Are you eligible to apply for Naturalization?
Naturalization is the process how immigrants become citizens of the United States. If you wish to apply for naturalization, you should use the “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400).
If you want to apply for citizenship for a child who is under 18 years old, you should use the “Application for Certificate of Citizenship” (Form N-600) or “Application for Citizenship and Issuance of a Certificate under Section 322” (Form N-600K).
There are few requirements you should be familiar with before applying for Naturalization.
These requirements are as follows: Below is the Naturalization check sheet, go through each one of them and verify your eligibility.
Are you 18 years or older?
If your answer is YES, you are eligible to apply for Naturalization.
If you answered No, Stop! your are not eligible.
2. Are you a permanent resident of the United States and have been issued a Permanent Resident Card? (Also known as Green Card)
2.a. For five years or more?
If your Answer is No for 2.a and 2.b doesn’t apply to you, You are not eligible.
2.b. For three years (married and living with a U.S. citizen)
If your Answer is ‘No’, You are not eligible.
3. Have you been out of the United States for 30 or more months?
If your answer is ‘YES’, you are not eligible.
Except for:
i. A person who has served on board a True vessel operated by or registered in the
United States,
ii. An employee or an individual under contract to the U.S. Government,
iii. A person who performs ministerial or priestly functions for a religious denomination or an interdenominational organization with a valid presence in the United States.
3.1. If you said ‘YES’ to Part 2.b, Have you been out of the country for 18 months or more?
If your answer is ‘YES’, you are not eligible.
4. During last five years have you taken a trip out of the United States that lasted more than one year?
If you answer Yes, you are not eligible.
Except for:
If you were approved for “Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes” (Form N-470).
5. Have you resided in the state or district in which you are applying for citizenship for last three months?
If you answered No, You are not eligible
6. Can you read, write and speak basic English?
If you answered No, You are not eligible.
7. Do you know the fundamentals of U.S. history and the form and principles of the U.S. government?
If you answered No, You are not eligible.
8. Are you a person of good moral character?
If you answered No, You are not eligible.
9. Did you register for the selective service?
If you answered No, You are not eligible.
(This only applies to a male, who entered the United States before his 26th birthday or was in the United States between ages of 18-26 years)
10. Have you been deserted from the U.S. Armed Forces?
If you answered Yes, You are not eligible.
11. Have you received an exemption or discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces on the grounds that you are an alien?
If you answered Yes, You are not eligible.
11. Have you received an exemption or discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces on the grounds that you are an alien?
If you answered Yes, You are not eligible.
13. Do you support the constitution of the United States?
If you answered No, You are not eligible.
14. Are you willing to take an oath of allegiance to the United States?
If you answered No, You are not eligible.
Examples of Things that Might Demonstrate a 'Lack' of Good Moral Character: -Any crime against a person with intent to harm. -Any crime against property or the Government that involves “fraud” or evil intent. -Two or more crimes for which the aggregate sentence was 5 years or more. -Violating any controlled substance law of the United States, any State, or any foreign country. -Habitual drunkenness. -Illegal gambling. -Prostitution. -Polygamy (marriage to more than one person at the same time). -Lying to gain immigration benefits. -Failing to pay court-ordered child support or alimony payments. -Confinement in jail, prison, or similar institution for which the total confinement was 180 days or more during the -past 5 years (or 3 years if you are applying based on your marriage to a United States citizen). -Failing to complete any probation, parole, or suspended sentence before you apply for naturalization. -Terrorist acts. -Persecution of anyone because of race, religion, national origin, political opinion, or social group.