Pathways to U.S. Citizenship

There are three primary ways to acquire U.S. citizenship:

• By Birth: Anyone born on U.S. soil automatically becomes a U.S. citizen.
• By Derivation: Minor children living with a parent who naturalizes may automatically acquire citizenship.
• By Naturalization: Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) may apply for citizenship, typically after 5 years of residency.

Certain individuals may qualify sooner, such as those who have been married to and living with a U.S. citizen for the last 3 years.

Benefits and Responsibilities

Becoming a U.S. citizen comes with both rights and duties:

Rights:

• Right to vote
• Eligibility for federal jobs and government benefits
• Access to federal financial aid and certain scholarships
• Ability to petition for family members (spouse, children, parents, siblings) to immigrate

Responsibilities:

• Obey U.S. laws
• Pay taxes
• Serve on a jury when called
• Respect the rights, beliefs, and freedoms of others

Naturalization Requirements

To apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, you must:

• Be a lawful permanent resident (LPR)
• Be 18 years or older
• Have continuous residence in the U.S. for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen and living together)
• Be physically present in the U.S. for at least half of that time
• Have lived in your current state or USCIS district for at least 3 months
• Demonstrate good moral character
• Be able to read, write, and speak English, and pass a test on U.S. history and government
• Not have abandoned U.S. residence through long absences (see below)

Important Note on Continuous Residence

To maintain eligibility:

• You must not have left the U.S. for over 1 year during the statutory period.
• If you were absent for 6–12 months, you’ll need to provide proof that you did not abandon your residence.
• If continuous residence is broken:
  • You must wait 4 years and 1 day to reapply (or 2 years and 1 day if married to a U.S. citizen).

Legal counsel is strongly advised in these cases.

Criminal History and Moral Character

Applicants with criminal convictions should consult an immigration attorney before applying. Some offenses may permanently bar naturalization, while others may be waived if rehabilitation and good moral character can be demonstrated. These cases are reviewed individually by USCIS.

How We Help

Citizenship is the final step of your immigration journey, and we are here to support you through it:

• We prepare all necessary documentation and ensure compliance with USCIS standards.
• We help you prepare for the citizenship interview and naturalization exam.
• For clients with complex histories—such as long absences, criminal records, or previous denials—we provide tailored strategies to improve your chances of success.

We’re proud to have helped countless individuals become U.S. citizens, even in difficult cases. When you’re ready, we’ll be with you every step of the way—until you take the oath.