jobs.
If you are a legal permanent resident of the U.S. and have been for the last five years or three years if married to a US citizen, you can apply for citizenship. You should file an application for naturalization with USCIS if you have met the following requirements: 1 year residence in the U.S.; Physical presence (meaning in person) during at least half of that time prior to filing; Good moral character; and Ability to read, write and speak English (unless age 50 or older). At this time, applicants must also pass a test of citizenship knowledge.
To apply and become a U.S. citizen, you must meet certain requirements. You must be at least 18 years of age (more than 16 years if you have been married to a U.S. Citizen for three years preceding your citizenship application). You must have been living in the U.S., or have been physically present here for at least five years prior to filing your naturalization application. You must have continuous residence in the United States, meaning no absence greater than one year or an interruption of less than six months for any compelling reason or hardship. You must be able to read and write well enough to understand written materials such as documents and affidavits used during the naturalization process (English is not required but is important), understand questions posed by consular officers, pay appropriate fees and take required classes (if needed); be willing to take an oath of allegiance upon naturalization; and provide supporting evidence that shows that you meet these requirements
The information in this article is given for general information purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice nor does it replace the advice of an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Everyone’s circumstances are different, and it is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney before making any decision about your status.
